In October 2017, John Farrell gave a keynote address to the annual meeting and expo of AERO, a Montana organization with a similar mission of empowering communities to promote a sustainable economy. He addressed the widespread opportunity for clean energy in Montana, the shared desire of communities to capture that growing economic opportunity, and three ways communities can get started.… Read More
In September of 2017, ILSR Energy Democracy initiative director John Farrell spoke in front of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industry Association’s Midwest Gateway to Solar event. In his talk he spoke about the importance of sound renewable energy policies that enable growth in locally-owned solar energy and how massive electric utilities are doing their best to harm locally-owned renewable energy like solar.… Read More
This week in Energy Democracy News: Mayors lead the fight for renewable energy goals; towns in Maine gravitate towards solar power; North Carolina focuses on charging station infrastructure to attract “EV tourists”; and Minnesota’s Solar Capacity continues to grow.… Read More
In a landmark study of Minnesota’s electric grid, the Smarter Grid study found that it’s cost-effective to replace fossil fuel energy sources with wind and solar to dramatically lower carbon pollution from electricity generation. But within this bigger finding was a jewel: the local strategy––maximizing distributed energy resources––saves customers (nearly) the most money. The secret was … Read More
This week in Energy Democracy News: ILSR asks for clean energy policies for Christmas; Nebraska booms with community solar; and mayors action the nation unite for clean energy.… Read More
Shocking investigative reports published late in 2017 highlight our longstanding concerns about deficient oversight of growing utility monopolies. This set of New Year’s resolutions we drafted would help utility regulatory commissioners keep their charges in check.… Read More
In most states with regulated, monopoly utilities, utilities are compensation based on two factors: energy sales and a return on capital spent, such as when they build a new power plant. In comments filed in late December, 2017, ILSR provides some context for basing utility compensation for its shareholders on actual performance.… Read More
The energy staff offers its Christmas Policy Wish List, including ideas in three categories: Removing Bad Federal Policies, Expanding Inclusive Energy Financing, and Encouraging Local Action.… Read More
This week in Energy Democracy News: Virginia groups advocate for more solar; schools across the country are switching to solar power; and a solar cooperative in Vermont has avoided a rate increase for the 4th consecutive year.… Read More
