Local Energy Rules

Xcel Owns the Batteries, You Pay the Bill — Episode 269 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:01:22 -0400

What can we expect from a new utility-owned distributed storage program that made headlines when it was announced over 18 months ago

Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/distributed-storage-ler269/

Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/

Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Black Churches Power Up A Solar Revival — Episode 268 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:30:27 -0400

What makes faith communities such attractive hosts for resilience hubs?

A Coal Town Digs Deep for Municipal Clean Heat — Episode 267 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:50:21 -0400

How did this coal town ditch gas lines, win grants, and make municipal networked geothermal the cheapest heating option?

The Utility Power Trip Behind Transmission Network Upgrades — Episode 266 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:51:52 -0400

Who should pay for upgrades to the high voltage transmission network?| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/transmission-network-upgrades-ler266/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

How This City Got Low-Income Solar On The Utility’s Dime — Episode 265 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:16:46 -0500

San Diego may be the only city to have secured upfront funding from utility shareholders to make clean energy cheaper.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/San-Diego-franchise-agreement-ler265/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

A 2nd State Puts Utility Performance Over Profits — Episode 264 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:00:05 -0500

Oregon tries to tie utility profits to climate, cost, and reliability targets through performance-based regulation.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/oregon-performance-based-regulation-ler264/ Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

42 Million People Can Use this Toolkit to Lower Electric Bills — Episode 263 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:40:33 -0500

Rural electric co-op members should use this new toolkit to swap coal debt for clean, affordable energy.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/rural-electric-coop-toolkit-ler263/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Solar and Portable Batteries Save Lives after Storms — Episode 262 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:30:25 -0500

NOLA’s Community Lighthouse initiative creates local hubs with rooftop solar and portable batteries to save lives after storms.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/solar-and-batteries-save-lives-ler262/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

DIY Plug-In Solar Is On The Way — Episode 261 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 12:00:46 -0500

These plug-in devices bypass utility hassles to offer cheap, convenient power for everyone.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/plug-in-solar-ler261/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Public Power Can Tackle The Affordability Crisis — Episode 260 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:35:40 -0500

Learn how public power can tackle the affordability crisis.

Cutting Tax Credit Losses With Third-Party Ownership — (Bonus) Episode 259 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:20:23 -0500

The solar tax credit landscape is changing. Third-party ownership could be one way to cut losses.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/third-party-ownership-ler259/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Leveraging Distributed Power Plants To Lower Costs — (Bonus) Episode 258 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 11:42:49 -0500

Learn about pending Minnesota legislation to enable distributed power plants and their potential impact on energy affordability.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/MN-virtual-power-plants-ler258/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/| Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

A Blueprint for Scalable Cooperative Solar Energy — Episode 257 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 11:32:32 -0500

What happens when you combine cooperative solar ownership with a clever standardized design meant to match the scale and capacity of local communities and their grids?| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/maine-cooperative-community-solar-ler257| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

State Solutions for Local Energy Action — (Bonus) Episode 256 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:37:13 -0500

Learn how state legislatures can pave the way for cities to advance clean energy and equitably address climate change.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/state-solutions-local-action-ler256/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/| Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

How to Raise the Bar for Community Solar in Minnesota — (Bonus) Episode 255 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:14:56 -0500

Learn about the recent improvements to Minnesota's community solar program and what can be done to better encourage cooperative ownership models.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/mn-community-solar-ler255/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/| Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

The Oregon Trail To Community Microgrids — Episode 254 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:04:50 -0500

Learn how this state developed a community microgrid law to enhance community resilience against power shutoffs and grid failure.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/or-community-microgrids-ler254/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

The State Fighting The Feds to Lower Energy Costs – (Bonus) Episode 253 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:42:01 -0500

Learn how this state is ramping up the fight with the feds for local, clean energy affordability and access. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/MN-fights-feds-ler253/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

The Minnesota Lawmaker Tackling Energy Problems Head-On — (Bonus) Episode 252 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:35:32 -0500

Learn about how this Minnesota lawmaker wants to tackle her state’s energy problems. Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/acomb-ler252/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Distributed Power Banishes Blackouts In Puerto Rico — Episode 251 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:54:55 -0500

It’s been eight years since Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, causing one of the longest power outages in U.S. history and leaving behind a fragile electric grid. But Puerto Ricans have taken their future into their own hands, and thousands of locals have invested in solar panels and batteries to keep the lights on for themselves and for everyone. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Javier Rúa-Jovet, Chief Policy Officer the Solar and Energy Storage Association of Puerto Rico.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/dpps-banish-blackouts-pr-ler251| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

The Job No One Does Well — (Bonus) Episode 250 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:30:24 -0400

No state in America is currently doing utility regulation well. But there’s hope.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/states-all-do-a-bad-job-ler250/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

BlackRock Bought Minnesota Power. What’s Next? — (Bonus) Episode 249 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:18:53 -0400

BlackRock just bought Minnesota Power. But these consumer advocates haven’t stopped fighting for utility accountability.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/after-BlackRock-ler249/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

How to Fix the Country’s Biggest Power Market — Episode 248 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:02:48 -0400

The PJM electricity market is embroiled in a crisis where ratepayers are being gouged to line the pockets of generation owners.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/how-to-fix-PJM-ler248/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Should We Celebrate When Monopoly Utilities Embrace Distributed Energy? — (Bonus) Episode 247 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:05:44 -0400

A landmark utility proposal to own energy storage on customer property also cements its monopoly power. Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/monopoly-utilities-distributed-energy-ler247/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Finally a Bright Spot for California Rooftop Solar — Episode 246 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:00:43 -0400

There’s still a chance to breathe new life into California’s rooftop solar ambitions.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/bright-spot-for-CA-solar-ler246/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/| Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

A New Coalition for a Distributed Energy Future — Episode 245 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:00:54 -0400

Learn about how Common Charge is fast-tracking a future where your distributed energy assets make the electric grid work better for everyone. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/common-charge-ler245 | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

These Solar Tax Credits Are Still Standing — Episode 244 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:00:02 -0400

Learn how non-profit and public entities can still benefit from solar tax credits, and the three steps to getting them. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/solar-tax-credits-ler244/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

The Town That Could Spark a Public Power Revolution — Episode 243 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:00:04 -0400

Slayton's public power takeover aims to improve reliability and safety. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/slayton-public-power-ler243/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

A Public Power Struggle in Tucson — Episode 242 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:00:16 -0400

Affordability and clean energy are driving a public power campaign to take over Tucson’s investor-owned utility. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/tucson-public-power-ler242/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Smart Homes, Stronger Grids, Thanks to Distributed Power Plants — Episode 241 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 12:30:27 -0400

Learn about how distributed power plants lower electric bills and stabilize the grid.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/distributed-power-plants-ler241/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/| Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Why BlackRock Wants to Buy Your Electric Utility — Episode 240 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:40:33 -0400

Minnesota Power's sale would saddle captive utility customers with higher rates, but bring millions to shareholders. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/blackrock-utility-purchase-ler240/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

The Truth Behind California’s High Electric Bills — Episode 239 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 07:45:42 -0400

Utility overspending, not rooftop solar, is driving California’s rising rates – Richard McCann debunks the “cost shift” myth.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/truth-behind-CA-electric-bills-ler239/ Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Australia’s Rooftop Solar Revolution: A Postcard from the Future — Episode 238 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 08:00:48 -0400

Australia leads the world in rooftop solar adoption, offering crucial lessons for regulators and grid operators in the United States. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/australias-rooftop-solar-revolution-ler238/ Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Boosting Consumer Control with Better Utility Governance — Episode 237 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:30:53 -0400

What if we changed monopoly utility governance to give consumers more control over utility decisions?

Community Solar Cracks Gas Crisis in Alaska — Episode 236 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 21 May 2025 12:44:44 -0400

Discover how Alaska’s electric co-ops and the Cook Inlet gas crisis laid the groundwork for the state’s community solar policy.

Community Solar Complements New Hampshire’s Resident-Owned Communities — Episode 235 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 07 May 2025 12:15:04 -0400

Members of New Hampshire’s resident-owned communities are saving money through community solar.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/community-solar-in-nh-rocs-ler235/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

A ‘North Star’ For California Utility Reform — Episode 234 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:00:15 -0400

California’s Senate Bill 332 aims to address the immediate harms of the investor-owned utilities while also investing in a resilient future.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/CA-utility-reform-ler234/ Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

How Utilities Evade Grid Regulation — Episode 233 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 10:07:11 -0400

Instead of prioritizing more useful regional transmission infrastructure, utilities are pushing through smaller, local transmission projects to minimize oversight and maximize profit.

Connecticut Utility Regulator Under Fire for Doing Her Job — Episode 232 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:41:33 -0400

In this rebroadcast from Volts, Chairman Marissa Gillett of Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority talks about the challenges of reforming utility regulation given investor-owned utilities’ incredible influence.

Community Solar 2.0 is Coming to Boston — Episode 231 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 11:00:17 -0400

In Boston, a creative cooperatively-run solar developer is combining the best of Massachusetts’ equity-focused climate opportunities to distribute the benefits of the climate transition.

On Molokai, A Community Cooperative for Energy Sovereignty — Episode 230 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 13:25:59 -0500

On Molokai, a Hawaiian island with the highest utility rates in the country, the resident-led Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative is using its local knowledge to drive clean energy projects that speak to community needs and priorities.

Voting (Again) on Municipal Power in Decorah, Iowa — Episode 229 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:19:17 -0500

Do residents of Decorah, Iowa, have the seven year public power itch? Actually, they’re probably just steamed about two double-digit increases in their electric bills since 2018, when they last considered creating a city-owned electric utility. While that initiative fell short by just three votes, today, the advocates promoting a “yes” vote on the March 4 public power initiative think that anger over Alliant Energy’s lies and bill increases can flip the outcome. | For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Emily Neal, an at-large member of the Decorah city council and a member of the Decorah Sustainability Commission. Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/decorah-muni-ler229/ Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Wisconsin’s SolarShare: A Co-op Model for Local Clean Power — Episode 228 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 13:39:38 -0500

SolarShare Wisconsin Cooperative’s model allows anyone in the state to invest in local solar projects.

A Public Utility for New York’s Hudson Valley – Episode 227 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:00:26 -0500

Rep. Sarahana Shrestha has a bill, The Hudson Valley Power Authority Act, that would take the privately-owned Central Hudson Gas & Electric public in order to lower rates, accelerate clean energy deployment, and increase benefits for the communities it serves.

Five Tactics for Fighting Utility Rate Gouging – Episode 226 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 09:30:10 -0500

Mark Ellis spent years as a chief economist and chief of corporate strategy for investor-owned utilities. He now testifies in support of intervenors. Here are 5 tactics he says we should be using to fight utility rate gouging.

Biogas: The Good, the Bad, and the Sludgy – Episode 225 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:21:19 -0500

Anaerobic digestion can harness power from organic waste. But it can also have some negative ecological and health effects.

Monopoly Utilities Shakedown Regulators in the Southwest – Episode 224 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 12:29:03 -0500

In a dynamic Stephen Fischmann refers to as a “continual shakedown,” utilities in New Mexico often refuse to act unless they’re generously compensated. They get away with it, he says, because they’re monopolies.

Unions and Public Power NY Organize for Public Renewables – Episode 223 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:57:06 -0500

Patrick Robbins was outraged when a fracked gas pipeline was proposed in his mom's West Village neighborhood. So he helped form the Public Power NY Coalition - the main author of New York state’s 2023 Build Public Renewables Act, a model for other states and municipalities seeking energy independence while addressing climate change and social justice.

