In this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Matthew Marshall, Executive Director of Redwood Coast Energy Authority. The two discuss the community choice energy model and finding local resilience with microgrids.… Read More
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance put on a webinar exploring a February 2020 report on Community Choice Energy. Watch the recorded webinar, in which John Farrell explains where, how, and why community choice energy programs are gaining popularity and the many benefits they offer.… Read More
Despite the time and money required for a public takeover, many cities are taking steps toward municipalizing their electric utility. This post compiles some stories behind these battles in San Francisco, Santa Fe, Boulder, and more.… Read More
Although California now requires new residential construction to include solar, the mandate allows community solar subscriptions to substitute. ILSR submitted these comments to the California Energy Commission as it reviewed the first utility-proposed substitute program, Neighborhood SolarShares, by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.… Read More
This white paper, put together by a team of community solar specialists, offers guidance for those working to establish equitable community solar programs. It details 30 policy/program guidelines for municipal utility administrators, policymakers, and advocates of accessible solar for all.… Read More
In this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Jessica Tovar, Coordinator of the East Bay Clean Power Alliance. Tovar and Farrell talked in December 2018 about East Bay Community Energy and the necessity of local energy generation developed with input from the community.… Read More
What policies make a state a champion of local, renewable energy? This post walks through models of the best policies in each of the eight areas covered in the Community Power Scorecard.… Read More
This report examines community choice energy, a policy giving cities and counties the right to purchase energy on behalf of electricity customers. Enabled in 9 states, community choice agencies are revolutionizing the utility model by offering cheaper, cleaner energy that aligns with local goals.… Read More
With over 100 U.S. cities pledging to reach 100 percent renewable energy, ILSR’s Community Power Scorecard matters more than ever, grading states whether their energy policies help or hurt cities make their ambitious clean energy goals.… Read More
