Renewable Energy Community Relations with Heather Newport of Aileron Communications

This podcast episode featured Sean White's interview with Heather Newport, Director of Community Relations at Aileron, a Chicago-based community engagement and public affairs firm that works on renewable energy projects across the United States. Heather discussed the challenges of community opposition to renewable energy projects, particularly battery energy storage facilities, explaining that concerns often stem from misinformation, fear of the unknown technology, and distrust of developers rather than the actual safety of the technology. They explored how Aileron helps developers navigate community relations through early engagement, stakeholder outreach, and relationship building with local officials and residents, emphasizing the importance of listening to community concerns and providing transparent, authentic information about project safety and benefits. Topics Covered Aileron Communications www.aileroninc.com Airplane Aileron Community Engagement in Public Affairs Politics Polarization ESS = Energy Storage System EV = Electric Vehicle Moss Landing Battery Data Center NIMBY = Not in my backyard Erin Brockovich Reach out to Heather Newport here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/heathermonaghan Website: www.aileroninc.com Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pvipexam