Envisioning a Future Without Investor-Owned Utilities – Episode 222 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:34:42 -0500

A University of Michigan research team set out to envision a future without the status quo of investor-owned utilities. Here are four alternatives.

Public Power on the Ballot in Florida — Episode 221 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 17:19:03 -0400

The Florida Legislature removed local control of Gainesville’s century-old municipal utility, but Commissioner Bryan Eastman explains how the city plans to take it back. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/public-power-ballot-florida-ler221/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Solar Help Desk Offers Agenda-Free Consumer Assistance — Episode 220 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 11:30:20 -0400

Jani Hale and Liz Veazy from Solar United Neighbors explain how the Solar Help Desk aids consumers and how the group organizes people to fight for solar rights. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/solar-help-desk-agenda-free-ler220/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Crashing the Utility Transmission Planning Party — Episode 219 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 13:56:37 -0400

Shelley Welton discusses why utilities cannot be trusted to coordinate their electricity transmission plans and how an independent planning authority could step in where federal regulators have floundered. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/crashing-utility-transmission-planning-party-ler219/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast-homepage | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

How Cities Can Simplify Rooftop Solar — Episode 218 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:22:58 -0400

Toyah Callahan and Zach Greene discuss how the SolSmart technical assistance platform supports local governments as they streamline their solar permitting, inspection, and zoning processes, making it easier for residents to go solar. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/cities-simplify-rooftop-solar-ler218/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/local-energy-rules-podcast-homepage | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Leah Stokes and Tim Hade on Climate Resilience in California — Episode 217 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:57:12 -0400

Tim Hade and Leah Stokes discuss how, through the coordination of a virtual power plant, distributed energy generation and storage will provide resilient and affordable electric power to a vulnerable area of Santa Barbara County. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/stokes-hade-climate-resilience-california-ler217/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/local-energy-rules-podcast-homepage | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

How Monopoly Utilities Abuse Their Power — Episode 216 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 17:22:32 -0400

John Farrell summarizes ILSR’s recent report, Upcharge: Hidden Costs of Electric Utility Monopoly Power, and makes the case for restoring competition to the electricity system. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/how-monopoly-utilities-abuse-power-ler216/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/local-energy-rules-podcast-homepage | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

The Cost of Utility-Controlled Vehicle Charging — Episode 215 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 15:26:33 -0400

Doug Kantor discusses why the electric vehicle charging market must be competitive, rather than controlled by utilities, and why convenience stores are particularly suited to provide vehicle fueling wherever customers are. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/the-cost-utility-controlled-vehicle-charging-ler215/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/local-energy-rules-podcast-homepage | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Financing Platform Opens the Door to Solar Ownership — Episode 214 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:15:30 -0400

Bracken Hendricks discusses how Working Power, a community development and financing platform, helps community-based organizations retain ownership of clean energy projects and the financial benefits of clean energy investment. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/financing-platform-solar-ownership-ler214/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/local-energy-rules-podcast-homepage | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Paying Solar Incentives Direct to Nonprofits — Episode 213 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 15:05:48 -0400

Jeremy Kalin discusses the evolution of federal tax incentives for renewable energy and how the direct pay provision of the Inflation Reduction Act will deliver more financial benefits to cities, counties, and nonprofits. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/solar-incentives-direct-pay-ler213/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/local-energy-rules-podcast-homepage | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Seven Hundred Yards Pt. 3: Seven Generations to Come — Episode 212 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 13:01:31 -0400

Out of the legislative fight over the nuclear plant next door, Prairie Island Indian Community is building its own net zero energy future, on part three of our special series, Seven Hundreds Yards. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/700-yards-pt3-seven-generations-ler212/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/local-energy-rules-podcast-homepage | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Seven Hundred Yards Pt. 2: Pretend Democracy — Episode 211 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:50:53 -0400

In part two of our special series, Seven Hundred Yards, we find out why the nuclear waste “temporarily” stored on Prairie Island is still there 30 years later. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/700-yards-pt2-pretend-democracy-ler211| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/local-energy-rules-podcast-homepage | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Seven Hundred Yards Pt. 1: A Small Island in the Mississippi — Episode 210 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 23 May 2024 05:06:34 -0400

Prairie Island community members and experts explain how powerful players allowed a nuclear plant to be built less than 700 yards away from the Native Nation, in part one of our special series, Seven Hundred Yards. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/700-yards-pt1-small-island-ler210/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/local-energy-rules-podcast-homepage | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Advocate Puts Full Court Pressure on Utilities — Episode 209 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 09 May 2024 12:21:51 -0400

Advocating for a distributed, democratized clean energy transition involves a never-ending series of legal and regulatory battles. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Mariel Nanasi, executive director of New Energy Economy. They discuss New Energy Economy’s efforts before lawmakers, regulators, and courts to protect consumers from the nefarious plans of New Mexico’s investor-owned utilities. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/advocate-full-court-pressure-utilities-ler209/

Standing Rock’s Wind Project Puts People First — Episode 208 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 08:31:06 -0400

A community-owned clean energy project has a lot more to offer than just electricity. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Christina Hollenback, CEO of Justice Capital, and Joseph McNeil, CEO of SAGE Development Authority. They discuss how SAGE Development Authority has created a model for community-led wind development and why community ownership is so important to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/standing-rocks-wind-project-puts-people-first-episode-208-of-local-energy-rules/

Ann Arbor’s Public Pathway to Reliable Power — Episode 207 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 13:49:58 -0400

DTE Energy is not meeting Ann Arbor’s needs for reliable, renewable electricity. Could a municipal takeover be the answer to residents’ pleas? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Gregory Woodring, the president and founder of Ann Arbor for Public Power. They discuss the ways that investor-owned utility DTE Energy has failed Ann Arbor customers and how the city could take over and provide better service. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/ann-arbor-public-pathway-reliable-power-ler207/

A San Diego Solar Takeover — Episode 206 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 12:49:14 -0400

Local solar offers relief from exorbitant electric rates, but San Diego may need a different utility business model to see dramatic savings. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Dorrie Bruggemann and Bill Powers, Campaign Coordinator and Campaign Chair of the Power San Diego ballot initiative. They discuss how a publicly-owned electric utility would be more supportive of distributed solar, offer lower rates thanks to that solar, and what it will take to bring the municipalization decision to San Diego voters. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources here (https://ilsr.org/articles/san-diego-solar-takeover-ler206/) — including a transcript and summary of the conversation.

Arizona’s High Stakes Utility Election — Episode 205 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 12:13:21 -0400

An April election could make an Arizona utility accountable to all of its customers. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Charlie Fisher, Executive Director of Arizonans for a Clean Economy. They discuss the upcoming Salt River Project election and how clean energy advocates could flip the public utility’s board and reverse anti-solar and anti-democratic policies. Explore more resources here (https://ilsr.org/articles/arizonas-high-stakes-utility-election-ler205/) — including a transcript and summary of the conversation.

Smarter Rules for Smart Meters — Episode 204 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 10:45:35 -0500

Technology is outpacing laws and regulations in the energy industry, too. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Michael Murray, President of Mission:data Coalition. Murray explains the many capabilities of smart meters, his critique of a Rhode Island utility proposal to expand advanced metering, and how state and federal regulators can establish best practices for fairness and data access. Explore more resources at the link below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/smarter-rules-smart-meters-ler204/

The Concrete Benefits of Virtual Power Plants — Episode 203 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 13:09:22 -0500

Coordinated grid services benefit virtually everyone — with the exception of utility shareholders. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Chris Rauscher, Head of Grid Services and Virtual Power Plants at Sunrun. Sunrun has partnered with utilities to reward their residential customers who dispatch electricity stored in batteries when the grid needs it. Rauscher explains the benefits of coordinating distributed energy resources, how residential solar and storage customers have saved their neighbors from blackouts, and why every utility could be offering a virtual power plant program. Explore more resources at the link below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/concrete-benefits-virtual-power-plants-ler203/

10 Years of Minnesota’s Community Solar Program — Episode 202 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:45:54 -0500

Monopoly utilities give distributed energy advocates little time to celebrate their victories. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Pouya Najmaie, Policy and Regulatory Director at Cooperative Energy Futures. They discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Minnesota’s community solar program, its many regulatory and legislative changes over the years, and how utility Xcel Energy has found a new way to try to suppress distributed generation. Explore more resources at the link below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/10-years-minnesota-community-solar-ler202/

Petitioners Ask Feds to Investigate Utility Abuses of Monopoly Power — Episode 201 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 13:21:18 -0500

Monopoly energy utilities have accrued vast service territories and extraordinary financial power — which they have used to purchase political power. At this point, state regulatory and legislative bodies can only do so much to rein them in. In this episode from the Local Energy Rules archive, host John Farrell speaks with Howard Crystal and Liz Veazey. Crystal, Legal Director of the Energy Justice Program at the Center for Biological Diversity, and Veazey, Policy and Rural Energy Director at Solar United Neighbors, were two cosigners on a petition to the Federal Trade Commission, along with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Crystal and Veazey explain the petition and why electric utility practices require federal investigation. ILSR first published this interview in June of 2022. Explore more resources at the link below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/archive-ftc-petition-utility-abuses-ler201/

200 Episodes, 10 Lessons, and Your Questions — Episode 200 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 16:47:32 -0500

Local Energy Rules is celebrating a milestone! For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell reflects on 10 years of making the podcast, what he has learned from over 200 guests, and answers some listener questions. Explore more resources at the link below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/200-episodes-10-lessons-ler200/

Scaling Up Home Energy Investment — Episode 199 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 11:12:01 -0500

With a little help from utilities, home energy upgrades can pay for themselves. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Matt Flaherty, Director of Building Decarbonization at Clean Energy Works. They discuss the barriers to home energy upgrades, how inclusive utility investment is a scalable solution that addresses many of these barriers, and what it will take to get utilities on board with on-bill financing. Explore more resources at the link below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/scaling-up-home-energy-investment-ler199/

Loopholes and Scams in New York Gas Plans — Episode 198 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 10:28:02 -0500

Can for-profit gas utilities be trusted to plan their own stagnation? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Ben Kuebrich, Public Advocate for the Alliance for a Green Economy. They discuss New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, what to expect when gas utilities do their own decarbonization planning, and how states and clean energy advocates can actually address methane gas use in the buildings sector. Explore more resources at the link below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/loopholes-scams-ny-gas-plans-ler198/

Utility Millions Take Down Popular Measure — Episode 197 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:48:50 -0500

Utilities regularly spend millions of dollars to get their way. When their monopoly status is on the line, they pull out all of the stops. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Lucy Hochschartner, Deputy Campaign Director for Pine Tree Power. They discuss how public power would have been an improvement over Maine’s investor-owned utilities, yet didn’t receive the support of Maine voters on November 7th. Explore more resources at the link below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/utility-millions-popular-measure-maine-ler197/

New Paths for Rural Electric Co-op Revival — Episode 196 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 12:08:51 -0500

This is a defining moment for rural communities and the clean energy transition. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Frances Sawyer, founder of Pleiades Strategy, and Maria McCoy, researcher at ILSR. They discuss ILSR’s new report on rural electric co-ops and how federal dollars can meet the growing momentum of co-op member-owners organizing around affordability, clean energy, and local control. Explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/rural-electric-coop-revival-ler196/

