Maryland is the latest state to adopt a community solar program, and a review of the program rules shows that the state is serious about getting community solar right. It meets at least 3 of the 4 principles for a good program from our Beyond Sharing report on community renewable energy. Updated 9/13/16 to clarify language … Read More
This week in Energy Democracy news: An Atlantic reporter explores how (easily) solar panels are installed, Madison adopts a carbon emissions plan, and Boulder city officials discuss municipalization with Xcel Energy. Featured Stories Madison adopts plan to cut carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050 by Kari Lydersen, Midwest Energy News Two decades of solar pioneers in Sacramento – … Read More
In March of 2016, we published a report on the state of rural electric cooperatives in the current electricity market: Re-Member-ing the Electric Cooperative. Below you will find our newly developed presentation based on this report. Forward and share widely.… Read More
Is owning your solar array your best option, or is leasing right for you? Along with our existing Solar Calculators (both complex and simplified), we have this new infographic. This graphic details the two different ownership structures based around a number of important categories. Please note that solar panels typically carry a 20-year warranty, but most panels are … Read More
Ten years ago, a North Dakota cooperative stopped charging customers a premium for getting energy from the wind, because they found it wasn’t costing anything extra. The cooperative, like many utilities, used a “green pricing” program that allowed customers to voluntarily pay more to get their energy solely from renewable resources. Dozens of utilities still use … Read More
Citizen-sponsored ballot initiatives frequently demand progress on renewable energy implementation (and have for years), oftentimes when state legislatures show little to no political will to increase locally-owned solar or wind energy. In 2016, more states than ever before placed items on their ballots to change the energy landscape. Sponsored by citizen groups, legislators, and (sometimes) energy industry giants, these initiatives … Read More
Since our founding in 1974, we have worked to rewrite the rules and empower communities to choose their own future. Across several vital economic sectors, we help break the corporate stranglehold that extracts wealth from local economies and undermines democracy. We give communities the tools to build a strong local economy themselves. From banking to energy, healthy soils … Read More
This week in Energy Democracy news: Solar energy on the farm in Iowa. Large-scale solar killing solar energy bill in Maine. Recommendations to the Nevada state legislature. New report shows that solar valuation remains a sticking point between utilities and everyone else. Featured Stories Report: Engaging members key for co-ops to meet energy challenges by Frank … Read More
Update: Please note that slides 29 and 30 are in error and view our corrected analysis of the federal tax credit expiration. On May 11th, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance hosted a webinar titled “Beyond Sharing.” The webinar was led by John Farrell, the Director of ILSR’s Energy Democracy initiative. The webinar was based on our … Read More
