I took the “no” side in a point/counterpoint in the Wall Street Journal this week on the topic: Will Solar Energy Plummet if the Investment Tax Credit Fades Away? It’s been a great conversation-starter, but also an opportunity to clarify ILSR’s position on the tax credit extension. In short, while allowing the 30% tax credit to … Read More
Wall Street Journal, November 15, 2015 What’s going to happen when a huge incentive to invest in solar power shrinks or vanishes? At the end of next year, the 30% investment tax credit for solar and other renewable power is set to expire for residential systems and plunge to 10% for commercial installations. Boosters are calling for … Read More
Electric companies seemingly face a business “death spiral” because the 20th century rules for the electric grid make it a challenge to address stagnant energy demand and competition from energy-producing customers. The result is a utility-funded war on solar and other distributed power, and retrenchment on last century’s business model as many utilities try to gain … Read More
Building local equity is the key to campaigns for 100% renewable energy, giving everyone a chance to own a piece of their energy future.
What does control of our electric grid look like? Check out these images to help illustrate the importance of clean, local energy.… Read More
This week in Democratic Energy: Hawai’i ends its Net Metering program, approves new rooftop solar programs. Ohio has permanently frozen clean energy implementation in the state, to the ire of most Ohioans. Socio-economic divides persist in solar energy, but the situation is improving. Featured Stories: In Solar Energy, it’s the haves and the have-nots by Monica … Read More
Earlier this week, the Public Utilities Commission of Hawaii approved the proposal of the islands’ largest utility to end net metering for solar customers. It’s the culmination of a years-long battle and a proxy in the national fight between utilities and solar producing customers. It’s also the first big decision taking Hawaii away from the “energy … Read More
This subject has been updated, please read our newest piece: Distributed Generation (Still) Under Fire, published May 2016. Need evidence that utilities are fighting back against their customer’s desire to generate their own power? This map shows where policies like net metering are undermining the ability of utility customers to exercise their desire for self-reliance. I developed … Read More
This week in Democratic Energy: Iowa is creating their state energy plan that focuses on renewables and efficiency. Minnesota solar advocates fight Xcel Energy on stalled community solar projects. Distributed generation technology is getting much easier to purchase. Featured Stories: Wind and solar keep getting cheaper and cheaper by Chris Mooney, The Washington Post So as … Read More
On the one hand: Sky-high electricity prices. A 20th century electricity system burning fuel oil and controlled by large monopoly electric utilities. A proposed utility takeover. On the other hand: A new 100% renewable energy standard. Rooftop solar on one of ten homes, saving each customer hundreds of dollars per year. Cost-effective energy storage. A rising interest in locally controlled utilities. Welcome to Hawai’i at the Energy Crossroads.… Read More