Stopping the Spread of Monopolies — Episode 195 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 11:27:29 -0400

To protect competitive markets, we must quarantine regulated monopolies. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Lynne Kiesling, Director of the Institute for Regulatory Law & Economics at Northwestern University and Research professor at the University of Colorado Denver. Kiesling explains why allowing incumbent monopolies into new markets is too big of a risk for innovation and the public interest, particularly in the context of Xcel Energy’s major electric vehicle charging proposal. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/stopping-the-spread-of-monopolies-ler195/

Colorado Bill Increases Utility Accountability — Episode 194 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 11:30:38 -0400

Consumers pay for a lot of things on their utility bills. In Colorado, legislators took political lobbying out of the equation. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Steve Fenberg, the Colorado Senate President representing Boulder County. They discuss Colorado’s Senate Bill 291, which changed incentives in the investor-owned utility business model to protect Colorado consumers from high fossil fuel costs and protects captive customers from paying for the utility to lobby against their own interests. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/colorado-bill-utility-accountability-ler194/

Against All Reason, Indiana Dismantles Rooftop Solar — Episode 193 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:45:00 -0400

When it comes to distributed solar policy, Indiana took one step back before ever taking two steps forward. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Ben Inskeep, Program Director at Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana. The Citizens Action Coalition is a non-profit consumer advocacy organization working broadly across energy and environmental issues. Farrell and Inskeep discuss Indiana’s backward solar policy, why local solar is a threat to utilities, and how to go up against the powerful entrenched interests of monopolies. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/indiana-dismantles-rooftop-solar/

Don’t Follow California’s Lead on Rooftop Solar — Episode 192 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 17:09:31 -0400

For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Sachu Constantine, Executive Director of Vote Solar. They discuss the obstacles and opportunities arising for the electric grid as customers become generators and what California got wrong in its 2022 net metering decision. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/california-rooftop-solar-nem-ler192/

The Anti-Competitive Tricks up Utility Sleeves — Episode 191 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 10:29:51 -0400

If utility regulators are not defending competition, they are not defending consumers. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Seth Handy, a clean energy attorney in Rhode Island. Handy and his law firm have come up against electric utilities in many different cases, often around their suppression of distributed solar projects and competition. Handy explains how utilities have, through loopholes in federal guidance and friends on public regulatory bodies, protected their own interests at the expense of clean energy projects. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/anti-competitive-tricks-utility-sleeves-ler191/

Portland Funds Community-Led Clean Energy Projects — Episode 190 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 15:30:06 -0400

Creating a program that is justice driven, accountable, community powered, and has multiple benefits is a tall order. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Maria Sipin, volunteer committee member for the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund. They discuss what the fund has accomplished, how volunteers from the community have shaped the fund’s priorities, and how to evaluate project success. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/portland-funds-community-clean-energy-ler190/

How Utilities Neglect Certain Customers — Episode 189 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 16:44:10 -0400

Some utility customers aren’t getting what they pay for. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Alex Hill, Research Director at We the People Michigan. They discuss a report on utility redlining in electric distribution, the impacts of inadequate grid infrastructure, and how the report helped make a case against the utility’s proposed rate increase. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/utilities-neglect-customers-ler189/

13 States Flunk This Standard Test — Episode 188 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 17:11:10 -0400

Across the country, clean energy development is at an all-time high. Is your state fair and transparent when it comes to interconnecting these new resources? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Mari Hernandez, Assistant Director, Regulatory Program at the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). IREC, along with partner Vote Solar, has graded states based on their policies that facilitate interconnection and streamline clean energy adoption. Hernandez explains why we need transparent and efficient interconnection standards, how the regulatory landscape can adapt to new technologies, and where IREC’s Freeing the Grid initiative can help. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/interconnection-standards-freeing-grid-ler188/

Utilities Gamble With Household Money — Episode 187 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 17:26:24 -0400

This lobbyist is on the house — your house. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Tony Bartelme, projects writer for Charleston’s The Post and Courier. They discuss how utilities have wagered and lost billions of customer dollars, why customers are on the hook when utilities take financial risks, and how unhappy customers can counter utility power grabs. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/utilities-gamble-household-money-ler187/

How Cities Can Steer State Action — Episode 186 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 16:58:37 -0400

The largest energy decisions may be out of local hands, but cities can influence the outcomes. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Stacy Miller, Sustainability Program Coordinator for the City of Minneapolis. City officials created the position and hired Miller four years ago when they realized that state and utility decision-making could make or break their ambitious climate action goals. Miller explains how she represents the city of Minneapolis in state forums, including the Public Utilities Commission, and what’s at stake in decisions made by the state. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/cities-steer-state-action-ler186/

Scoring Justice in Clean Energy Standards — Episode 185 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 11:15:06 -0400

In 2023, Minnesota became the latest state to adopt a 100 percent clean energy standard — but does the standard do enough for energy justice? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Haley Havens, Senior Research and Operations Associate at the Initiative for Energy Justice (IEJ). IEJ has created a scorecard that evaluates equity in state renewable energy standards. Havens and Farrell discuss the ways that states can advance equity through their clean energy standards and how Minnesota’s 2023 standard stacks up. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/scoring-justice-clean-energy-standards-ler185/

Proof in the Public Takeover Pudding — Episode 184 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 24 May 2023 13:46:56 -0400

Municipalization: many have tried, but few have succeeded. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Randy Knight, city manager of Winter Park, Florida. Having taken over its electric utility in 2005, Winter Park is the only sizable city to successfully municipalize in the last two decades. Knight explains how the city overcame utility opposition and shares his advice to other cities investigating public power. This is the full interview that was partially released in part two of The Promise and Peril of Publicly-Owned Power series. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/winter-park-public-power-takeover-ler184/

Tennessee Valley’s Unchecked Authority — Episode 183 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 10 May 2023 16:39:49 -0400

10 million customers depend on their essential public service, yet decisions are made behind closed doors. What has gone wrong with Tennessee Valley Authority? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Maggie Shober, Director of Utility Reform for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. They discuss how the Tennessee Valley Authority operates like a for-profit utility, despite its public ownership. This is the full interview that was partially released in part five of The Promise and Peril of Publicly-Owned Power series. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/tennessee-valley-unchecked-authority-ler183/

The Value Idling in Electric Vehicles — Episode 182 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:50:58 -0400

A member-owned electric cooperative in New Hampshire is one of the first utilities harnessing the power of ‘vehicle-to-grid.’ For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Brian Callnan, Vice President of Power Resources and Access for New Hampshire Electric Cooperative. They discuss the co-op’s Transactive Energy Rate pilot program and how the energy sitting in electric vehicle batteries can provide additional value to the owner and the grid. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/new-hampshire-coop-electric-vehicles-ler182/

Central California District Pushes for Public Power — Episode 181 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 11:15:22 -0400

Pacific Gas & Electric, even in bankruptcy, will not relinquish control over its poorly-maintained assets. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Peter Rietkerk, General Manager of the South San Joaquin Irrigation District. They discuss how a public agency could do a better job than Pacific Gas & Electric and the District’s 18 year endeavor to provide retail electric service in California’s Central Valley. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/central-california-public-power-ler181/

Extremely Comfortable Home Makeovers — Episode 180 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:54:06 -0400

Did you know you can heat your home without burning gas in your basement? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Nate Adams, CEO of HVAC 2.0. Farrell and Adams discuss how to electrify homes in cold climates, which policies and incentives actually support home electrification, and the problems we must solve to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/comfort-home-makeovers-hvac-ler180/

Interconnection and Grid Planning — Episode 179 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 17:14:04 -0400

For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Sky Stanfield, a Partner at Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger, LLP. Stanfield often represents the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) in grid modernization, interconnection, and energy storage proceedings across the United States. Farrell and Stanfield discuss how proactive grid planning and good interconnection policy can capitalize on existing distribution infrastructure for the most cost-effective clean energy transition. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/interconnection-grid-planning-ler179/

Mainstreaming Electric Homes — Episode 178 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 12:45:31 -0500

For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Nate Adams, CEO of HVAC 2.0, and Steve Pantano, Head of Research at Rewiring America. After Adams posted a heated Twitter thread involving some of Rewiring America’s research, the two came on the podcast to find common ground within the field of home electrification. They discuss how education is the foundation for informed decision making, what builds trust between contractors and homeowners, and the additional support needed to make home electrification mainstream. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/mainstreaming-electric-homes-ler178/

Survey Says: Interconnection Data is Unavailable — Episode 177 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:51:48 -0500

Deploying local solar is a crucial step toward achieving a low-cost clean electricity grid. Individuals and communities are willing to make the investment, but they lack the information to develop projects with urgency. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Justin Baca, Vice President of Markets and Research at the Solar Energy Industries Association, and David Gahl, Executive Director of the Solar and Storage Industries Institute. They discuss how an information gap trips up small solar developers. They also explain their letter to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which asks for more federal data collection from electric utilities and transmission operators. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/eia-survey-interconnection-data-ler177/

Commission Failed Georgians in Nuclear Fiasco — Episode 176 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 13:08:53 -0500

Somehow, Georgia public service commissioners found it “just and reasonable” to charge consumers for the most expensive power plant ever built. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Patty Durand, candidate for the Georgia Public Service Commission. They discuss how the Commission failed to protect consumers from the Vogtle nuclear power plant, what Durand will do differently if she is elected, and why her candidacy faced so many legal challenges. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/georgia-commisson-nuclear-fiasco-ler176/

Who Needs Transmission Wires Anyway? — Episode 175 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:38:14 -0500

For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Dan Juhl, Partner at E2SG Partners. Juhl and his partners develop clean energy projects — in particular, integrated systems that combine solar, wind, and/or battery storage. He discusses how commercial-scale, hybrid solar and wind systems are a “real match” that can circumvent transmission system concerns. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/who-needs-transmission-wires-ler175/

Arizona Public Utility Acts Like For-Profit Peers — Episode 174 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 17:56:07 -0500

Accountability might just crumble when a utility, accountable to its board, punishes dissenting board members. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Autumn Johnson, Founder and CEO of Tierra Strategy. They talk about Salt River Project: a publicly-owned Arizona utility engaged in some shady behavior. The public’s only accountability measure? Board members who are elected by land-owning customers and punished for their dissension. This is the full interview that was partially released in part five of The Promise and Peril of Publicly-Owned Power series. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/salt-river-project-public-utility-ler174/

Regulators as Referees When Utilities and Customers Clash — Episode 173 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 11:16:22 -0500

With advanced technology, utility regulation has become a juggling act. How do you accurately weigh the risks of innovation? Can utilities be sincere advocates for their customers? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Ted Thomas of Energize Strategies and former chair of the Arkansas Public Service Commission. They discuss access, fairness, cost shifts, utility monopolies, and innovation in the electricity sector. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/regulators-referee-utility-customer-clash-ler173/

Shining Up Sacramento’s Lackluster Public Utility — Episode 172 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 15:16:25 -0500

20 years ago, customers of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) were solar “PV Pioneers.” Now, the utility is stifling customer-owned solar, increasing fixed charges, and one third of SMUD customers can’t afford their monthly bill. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Derek Cressman and Fatima Malik, who have both run for seats on the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) board. They describe the evolution of SMUD, how the public utility is failing its customers, and share their proposed solutions. This is the full interview that was partially released in part five of The Promise and Peril of Publicly-Owned Power series. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/sacramento-municipal-utility-district-board-candidates-ler172/

