States are leading on clean energy. Several states have passed statewide clean energy legislation aiming for net zero emissions by 2050. In Arkansas, a school district will be the first in the state to receive all its power from renewable energy.… Read More
New Mexico’s proposed community solar program only passed its state House this year, but the program could set a new standard for community solar in the United States. … Read More
Host John Farrell is joined by David Pomerantz, Executive Director of the Energy and Policy Institute. John and David discuss how electric utility companies have become so powerful and how they use this power to protect their profits rather than the interests of their customers.… Read More
In New York, regulators contemplate adding a monthly charge to support clean-energy programs. Clean energy advocates warn it might erode solar’s fiscal advantage for homeowners. Alabama acquires $125 million for a solar energy project. The state hopes the project will generate enough electricity for more than 20,000 homes.… Read More
In this May 2019 interview, ILSR’s Director of Energy Democracy John Farrell, and Ingrid Vila – an engineer and director of Cambio, a Puerto Rico based nonprofit – discussed the enormous opportunity, and the pitfalls the island must avoid, to seize the island’s chance for energy democracy.… Read More
John Farrell, explains that when climate advocates have to cut deals for new gas to get clean energy, the state’s Public Utilities Commission isn’t doing its job. … Read More
John Farrell, explains why a public takeover of Central Maine Power and Emera is the logical alternative to protecting a monopoly utility company that makes bad bets, provides poor service and raises prices.… Read More
The cost of wind and solar energy keep falling, joined by batteries for energy storage. But while the technology of local grid power has become inexpensive, U.S. development of microgrids has lagged. Trapped by a bankrupt utility, high vulnerability to climate change, and high cost fossil-fueled electricity, Puerto Rico has been no exception. However, the island’s landmark microgrid regulations could open the small grid floodgates.… Read More
In this episode of Local Energy Rules, Energy Democracy Initiative director John Farrell speaks with Marcel Castro Sitiriche about the challenges Puerto Rico faces in building a local, clean, and resilient energy system in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.… Read More
