23 Feb 2017

The Power and Perils of Cooperatives (Episode 12)

by | Date: 23 Feb 2017 | posted in: Building Local Power, Energy, Energy Self Reliant States, MuniNetworks, Podcast | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

In this episode, Christopher Mitchell, the director of ILSR’s Community Broadband Networks initiative, interviews Hannah Trostle and Karlee Weinmann, Research Associates for the Community Broadband Networks and Energy Democracy initiatives, respectively. The three discuss the cooperative model of ownership and how this model can enable investment in gigabit Internet connections for their member-owners, but also how they are subject to a low participation rates in their elections.… Read More
8 Feb 2017

Commentary: Removing Co-op Oversight Jeopardizes Rural Solar

by | Date: 8 Feb 2017 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States, Media Coverage | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

Published in Midwest Energy News, this commentary from ILSR energy researchers John Farrell & Karlee Weinmann details a Minnesota legislative action that would reduce oversight of rural electric cooperatives. “A plan floated by Minnesota lawmakers to exempt rural electric cooperatives from virtually all regulatory oversight would allow these utilities to restrict development of local solar power, even where their member-owners support renewable energy.”… Read More
3 Feb 2017

Thanks to Co-op, Small Iowa Town Goes Big On Solar

by | Date: 3 Feb 2017 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

Nestled in the gently rolling hills of southeastern Iowa, it’s at first difficult to tell what sets Kalona apart from countless similar places on the Midwestern landscape. Small towns like these form the backbone of a region whose economy depends on a rich farming tradition, even well into the 21st century.

But Kalona’s charm doesn’t obscure the innovation that makes it a national leader in clean power generation. In this small community, where many Amish and Mennonite families shun electricity and cars, solar power has proliferated. In fact, the Kalona area is a surprising national leader in solar power generation.… Read More
26 Jan 2017

Monopoly Un-Managed? Utility Tries to Dodge Oversight of Spendy Proposed Gas Plant

by | Date: 26 Jan 2017 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

Circumventing a decades-old pact providing a market monopoly in exchange for public oversight, an investor-owned utility has proposed legislation to allow it to build a new natural gas plant criticized for its financial and environmental impact, and then stick customers with the tab. Legislation supporting Xcel Energy’s billion-dollar plans cropped up earlier this month, three months … Read More
17 Jan 2017

Solar: Choice, Competition, and Clean Air

by | Date: 17 Jan 2017 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

It’s simple to promote solar power as a money saver and clean alternative to fossil fuel generation. But it sells solar short to focus only on savings, when it also gives Americans the freedom to generate their own energy and to challenge the economic and political power of big corporations. Individual Freedom If individuals want to … Read More
11 Jan 2017

Broadly Sharing the Benefits of “Decarbonization”

by | Date: 11 Jan 2017 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

After seeing a presentation on “deep decarbonization” outlining necessary changes to the U.S. economy in order to reach our greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, John Farrell discusses some of the nuances of the fascinating elements where we should focus our attention during this clean energy transition.… Read More
28 Dec 2016

Energy Democracy, 2016 in Review

by | Date: 28 Dec 2016 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

While 2016 was a turbulent year in our government, the goals and values we hold at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and in the Energy Democracy initiative remain steadfast. Top Energy Posts of 2016 | Top Media Hits of 2016 | Top Twitter Posts of 2016 My colleagues and I have been promoting effective, bottom-up strategies to … Read More
26 Dec 2016

New Year’s Resolutions for Electric Utilities, Happy 2017!

by | Date: 26 Dec 2016 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

The turn of the year is a perfect time for monopoly electric utilities nationwide to reflect on their substandard policies and embrace changes that will bring cleaner, more affordable energy to their customers. By finally committing to truly support distributed generation and renewables, these utilities can ensure their customers will have the choice and freedom they … Read More
20 Dec 2016

Dear Santa…ILSR’s Federal Energy Policy Wish List

by | Date: 20 Dec 2016 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

A new administration critical of clean energy imposes vast uncertainty on a U.S. energy sector that in recent years has tiptoed toward greater local control and increased renewable energy generation. This year, our federal policy wish list includes a series of items that would keep up the trend and deliver economic benefits to communities nationwide. This … Read More

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