Tiny Laboratories of (Energy) Democracy — Episode 171 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 16:18:12 -0500

While many cities profess an interest in advancing clean energy, states often hold the keys to the policy and regulatory opportunities. Activists from Brookline, Mass., the first cold-climate city to ban expansion of the methane gas network to new homes and businesses, aim to give cities the upper hand. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Jesse Gray and David Mendels, co-founders of Zero Carbon Massachusetts. They discuss the six provisions in the Municipal Climate Empowerment Plan, state legislation that would enable Massachusetts communities to tackle their clean energy challenges with local solutions and greater local funding. These policies could be a model for how states serious about clean energy could unlock more local action. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/zero-carbon-massachusetts-ler171/

Public Power Pt. 6: Alternatives — Episode 170 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 16:55:11 -0500

Successful utility takeovers are few and far between. What other options do communities have to get what they want from their electricity provider? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell explains five alternatives to a public power takeover that can still advance a community’s clean energy and environmental justice aims — with examples from the Local Energy Rules archive. This is part six of a special series: The Promise and Peril of Publicly-Owned Power. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/public-power-series-6-alternatives-ler170/

Public Power Pt. 5: The Perils — Episode 169 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:50:23 -0400

“Establishing public power is the beginning of a process, and not an end,” says SMUD Board Candidate Derek Cressman. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, customers of four publicly-owned utilities explain some limitations of the public power model and how they are organizing to increase accountability. The utilities included in their stories are Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Tennessee Valley Authority, Salt River Project, and Omaha Public Power District. This is part five of a special series: The Promise and Peril of Publicly-Owned Power. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/public-power-series-5-perils-ler169/

How Cities Can Make the Most of IRA Dollars — Episode 168 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 11:35:43 -0400

Federal lawmakers are getting all the credit, but the real work of the Inflation Reduction Act will be done by federal agencies, private entities, and state and local governments. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Amy Turner, Senior Fellow with the Cities Climate Law Initiative at the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law. They discuss how cities can use Inflation Reduction Act dollars to advance local goals — and should help their residents do the same. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/inflation-reduction-act-cities-ler168/

Public Power Pt. 4: Game Over? — Episode 167 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 12:36:10 -0400

Cities can take over when their private utility’s service is poor, but municipalization isn’t all or nothing. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell describes three municipalization attempts: Boulder, Colo., Minneapolis, and Decorah, Iowa. Each city failed to form its own utility, but found silver linings in trying. This is part four of a special series: The Promise and Peril of Publicly-Owned Power. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/public-power-series-4-game-over-ler167/

Public Power Pt. 3: Ingredients For Success — Episode 166 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 11:34:34 -0400

Cities want to provide affordable, reliable service to their residents, but for-profit electric utilities won’t give up their monopolies without a fight. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, John Coyle describes how to form a publicly-owned utility and lists the four ingredients for baking up a public takeover. This is part three in a special series: The Promise and Peril of Publicly-Owned Power. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/public-power-series-3-ingredients-ler166/

Public Power Pt. 2: Community Benefits — Episode 165 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 10:44:50 -0400

For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Randy Knight, City Manager of Winter Park, Fla., and Ursula Schryver, Vice President of Strategic Member Engagement and Education at the American Public Power Association. Schryver describes the benefits of consumer-owned utility service and Knight reports on the progress that municipalization brought to Winter Park. In addition to segments of these two new interviews, archived clips from leaders in Rochester, Minn., Georgetown, Texas, and Burlington, Vt. highlight the many benefits of public power. This is part two in a special series: The Promise and Peril of Publicly-Owned Power. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/public-power-series-2-benefits-ler165/

Inflation Reduction Act Boosts Local Solar — Episode 164 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 10:39:53 -0400

On Wenesday, as advocates held their breath, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. But what exactly is in the 700-plus page bill? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell is joined by Katie Kienbaum, Senior Researcher on ILSR’s Energy Democracy Initiative. They discuss the Inflation Reduction Act and how it will support distributed solar through extended tax credits, a greenhouse gas reduction fund, and other incentives. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/inflation-reduction-act-local-solar-ler164/

Public Power Pt. 1: Why Take Over? — Episode 163 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 12:34:40 -0400

Why would a community go through the laborious, expensive, and drawn-out municipalization process — especially when a win is unlikely? What do cities have to gain? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell and community leaders in six different municipalization campaigns explain their motivations and why a city might attempt to take over its electric utility. This is part one in a special series: The Promise and Peril of Publicly-Owned Power. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/public-power-series-1-city-motivations-ler163/

When a Win is a Win, and a Loss is a Lesson — Episode 162 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 12:59:08 -0400

Is municipalization — the public takeover of a privately-owned utility — the best way for cities to reach their ambitious clean energy targets? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, Building Local Power co-hosts Luke Gannon and Reggie Rucker ask John Farrell about an upcoming Local Energy Rules podcast series, “The Promise and Peril of Publicly-Owned Power.” The series (launching August 17th) explores how cities take over their electric utility, what they have to gain from municipalization, and the actual results of several municipalization attempts. This episode was originally published on the Building Local Power podcast feed. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/promise-peril-public-power-preview-ler162/

The Member Campaigns Behind a Colorado Co-op’s Evolution — Episode 161 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 10:56:11 -0400

Customers of rural electric cooperatives are more than just electric customers; they are members and owners of a cooperative enterprise. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Kevin Williams, a longtime Colorado organizer currently serving on the Delta Montrose Electric Cooperative board. They discuss how cooperative member-owners mobilized and campaigned for transparency, flexibility, and affordability from their electricity service provider. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/coop-organizing-delta-montrose-ler161/

Small Solar Frees Energy From Decades of Utility-Stifled Innovation — Episode 160 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 11:25:01 -0400

Innovation in the tech industry has been trending toward smaller devices, increased choices, and more power in the hands of the consumer. Why hasn’t the energy industry followed the same trend? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Bill Nussey, author of Freeing Energy: How Innovators Are Using Local-scale Solar and Batteries to Disrupt the Global Energy Industry from the Outside In. They discuss how regulated utility monopolies are stifling energy innovation and why “small is the future” of the energy sector. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/freeing-energy-solar-batteries-ler160/

How Colorado Electric Customers Are Leading a Co-op’s Clean Energy Journey — Episode 159 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 17:11:12 -0400

Rural electric cooperatives are charged with a concern for the community, but how much can an electric provider really do for its customers? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Bryan Hannegan, President and CEO of Holy Cross Energy. Holy Cross is a cooperative electric utility serving 46,000 customers in Colorado. Farrell and Hannegan discuss how cultural change pushed the utility to break the mold and offer innovative, customer-centric programs in its transition to 100 percent renewable energy. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/holy-cross-energy-cooperative-co-ler159/

Petitioners Ask Feds to Investigate Utility Abuses of Monopoly Power — Episode 158 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 11:37:24 -0400

Monopoly energy utilities have accrued vast service territories and extraordinary financial power — which they have used to purchase political power. At this point, state regulatory and legislative bodies can only do so much to rein them in. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Howard Crystal and Liz Veazey. Crystal, Legal Director of the Energy Justice Program at the Center for Biological Diversity, and Veazey, Policy and Rural Energy Director at Solar United Neighbors, were two cosigners on a recent petition to the Federal Trade Commission. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance also signed the petition. Crystal and Veazey explain the petition and why electric utility practices require federal investigation. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/ftc-petition-utility-abuses-ler158/

From the Archive: Ballot Initiative Shapes Iowa Town’s Fight for Local Power — Episode 157 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 26 May 2022 10:48:32 -0400

Utility companies are meddling with elections, exploiting disasters for financial gain, and chronically neglecting their equipment. Could public takeovers, which remove a utility’s profit motive and install public oversight, be the remedy? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, we’re re-releasing John Farrell’s 2018 interview with Andrew Johnson and Joel Zook of Decorah Power. They discuss how a municipal electric utility could better serve Decorah residents and the city’s 2018 referendum to municipalize (which failed by just three votes). Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/archive-decorah-power-ballot-ler157/

A People’s Playbook on Advancing Energy Justice, Despite Utility Misdirection — Episode 156 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 11 May 2022 13:03:20 -0400

Utilities have more than a century of experience in maintaining their monopolies. Thanks to organizers at the Energy Democracy Project, the people now have a playbook that exposes utility tactics and shares proven strategies to advance energy justice. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Yesenia Rivera, Director of Energy Equity and Inclusion at Solar United Neighbors and member of the Energy Democracy Project. Rivera was also a project anchor for the People’s Utility Justice Playbook and its companion, the People’s History of Utilities. Farrell and Rivera discuss how to combat utility tactics that undermine energy democracy. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/peoples-utility-playbook-ler156/

Monopolistic Utility Companies Suppress the Use of Customer Data — Episode 155 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 11:20:14 -0400

Using an iPhone solely as an iPod would be a waste, but this failure to harness smart technology’s full potential is happening with electric meters across the United States. Customers have paid their utility for hardware and installation, but the utility won’t enable the meter’s “smart” functions. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, a rebroadcast from the Building Local Power Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Michael Murray. Murray is president of the Mission Data Coalition. Farrell and Murray discuss how utilities are resisting data portability, even though customers have a right to their own data. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/utilities-customer-data-portability-ler155/

The Movement to Take Back Control From Monopoly Electric Utilities — Episode 154 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 10:42:39 -0400

Monopoly electric utilities are digging their heels in; warding off competition and protecting their market power by any means necessary. Despite the vast resources of their opponents, several U.S. communities have won recent battles for energy democracy. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, a rebroadcast from the Building Local Power Podcast, we share a recording of ILSR’s recent event Democratizing Power: New Citizen Initiatives Challenge Monopoly Electric Utilities. In the January 2022 event, ILSR’s Stacy Mitchell and John Farrell facilitated a conversation with four advocates. The conversations center around how communities have challenged monopoly power using many tactics, including a ballot initiative, antitrust litigation, and grassroots organizing. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/democratizing-power-event-ler154/

Despite Promising Policies, Advocates Are Still Fighting for Community Power — Episode 153 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 13:43:58 -0400

ILSR’s Community Power Scorecard evaluates state policies based on how they help or hinder local clean energy action — but do the grades that states receive reflect the experience of advocates on the ground? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Crystal Huang and Al Weinrub. Huang is a co-founder and worker owner of the People Power Solar Cooperative and the national coordinator of the Energy Democracy Project. Weinrub is the coordinator of the Local Clean Energy Alliance and a collaborator with the Energy Democracy Project. Farrell, Huang, and Weinrub discuss energy democracy challenges in California, the gap between policy and implementation, and how ILSR’s Community Power Scorecard could better represent and mobilize local organizers. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/promising-policies-community-power-ler153/

The Legal Case for a Clean and Competitive Energy Sector — Episode 152 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 10:23:41 -0400

With Congress at a standstill, the prospect of federal action on climate and clean energy is looking bleak. The Center for Biological Diversity, however, is pursuing two alternatives to federal legislation: executive action and the courts. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Jean Su, Attorney and Director of the Energy Justice Program at the Center for Biological Diversity. Farrell and Su discuss how President Biden could foster energy independence, boost the U.S. economy, and curb climate change through the Defense Production Act. Su then shares a landmark court ruling and its implications for antitrust enforcement. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/defense-production-act-srp-antitrust-ler152/

Voices of 100%: Idaho Coalition Crafts a Data-Driven Clean Power Pledge — Episode 151 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 12:16:55 -0500

Amidst the competing challenges of the last two years, communities are still making ambitious plans to ditch fossil fuels. In 2020, Blaine County and Hailey, Idaho joined the now more than 180 cities and towns that have committed to 100 percent renewable energy. For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell talks with Blaine County Sustainability Program Manager Lynne Barker and Community Organizer Scott Runkel. They discuss how a 100 percent renewable energy commitment moved forward amidst a pandemic and the options that Idaho communities have to reach a goal like this. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/hailey-idaho-voices-of-100-podcast/

Leaders in Morris, Minn., Create a Model for Rural Resilience — Episode 150 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 10:09:33 -0500

A group in Morris, Minnesota — a city of 5,000 — has put together the Morris Model: a partnership and strategic plan to model how rural communities can shine in areas like clean energy and community resilience. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Troy Goodnough, Sustainability Director with the University of Minnesota Morris, and Blaine Hill, Morris City Manager. Goodnough and Hill were heavily involved in the Morris Model as it came together. They explain what it means to be a model community, how local and international partnerships have influenced their work, and what the future may look like for Morris. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/morris-model-minnesota-ler150/

By Controlling Transmission, Utilities Corner the Electricity Market — Episode 149 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 15:48:56 -0500

Utilities use transmission lines to move electricity, balance supply and demand, and maintain their hold on the market. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Ari Peskoe, Director of the Electricity Law Initiative at the Harvard Law School (Environmental and Energy Law program). Peskoe’s recent paper “Is the Utility Transmission Syndicate Forever?” summarizes decades of give and take between the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and large electric utilities. Farrell and Peskoe discuss how utilities have gained outsized market power by owning transmission infrastructure and how federal regulators could reintroduce competition through targeted regulation. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/electric-transmission-market-power-ler149/

What Is the Value of Solar? — Episode 148 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 13:15:18 -0500

Since 2013, Minnesota’s long-running regulatory docket has carried a long-running debate: how can we calculate the value of solar energy to individuals, communities, and society? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Gabriel Chan, associate professor at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy. The two discuss how to calculate solar energy’s full value, where to improve Minnesota’s Value of Solar, and why decisions grounded in data are essential for our evolving electric grid. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/value-of-solar-minnesota-ler148/

The Long Wait for Community Solar in Washington State — Episode 147 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 10:34:08 -0500

In the state of Washington, advocates hope that the third time’s the charm for passing community solar legislation. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Mason Rolph, President of Olympia Community Solar. In the absence of supportive state policy, Rolph has found a way to develop community solar gardens that reward subscribers. Farrell and Rolph discuss Olympia Community Solar, the organization’s advocacy work, and why Washington needs a proper community solar program. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/olympia-community-solar-wa-ler147/

Can More Competition Fix an Outdated Energy System? — Episode 146 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 11:35:06 -0500

Electric utility monopolies, once a necessary evil, are time and again failing to meet the challenges of the current moment. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, a rebroadcast from the Building Local Power Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Chris Villarreal, President of Plugged In Strategies and an Associate Fellow with the R Street Institute. They discuss the electricity market and how it insulates utility companies from competition, even when that competition would green the electricity supply and drive down rates. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/electricity-market-competition-villarreal-ler146/

Voices of 100%: Moab Anchors Utah Community Renewable Energy Program — Episode 145 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 15:52:58 -0500

To preserve its unique natural environment and the regional economy, Moab and other Utah cities have created a pathway to procure 100 percent renewable power by 2030. For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell talks with Moab Sustainability Director Mila Dunbar-Irwin and City Council Member Kalen Jones. Moab is an anchor community for the Community Renewable Energy Act. Using their collective buying power, Moab and other participating cities will negotiate for 100 percent renewable energy from utility Rocky Mountain Power. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/moab-utah-voices-of-100-podcast/

Ithaca Races Against the Clock to Decarbonize All Buildings by 2030 — Episode 144 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 13:42:42 -0500

Ithaca, N.Y. is making headlines for its plan to decarbonize all local buildings. What’s unique about Ithaca is not its ambitious goal, which many cities share, but the fact that it is truly advancing toward it. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Ithaca Sustainability Director Luis Aguirre-Torres, who in the eight months of his tenure, has set in motion a plan to decarbonize Ithaca’s buildings by 2030. Farrell and Aguirre-Torres discuss Ithaca’s Green New Deal, financing the city’s decarbonization effort, and getting the work done as time runs out. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/ithaca-new-york-building-decarbonization-ler144/

New Mexico Co-op Dumps Monopoly Supplier to Offer More Solar — Episode 143 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 14:57:59 -0500

Rural areas are sometimes isolated, disconnected from modern conveniences and the latest technologies. The digital divide is real, but one cooperative in New Mexico is proving to be an exception as it connects customers to affordable solar energy and reliable Internet service. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Luis Reyes, General Manager of the Kit Carson Electric Cooperative. Reyes, who has been with Kit Carson for 37 years, has experienced the cooperative’s evolution firsthand. Farrell and Reyes discuss how Kit Carson’s exit from Tri-State Generation and Transmission allowed the co-op to target 100 percent daytime solar power — without sacrificing affordability or reliability. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/kit-carson-cooperative-more-solar-ler143/

Voices of 100%: Des Moines Commits to Clean Electricity Around the Clock — Episode 142 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 14:29:13 -0400

Though it’s insulated from sea level rise, the state of Iowa faces many dangerous climate change impacts — which in turn threaten the nation’s food supply. Fortunately, the state is rich in renewable energy potential and eager advocates who hope to harness it. For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell talks with Kari Carney and Josh Mandelbaum. Carney is the executive director of 1000 Friends of Iowa and Mandelbaum is a member of the Des Moines city council. The three discuss Des Moines’s round-the-clock clean electricity resolution, how it differs from traditional clean energy commitments, and the strategies Des Moines will use to reach its goal. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/des-moines-iowa-voices-of-100-podcast/

Drone Data Helps a Minnesota City Conserve Energy — Episode 141 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 11:49:40 -0400

Maintaining healthy, comfortable buildings can be expensive in Minnesota — especially during polar vortex events. Warren, a small city in Northern Minnesota, is offering an innovative public service: images that reveal building heat loss, captured by drones. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with City Administrator Shannon Mortenson of Warren, Minnesota. Mortenson and the city partnered with a community college to pilot a novel project; the college, using drones and thermal cameras, captured images that display energy leaks in homes and businesses. Farrell and Mortenson discuss the first-of-its-kind thermal imaging project, lessons learned from the pilot, and how cities can help residents conserve energy. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/thermal-imaging-efficiency-warren-minnesota-ler141/

Rep. Seth Berry on the Movement for Publicly-Owned Power in Maine — Episode 140 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 13:42:24 -0400

Electric customers in Maine, who are fed up with lousy utility service, can use a ballot initiative to take back their power. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, a rebroadcast from the Building Local Power Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Maine State Representative Seth Berry. Berry was the Maine House sponsor of LD 1708, a bill to establish a consumer-owned utility, and serves as Chair of the Maine Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Technology. Farrell and Berry discuss Our Power Maine: the ongoing initiative to kick investor-owned utilities to the curb and establish a consumer-owned utility in Maine. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/our-power-maine-consumer-ownership-ler140/

Colorado Law Creates Transparency at Rural Electric Co-ops — Episode 139 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 10:34:50 -0400

After moving to Colorado, Joe Smyth found he was barred from participating in his generation and transmission cooperative — despite a Colorado law promoting co-op transparency. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Joe Smyth, Researcher at the Energy and Policy Institute and author of CleanCooperative.com. Farrell and Smyth discuss barriers to democratic participation in rural electric cooperative decision-making and how to promote transparency at all electric co-ops. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/electric-cooperative-transparency-tristate-ler139/

Queremos Sol: Seeking Solar Power for All Puerto Rican Homes — Episode 138 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 13:25:00 -0400

Residents of Puerto Rico are ready for energy democracy. Specifically, a resilient, renewable electricity system with equitably shared benefits. Is this vision possible for the island, whose democratic power is limited to begin with? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with guest Ingrid Vila, environmental engineer and founder of non-profit Cambio. After Puerto Rico’s many catastrophic grid failures, Vila and Cambio have re envisioned the island’s energy future in a proposal called ‘Queremos Sol.’ Vila explains why rooftop solar should power every home in Puerto Rico, reducing residential electricity rates and covering basic needs during future crises. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/queremos-sol-grid-resilience-puerto-rico-ler138/

Voices of 100%: A Renewable City Coalition Grows in Western Montana — Episode 137 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 10:44:51 -0400

For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell talks with Helena Sustainability Coordinator Patrick Judge and Citizens Conservation Commission Member Mark Juedeman. Judge and Juedeman supported Helena as the city committed to 100% renewable energy. In making its commitment, Helena has joined Missoula and Bozeman, building a commanding coalition in western Montana. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/helena-montana-voices-of-100-podcast/

The Role of Antitrust Law in Creating Energy Democracy — Episode 136 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 11:13:04 -0400

For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, a rebroadcast of episode 127 of the Building Local Power Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with guest Jean Su. Su, an attorney and Director of the Energy Justice program at the Center for Biological Diversity, represented the Center in an antitrust suit against Arizona utility Salt River Project. Farrell and Su discuss how legal advocacy for energy democracy can overcome utility barriers to a renewable energy economy. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/antitrust-energy-democracy-ler136/

Get More Solar by Making Utilities Share Data — Episode 135 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 17:18:11 -0400

Electricity customers are lining up to generate their own clean, affordable solar energy, but to get it to them, solar developers must navigate the impediments of a congested and outdated electricity grid. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Yochi Zakai, attorney with Shute, Mahaly, and Weinberger representing Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). The two discuss hosting capacity analysis and how publicly shared grid information can help solar developers, electric customers, and others make more informed decisions. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/grid-hosting-capacity-analysis-ler-135/

Voices of 100%: Eau Claire Solar Gardens Save the Day — Episode 134 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 13:16:23 -0400

For this Voices of 100% episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell and guests Kate Beaton and Ned Noel examine Eau Claire’s clean energy goal, the citizen participation that has supported its work, and the strategies the City is using to advance renewable energy. How will a Midwestern city secure its sustainable energy future? Implementing community solar gardens. For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Eau Claire City Council Member Kate Beaton and Senior Planner Ned Noel. Eau Claire, Wisc. has focused its efforts on building successful community gardens to achieve its clean energy goals. They examine Eau Claire’s clean energy goal, the citizen participation that has supported its work, and the strategies the City is using to advance renewable energy. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/eau-claire-wisconsin-voices-of-100-podcast/

For Public Utilities, Customers Spark Pioneering Policy with a Vote — Episode 133 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 14:22:16 -0400

Utility companies may seem out of reach, and some decisions are made behind closed doors, but everyone has the right to be heard by their electric provider. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Eric Williams, Vice Chair of the Omaha Public Power District’s Board of Directors. Williams ran for a seat on the utility’s Board of Directors in 2017 out of concern for steep fixed charges. Farrell and Williams discuss the growing momentum for clean energy and how people drive change within public utilities. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/omaha-public-power-ler-133/

Entrepreneurs, Innovators, and Roadblocks in the Rooftop Revolution — Episode 132 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 16:46:58 -0400

What happens when unstoppable, innovative clean energy entrepreneurs meet immovable, power-hungry fossil fuel incumbents? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Danny Kennedy, Co-founder of Sungevity and Chief Energy Officer of New Energy Nexus. Kennedy, who Farrell describes as a “distributed solar prophet,” is a staunch advocate for solar and supports renewable energy entrepreneurs all over the globe. The two discuss rooftop solar revolutions and the importance of innovation in the energy sector. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/new-energy-nexus-solar-innovation-ler-132/

Voices of 100%: In Case of Emergency, Break Down Barriers to Net Zero — Episode 131 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 12:40:18 -0400

Portland, Ore. may have been the first city in the United States to adopt a carbon reduction strategy, but in January 2020, its smaller neighbor Milwaukie became the first city in Oregon to declare a climate emergency. For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Mayor Mark Gamba and Climate Action and Sustainability Coordinator Natalie Rogers of Milwaukie, Oregon. Gamba and Rogers explain how in the last 18 months, Milwaukie declared a climate emergency, accelerated its climate action goals, and has partnered with its utility to reach them. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/milwaukie-oregon-voices-of-100-podcast/

Greetings From Hawaii, Where Utility Profit Depends on Performance — Episode 130 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 19 May 2021 13:51:03 -0400

In competitive markets, companies do good things to win over new customers. Your monopoly electric utility, on the other hand, needs more motivation to provide what customers want. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Isaac Moriwake, managing attorney of the EarthJustice MidPacific/Hawaii office. Moriwake has been an intervener and advocate for Hawaii’s new performance-based utility regulation framework. Farrell and Moriwake discuss how Hawaii’s take on utility regulation will adjust utility incentives, ultimately saving customer dollars and propelling the transition to clean energy. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/hawaii-performance-based-regulation-ler-130/

How Big Utilities’ Climate Pledges Fall Short — Episode 129 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 05 May 2021 12:47:37 -0400

Can a utility company be carbon neutral by 2050 if it builds a gas plant now? Maybe if it shuts off the gas plant well before its 40 years of useful life are complete, leaving electric customers to pay off millions in debt. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with John Romankiewicz, Senior Analyst for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign. Romankiewicz and the Sierra Club released a report in January scoring utilities on their plans to transition from fossil fuels to clean power. Farrell and Romankiewicz discuss how utilities are doing far too little to retire coal, replace it with renewable energy generation, and fulfill their promises. The two had the conversation for a recent episode of ILSR’s Building Local Power podcast, republished here for Local Energy Rules. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/dirty-truth-utility-climate-pledges-ler-129/

Voices of 100%: Youth Propel a Climate Action Plan in St. Louis Park — Episode 128 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 14:26:30 -0400

St. Louis Park, a Minneapolis suburb of 48 thousand residents, has a clean energy goal rivaling that of its larger neighbor. Will the city’s smaller size help, or hinder, its efforts? For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with St. Louis Park Council Member Larry Kraft and Sustainability Manager Emily Ziring. St. Louis Park, Minn. is committed to carbon neutrality by 2040. Farrell, Kraft, and Ziring discuss the youth organizing that started it all, taking climate action in a small city, and how innovative ideas will help the city reach its goal. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/st-louis-park-minnesota-voices-of-100-podcast/

Community Solar Collective Gives Member-Owners Power — Episode 127 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 11:49:47 -0400

The electricity market is not built for community-focused, small-scale solar developers. To overcome the many barriers they face, cooperative solar developers are banding together in the People’s Solar Energy Fund. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Timothy DenHerder-Thomas, General Manager of Cooperative Energy Futures. The two discuss cooperatively-owned solar development and the People’s Solar Energy Fund, an initiative to pool together community-owned solar developers and scale up community solar nationwide. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/peoples-solar-energy-fund-ler-127/

Connecting Customers to Create a Virtual Power Plant — Episode 126 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 11:31:49 -0400

As our technology gets smarter, will our strategies for electric grid management keep up? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Cisco DeVries, CEO of OhmConnect. OhmConnect tracks its California customers’ energy use and rewards them for saving energy when the electric grid is under stress. Farrell and DeVries discuss OhmConnect’s innovative approach to demand response, the 550 megawatt Resi-Station “virtual power plant,” and the potential for a similar approach across the nation. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/ohmconnect-resi-station-ler-126/

Voices of 100%: Hanover Residents Raise Hands for Renewable Energy — Episode 125 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 10:30:59 -0500

Hosting an in-person community gathering may be unthinkable these days, but that is exactly how Hanover, N.H. endorsed its 100 percent renewable energy goal back in 2017: a show of hands in the high school gymnasium. For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Hanover, N.H. Sustainability Director April Salas. They discuss the importance of coalition building, how to take action in a small town, and slowing down to achieve goals the right way. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/hanover-new-hampshire-voices-of-100-podcast/

Should Big Utilities Pay for Their Bad Choices? — Episode 124 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 10:30:27 -0500

An advocacy group in Boulder, Colo. has made the case for why utilities, not customers, should be responsible for the cost of retiring fossil fuel assets. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Leslie Glustrom, an advocate with Clean Energy Action in Boulder. They discussed Clean Energy Action’s white paper on utility accountability and how we can equitably transition to a clean energy future for a recent episode of ILSR’s Building Local Power podcast, republished here for Local Energy Rules. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/utility-accountability-securitization-ler-124/

Greenpenny Puts Community Banking to Work for Clean Energy — Episode 123 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 11:51:39 -0500

Could your bank account help your neighbor go solar? A new “virtual bank,” started by a bank in Iowa, will pay you interest to invest your deposits in Midwest solar installation. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Greenpenny Vice President Jason MacDuff. Greenpenny, a program started by Decorah Bank & Trust, is a virtual bank that exclusively invests in renewable energy projects. Farrell and MacDuff discuss what’s needed for a prompt clean energy transition, the value of community banks, and the success of the innovative Greenpenny model. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/greenpenny-decorah-ler-123/

Expanding Access to Energy Efficient Appliances — Episode 122 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 10:39:23 -0500

While ENERGY STAR® and other energy efficiency labels are familiar to many, purchasing appliances with energy saving technology is out of reach for many people. In this episode of Local Energy Rules, host John Farrell talks with Marti Frank, principal at Efficiency for Everyone and founder and director of the Shift Consortium. Frank and Farrell discuss the Shift Model: an approach that uses utility rebates to shift home appliance sales to more efficient models. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/frank-shift-model-ler-122/

Minneapolis Health Department Splits the Bill with Green Investors — Episode 121 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 10:30:57 -0500

To invest in energy conservation and clean energy generation is to invest in a healthier community. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell talks with Patrick Hanlon, Director of Environmental Programs for the Minneapolis Health Department. They discuss Green Cost Share: a program that promotes public health by matching investments in solar and energy efficiency projects. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/minneapolis-green-cost-share-ler-121/

A Portland Fund, Collected from Corporations, Finances Community Benefits — Episode 120 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 10:30:25 -0500

In 2018, Portland voters showed their support for a climate action fund. Now, the city works to maintain that community support and involvement as the money is given out. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Jaimes Valdez, a member of the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund startup team. They discuss steps Portland has taken to implement the 2018 ballot initiative and how a climate action fund can serve the community. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/portland-clean-energy-fund-ler-120/

In Seattle, Corporations Must Pay Their Fair Share to Support Climate Justice — Episode 119 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 10:30:40 -0500

In the midst of a global pandemic, online shopping behemoth Amazon has now tripled its quarterly profits. Meanwhile Seattle, the home of Amazon headquarters, suffers from a housing crisis in which the “city is becoming too expensive for nearly half of our population.” For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Jill Mangaliman, Executive Director of Got Green, and Abigail Juaner of Puget Sound Sage. They discussed the Jumpstart Seattle tax — which will help fund housing and Green New Deal initiatives — for a recent episode of ILSR’s Building Local Power podcast, republished here for Local Energy Rules. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/seattle-jumpstart-tax-ler-119/

A Solar Settlement for the Good of the Grid — Episode 118 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 10:30:50 -0500

Getting electricity customer-generators the compensation they deserve has been a battle in many states. Could a settlement between the utility and solar advocates squash net metering conflict for good? For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Thad Culley, Senior Regional Director of the Southeast at Vote Solar. They discuss a novel utility-advocate settlement underway in the Carolinas: a net metering and demand response compromise benefitting the utility, customer-generators, and the electric grid. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/solar-settlement-culley-ler-116/

Voices of 100%: Louisville’s Clean Energy Pledge Takes On Multiple Crises — Episode 117 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:10:10 -0500

Where do local climate and clean energy goals lie in the priority list, when the COVID-19 induced economic crisis and the crisis of racial inequality are so pressing? For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Brandon Coan and Gretchen Milliken. Coan, who helped draft Louisville’s 100% renewable resolution, is a Metro Councilman for the region and Milliken is Director of Advanced Planning and Sustainability. The three met virtually in October to discuss Louisville’s plan for a 100% renewable energy future and how the city’s goal intersects with the fight for racial justice. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/louisville-kentucky-voices-of-100-podcast/

The Post-Election Potential for a 30 Million Solar Home Stimulus — Episode 116 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 18:31:43 -0500

The Nov. 3rd election is behind us, though the votes are still being counted. How will the next presidential administration, whichever that may be, affect the potential for a distributed solar stimulus? For this post-Election Day episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, John Farrell and Katie Kienbaum of ILSR’s Energy Democracy Initiative discuss the intersection between federal policy and 30 Million Solar Rooftops: a vision for equitable economic recovery built on climate protection and energy democracy. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/30-million-solar-rooftops-stimulus-ler-116/

Berkeley Puts Equitable Climate Action on the Ballot — Episode 115 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 09:00:28 -0400

When cities have done their part to power the community with clean electricity, the final push of the clean energy transition rests on individuals. Still, individuals can come together, pass innovative local policy, and hold themselves accountable to a clean and equitable ethos. In this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Ben Paulos of the Berkeley, Calif. Energy Commission. Paulos and the commission have given the community a chance to put its money where its mouth is with a “climate equity action fund” on the ballot this November. Farrell and Paulos discuss how voting yes to Measure HH is a step toward the city’s zero carbon emissions goal — all while centering energy equity. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/berkeley-measurehh-ben-paulos-ler-115/

Voices of 100%: Gainesville’s Utilities Craft Path to Zero Carbon — Episode 114 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 10:21:48 -0400

Florida has been hard hit by the climate change-fueled growth of hurricane season over recent decades. Despite the pressures of disastrous weather and the complications of living in a landlocked part of the state, Gainesville, Fla. leads the way to net zero emissions and 100% renewable energy. In this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Adrian Hayes-Santos, city commissioner of Gainesville, Fla., and Bob Tancig, a local climate advocate working with Citizens Climate Lobby, NAACP, and more. They discuss the city’s efforts to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and their efforts towards 100% renewable municipal energy. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/gainesville-florida-voices-of-100-podcast/

Optimistic Pueblo is Outspent in First Attempt at Utility Takeover — Episode 113 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 08:00:04 -0400

In the journey towards 100% renewable energy, utilities are often the largest variable. In this game of “will they/won’t they,” with the environmental health and economic stability of cities at stake, the push towards a more sustainable future can reveal the ugly face of monopoly utilities. In this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Jamie Valdez about Pueblo, Colo.’s efforts to municipalize. In its push for 100% renewable energy, Pueblo went head to head with a power monopoly and has learned the heavy costs of facing a utility giant. Valdez offers up Pueblo’s story to other municipalization efforts nationwide and speaks of the hope the movement still has. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/pueblo-muni-campaign-jamie-valdez-ler-113/

Voices of 100%: Arkansas City Advances its Energy Action Plan — Episode 112 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 15:56:37 -0400

In January 2018, Fayetteville topped headlines as the first Arkansas city to commit to 100% renewable energy. In less than 2 years, the progress Fayetteville plotted since its initial promise has made those aspirations look like a near-future reality. In this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Mayor Lioneld Jordan and Peter Nierengarten, Environmental Director of Fayetteville’s Sustainability and Resilience Department. They discuss the city’s initial commitment to 100% renewable energy, the detailed Energy Action Plan, and their desire to make Fayetteville a city that future generations can be proud of. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/fayetteville-arkansas-voices-of-100-podcast/

The Secret to Low Cost, Low Carbon Home Heating? Your Water Pipes — Episode 111 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 15:22:15 -0400

Above the earth’s surface, temperatures change with each passing season. Below-surface temperatures remain consistent and can be captured with geothermal systems. An idea has emerged that, using existing water mains, could empower more communities to take advantage of the “earth heat” trapped below. In this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Jay Egg, a geothermal expert, about the potential of minimizing the carbon footprint of heating and cooling buildings by adapting water mains to capture the heat just below the Earth’s surface. They discuss successful geothermal projects in Canada and the triumphs and challenges of projects in the U.S. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/geothermal-jay-egg-ler-episode-111/

Voices of 100%: Midway to Local Goal, Missoula Seeks New Clean Energy — Episode 110 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 16:31:02 -0400

In this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with two important leaders in Missoula, Montana’s efforts to reach 100% renewable energy: City Council President Bryan von Lossberg and Missoula County Commissioner Dave Strohmaier. They discuss the city and county’s joint efforts to achieve their goal, despite the resistance from stubborn utility companies and a lack of legislation. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/missoula-montana-voices-of-100-podcast/

Is Energy Still a “Natural Monopoly”? — Episode 109 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 09:45:27 -0400

In this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, we feature host John Farrell’s interview with Scott Hempling for ILSR’s Building Local Power podcast. Scott Hempling is an author, expert witness, lawyer, and law professor specializing in utility regulatory issues. Their discussion covers the changing ideas around natural monopolies, the consolidation of such monopolies in recent years, and the improvements necessary to modernize the old utility system. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/is-energy-still-a-natural-monopoly-episode-109-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Co-op Power Raises the Bar for Community Solar Nationwide — Episode 108 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 15:05:54 -0400

A concerted effort is growing in the Northeast to address renewable energy goals and make renewable energy accessible to everyone. Co-op Power is on the front lines, coordinating community power and constructing valuable policy resources to change legislation and the lives of many nationwide. In this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Lynn Benander, president of Co-op Power, a platform for cooperative ownership of renewable energy based in the Northeast. They discuss how Co-op Power provides solar access to low-income residents of New York City and other communities and its participation in the People’s Solar Energy Fund, a partnership to make community renewable energy financially attainable everywhere in the United States. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/coop-power-lynn-benander-ler-108/

Can Southern Cities Sever Ties with Tennessee Valley Monopoly? — Episode 107 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:48:48 -0400

Previous energy deserts, like the rural Tennessee Valley, have seen federally-funded utilities turn into state-owned energy monopolies. This limits cities’ abilities to prioritize clean, renewable energy on their own terms. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Maggie Shober, Director of Utility Reform for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. They discuss how the utility provider Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) grew from a federally mandated utility commission to a monopoly in the Southeast and how cities are working to cut ties from TVA’s increasingly unresponsive and restrictive contract system. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/sace-maggie-shober-ler-107/

Voices of 100%: St. Louis Coalition Plans to Put Coal in the Past — Episode 106 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 13:33:03 -0400

Cities are committing to 100% clean, renewable energy regardless of their circumstances. St. Louis, despite hosting the headquarters of two coal giants, has released an ambitious clean electricity plan to help the city reach its goals. For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Reverend Rodrick Burton and Andy Knott, both on the St. Louis Clean Energy Advisory Board. Rev. Burton is the Pastor at New Northside Missionary Baptist Church and Knott is a Senior Campaign Representative for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign. In the episode, Farrell, Burton, and Knott discuss how St. Louis created an inclusive clean energy plan and how the city can get to 100% renewable electricity, despite the dominance of big coal. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/st-louis-missouri-voices-of-100-podcast/

Solar Plus Storage Company Seeks to Disrupt the Status Quo — Episode 105 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 14:51:16 -0400

The global pandemic has put a pause to all kinds of commerce. As wildfire season nears and climate change worsens, are solar and storage companies still preparing communities for the disasters ahead? In this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Anne Hoskins, Chief Policy Officer at Sunrun. They discuss the benefits of distributed energy storage, how the world’s leading solar-plus-storage company is faring in a pandemic, and how effective utility regulation can allow for transformative energy policy. At the time of recording, John Farrell had 10 shares of Sunrun stock worth approximately $130. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/sunrun-anne-hoskins-ler-episode-105/

Voices of 100%: Pandemic Pauses Clean Energy Planning in Georgia

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 20 May 2020 14:48:03 -0400

With city and state budgets stretched to their limits, families struggling to stay afloat, and one all-absorbing crisis on everyone’s mind, can clean energy planning proceed in a pandemic? For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Charles Utley, Associate Director of Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League. With 50 years of grassroots organizing behind him, Utley spearheaded the campaign to commit Augusta, Ga., to 100% clean energy by 2050. Utley talks about his introduction to the zero waste movement, how he convinced the city commission to commit to 100%, and the effects of a global pandemic on city energy planning. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/augusta-georgia-voices-of-100-podcast/

D.C. Neighbors Unite to Fight for Solar Rights for All — Episode 103 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 06 May 2020 10:45:44 -0400

Supporters of clean and affordable energy dream of neighborhoods powered by rooftop solar. In D.C., this vision is becoming reality; the district is en route to 100% renewable energy in just twelve years. In this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Yesenia Rivera of Solar United Neighbors (SUN). Rivera was Director of D.C. SUN, but has now become Director of Energy Equity and Inclusion. Rivera leads Farrell, SUN board member and Minnesota co-op participant, on a deep dive into the mission of Solar United Neighbors. The two also take the time to highlight SUN’s successes in D.C.; the hard-earned results of SUN member and staff advocacy. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/sun-dc-solar-for-all-ler-episode-103/

Voices of 100%: Michigan City Sets Steady Pace to a Clean Electricity Goal — Episode 102 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 17:20:28 -0400

Many cities have already proven the possibility of 100% clean, renewable electricity. For those that are still working towards this goal, patience and persistence are one way to get there. For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Traverse City Light and Power board members Amy Shamroe and Tim Werner. Both are also city commissioners, with Shamroe serving as Mayor Pro Tem. Informed by their experience at the intersection between city government and a city-owned utility, the two describe how Traverse City set a goal of 100% renewable energy and how the utility plans to implement it. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/traverse-city-michigan-voices-of-100-podcast/

Local Energy Production Builds Resiliency in the Bay Area — Episode 101 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 13:37:04 -0400

When communities have choice, they choose their best interest: clean, affordable, and resilient energy systems. In this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Jessie Denver, manager of the Distributed Energy Resources Program at East Bay Community Energy. Denver develops customer-side resiliency programming, including rooftop solar with batteries, for East Bay. Farrell and Denver discuss how distributed energy resources can prepare communities for disaster — and increase resilience after it hits. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/east-bay-community-energy-2-ler-episode-101/

Celebrating 100: A Spotlight on 6 Leaders of 100% Renewable Cities — Episode 100 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 16:07:25 -0400

This week marks a milestone for the Local Energy Rules podcast: 100 episodes. Although the times are grim and uncertain, we hope you take refuge in these visions of a cleaner, more equitable future. For our 100th episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, we compiled a highlight reel from the Voices of 100% series. This episode celebrates five cities that are working toward our vision: community-driven, equitable, 100% renewable energy economies. As the movement grows, there will only be more voices to share. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources, below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/episode-100-voices-of-100-podcast/

In the Wake of Wildfires, California Community Chooses Local Power — Episode 99 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 15:32:52 -0400

Can devastating wildfires and a bankrupt utility disrupt the transition to renewable energy? Not in Northern California, where one county is using community choice to help those affected by public safety power shut offs — and pursue its ambitious energy goals. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Matthew Marshall, Executive Director of Redwood Coast Energy Authority. Redwood Coast is a Community Choice Aggregation entity in Northern California. The two discuss how community choice best serves Humboldt County, setting and achieving ambitious energy goals, and finding local resilience with microgrids. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources, below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/redwood-coast-energy-authority-ler-episode-99/

California Community Ignites Choice Model and Stays in the Driver’s Seat — Episode 98 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 16:29:02 -0500

Despite facing many hurdles, one county in California is pioneering the way to a truly community-determined energy supply. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Jessica Tovar, Coordinator of the East Bay Clean Power Alliance. Tovar and this alliance led the charge to establish a community choice agency in Alameda County. Tovar and Farrell talked in December 2018 about East Bay Community Energy and why local, community-focused energy generation should be the premier goal of renewable energy advocates. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources, below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/east-bay-community-energy-ler-episode-98/

Voices of 100%: A Long Island Town’s Ambitious Plan to Protect its Coast and Procure Clean Energy — Episode 97 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 14:47:21 -0500

Oftentimes, transitioning to renewable energy is one of many competing concerns in a local government body. In one town on Long Island, leaders are finding that their most pressing concerns can be addressed collectively. For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with John Bouvier, a town council member of Southampton, New York. Southampton has committed to source 100% of the town’s electricity from renewable sources by 2025, with an ultimate goal of carbon neutrality by 2040. The two discuss setting ambitious goals, the unique challenges coastal communities face, and how Southampton’s work is driven by both technical experts and community stakeholders. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources, below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/southampton-new-york-voices-of-100-podcast/

Oregon Co-op Law Lets Everyday People Invest in Local Renewable Energy — Episode 96 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 11:36:47 -0500

After a novel cooperative law passed in Oregon, residents can invest in solar on their house of worship, their children’s school, or the neighborhood public library. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Dan Orzech, General Manager of the Oregon Clean Power Cooperative. This co-op, through its novel structure and rules, allows Oregon residents to earn a return by investing in local renewable energy projects. Farrell and Orzech discuss how a renewable energy cooperative operates, the importance of local energy for Oregon, and how this model can spread beyond the state’s boundaries. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources, below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/oregon-clean-power-coop-ler-episode-96/

Community Choice is Just One Strategy for a Sustainable Westchester — Episode 95 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 10:34:21 -0500

New York is one of nine states where communities can choose their own energy supplier through community choice aggregation (CCA). In Westchester County, the non-profit Sustainable Westchester has adopted community choice, along with several other programs, to democratize the local energy system. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Sustainable Westchester’s Nina Orville and Dan Welsh. Orville directs the Heat Smart and community solar programs at Sustainable Westchester, while Welsh directs the Westchester Power program. The three discuss how Westchester Power and the other programs operate, what Sustainable Westchester offers residents, and how local achievement translates to the organization’s own success. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources, below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/westchester-new-york-community-choice-ler-episode-95/

Cooperative Ownership Puts Community Solar in the Community — Episode 94 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 10:00:33 -0500

The community solar model extends the option of clean energy ownership to those without the means or ability to put solar on their own roof. Now, an Oakland, Calif., cooperative plans to use the co-op ownership model to increase access to solar even further, by putting community solar on the roof of one of its members. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Subin DeVar, director of the community renewable energy program at the Sustainable Economies Law Center (SELC) in Oakland, Calif. SELC provides support to the People Power Solar Cooperative, where DeVar also serves as a board member. This solar cooperative completed its first project in March 2019, leveraging the democratic co-op structure to install community solar on members’ own rooftops. Farrell and DeVar discuss how the cooperative was able to navigate over legal barriers, the importance of community ownership, and the potential for this cooperative community solar model to spread nationwide. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources, below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/people-power-solar-coop-ler-episode-94/

Voices of 100%: Climate Justice Plan Upends Typical City Process, Putting Communities First — Episode 93 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 13:19:11 -0500

To reach its climate and energy goals, one Rhode Island city has opted for a climate justice plan in lieu of the typical climate action plan. For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Providence Director of Sustainability Leah Bamberger. Although Providence is not committed to 100 percent clean, renewable energy, it has made a commitment just as ambitious: centering equity on its journey to carbon neutrality and 30% local energy generation. The two discuss the city’s climate justice plan, the necessity of centering frontline communities in decision making, and how energy democracy (see ILSR’s definition) is key to both setting and reaching climate goals. Listen to the full episode to learn about Providence’s new approach to climate goal setting, and explore more highlights and resources, below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/providence-rhodeisland-voices-of-100-podcast/

Island Utility Aims for Two-Thirds Renewable Energy by 2020 — Episode 92 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 10:00:54 -0500

A cooperative utility in Hawaii has reduced its electricity prices, multiplied its renewable energy capacity, and increased its grid resiliency — all without relying on neighboring utilities, because there are none. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with David Bissell, CEO of Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. CEO of the co-op since 2011, Bissell has seen renewable electricity generation grow from 10 to more than 50 percent of the co-op’s electricity use. With more projects in the works, Bissell believes the cooperative utility will soon use 80 percent renewable electricity. The two talk about this achievement, the challenges of operating a utility on an island, and how Kauai stands as a model for others. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources, below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/kauai-two-thirds-renewable-2020-ler-episode-92/

Turkey Talk: Energy Policy and Thanksgiving — Episode 91 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 09:00:43 -0500

What do a failed biomass plant in Minnesota and a ban on gas hookups for new properties in California have in common? Thanksgiving dinner! On this bonus Thanksgiving Day episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with David Morris, ILSR Co-founder and Distinguished Fellow, and Maria McCoy, ILSR Energy Democracy Research Associate. The two interviews cover stories about local energy generation and usage — with a Thanksgiving theme — for ILSR’s Building Local Power podcast, republished here for Local Energy Rules. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources, below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/turkey-talk-thanksgiving-ler91/

Voices of 100%: When 100% Renewable Electricity Isn’t Enough, Burlington Targets Net Zero — Episode 90 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 10:00:08 -0500

More than 100 cities have committed to 100% renewable electricity transitions, with most hoping to get there by 2030 or 2050. Burlington, Vt., already achieved this goal — five years ago. For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with two leaders in Burlington’s completed electricity transition: Mayor Miro Weinberger and Darren Springer, general manager of Burlington Electric. The three talk about why Burlington was able to reach its goal so quickly, how other cities can reach theirs too, and Burlington’s new plan to become a Net Zero Energy city. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources, below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/burlington-vermont-voices-of-100-podcast/

A New Deal for Electric Co-ops: How Members Can Exercise Ownership to Strengthen Democracy — Episode 89 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 15:57:18 -0500

While most Americans get their electricity from a private company, about 1 in 8 Americans actually own their utility as a member-owner of a rural electric cooperative. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Liz Veazey, Network Director of We Own It, and Chris Woolery, Residential Energy Coordinator at the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development. Veazey and Woolery, along with a team organized by the New Economy Coalition, have just released the Rural Electric Cooperative Toolkit. This toolkit opens with this statement: “You have a voice in your electric cooperative. Here’s how to use it.” In the interview, Veazey and Woolery talk about the wealth of knowledge found in the toolkit and why members need these organizing strategies to make cooperative electric companies more responsive to their communities’ interests. Listen to the full episode and explore more resources, below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/rural-electric-coop-toolkit-ler-episode-89/

Voices of 100%: Colorado Town’s Residents and Businesses Join Forces for Clean Energy — Episode 88 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 11:53:26 -0400

Colorado, a long-time hub of hiking and skiing, has become the unexpected hub of clean energy commitments. In a swing state often divided over political issues, what makes renewable energy so popular? For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Lissa Ray and Monique DiGiorgio about Durango, Colo.’s recent commitment to 100% renewable electricity by 2050. Ray, a climate activist, organized the residents of Durango as the point person for the Sierra Club. DiGiorgio, Managing Director of Local First in La Plata County, rallied local businesses for the cause. Farrell asks the two for lessons learned through their work on Durango’s Ready for 100 campaign, the benefits of making the commitment in rural Colorado, and advice for other organizers looking to do the same. Listen to the full episode to learn what cities served by rural electric cooperatives can do to strengthen democracy in their community, and explore more highlights and resources, below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/durango-colorado-voices-of-100-podcast/

Evaluating the Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership, Five Years In — Bonus Episode of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 10:01:09 -0400

The city of Minneapolis, and utilities Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy, established the first-of-its-kind clean energy partnership on October 17th, 2014. Five years have passed, so it’s time to evaluate: does this anniversary deserve a celebration? In this bonus episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Minneapolis City Council member Cam Gordon. Farrell and Gordon, with help from Alice Madden of Community Power, talk about what the clean energy partnership has —and has not— accomplished since 2014. Listen to the full interview, read the transcript, and explore other resources below — including ILSR’s coverage of the partnership over the years. https://ilsr.org/articles/minneapolis-cep-fifth-anniversary-ler-bonus/

Why Gas Has to Go – And How Cities Can Show it the Door — Episode 87 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 09:46:35 -0400

In a revolutionary city ordinance, Berkeley, Calif. set a higher standard for health and safety in thousands of homes. By banning natural gas hook-ups to new buildings effective January 1, Berkeley will lower the cost of new buildings, improve the lives of residents, and clean up the climate for all. In this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Kate Harrison, City Council member for Berkeley, Calif., and Sean Armstrong, Zero Net Energy Designer and Managing Principal at Redwood Energy. The three discuss how Berkeley was able to pass this ordinance, and the benefits it will bring, for a recent episode of ILSR’s Building Local Power podcast— republished here for Local Energy Rules. Listen to the full interview, read the transcript, and explore other resources below. https://ilsr.org/articles/berkeley-gas-ban-ler-episode-87/

Voices of 100%: South Carolina City Tries Green Energy in a Red State – Episode 86 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 14:57:45 -0400

Residents of South Carolina are already facing the effects of climate change, but at least one of their leaders is determined to take action to mitigate future catastrophic disasters. For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Mayor Stephen Benjamin of Columbia, SC. A third term mayor and co-chair of the Sierra Club’s Mayors for 100% Clean Energy, Benjamin led Columbia to a 100% renewable energy commitment. The two discuss the importance of local initiative, taking action on climate in the South, and how to ensure that a clean energy transition benefits everyone. Listen to the full episode to hear about local action in Columbia, and explore more highlights and resources, below — including a transcript and written summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/columbia-south-carolina-voices-of-100-podcast/

From the Archive: South Miami, a Bright Spot for Solar in the Sunshine State – Episode 85 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 11:41:11 -0400

In Southern Florida, utilities relax after escaping the brunt of Hurricane Dorian’s destruction. Other areas, like Abaco and Grand Bahama Islands, weren’t so lucky. The growing threat of large storms poses a question for coastal communities: what kind of energy system will be most resilient? Although it wasn’t tested by this most recent storm, our podcast guest has been pushing for distributed energy systems to build resiliency for his Florida community. For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, we reach into the archive to a conversation between host John Farrell and South Miami Mayor Philip Stoddard. In the episode, published April of 2018, the two discuss combatting monopoly utility power through local efforts to implement solar in South Miami. Since the episode, many of Mayor Stoddard’s endeavors have produced results. In March, Stoddard showed that energy independence was possible by taking his home off the grid and running on his own solar and battery storage for seven days. Then, in May, the City Commission made a commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2040. Listen to the episode to hear about Stoddard and South Miami’s efforts that led to these achievements, and explore highlights and resources, below — including a transcript of the conversation and more updates since the interview took place. https://ilsr.org/articles/philip-stoddard-episode-85-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Voices of 100%: Will Oklahoma Cities Follow Norman’s Lead to Renewable Energy? — Episode 84 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 14:42:08 -0400

Can new leadership send a southern city on its way to 100% renewable energy? For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Breea Clark, mayor of Norman, Oklahoma. Clark has only just become the mayor of Norman, but she is all in on 100% renewable energy. The two discuss why acting at the local level is so important, along with the tools that Norman has to advance its ambitious goal. Listen to the full episode to learn how Norman is taking action to support local, clean energy, and explore more highlights and resources, below — including a transcript and summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/norman-ok-voices-of-100-podcast/

The Environment, The Economy, and Equity – Episode 83 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 11:00:43 -0400

What exactly is energy democracy, and how will we achieve it? The Institute for Local Self-Reliance is seeking an answer to this complex question, but we are far from the only folks doing so. ILSR shares this space with the Energy Democracy Project, which came together in 2016. With editors Denise Fairchild and Al Weinrub, they published a book on the subject in 2017, Energy Democracy: Advancing Equity in Clean Energy Solutions. The book illustrates what energy democracy looks like in practice. On this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Denise Fairchild, President of the Emerald Cities Collaborative, about Energy Democracy. As co-editor of the book, Fairchild helps explain the concept of energy democracy to Farrell for a recent episode of ILSR’s Building Local Power podcast, republished in a slightly shorter version for Local Energy Rules. https://ilsr.org/articles/the-environment-the-economy-and-equity-denise-fairchild-ler-83/

Voices of 100%: Cleveland Commits to Clean and Equitable Energy – Episode 82 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 15:33:00 -0400

Cleveland was once the center of the oil refining industry – and the environmental pollution that accompanied it. Can an economy born of fossil fuels rise from the ashes, promote renewables, and proceed to an equitable and clean-powered future? For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell spoke with Jocelyn Travis, Campaign Manager for the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 campaign in Cleveland. The two met in Milwaukee at the RE-AMP annual meeting to discuss Cleveland’s landmark commitment to 100% and how the city can make it to this goal in an equitable way. Listen to the full episode to learn how Travis and the Ready for 100 network are taking action to support local, clean energy, and explore more highlights and resources, below — including a transcript and written summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/cleveland-ohio-voices-of-100-podcast/

Lights Out? Not for This Michigan City – Episode 81 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:00:24 -0400

In 2011, the neighborhoods of Highland Park, Mich. went dark. The utility company had repossessed streetlights to collect on the city’s debt. Unwilling to stand idly by, the people of Highland Park organized to light the streets themselves using off-grid, renewable energy. In this episode of Local Energy Rules, host John Farrell speaks with Maria Thomas, Outreach and Organizing Coordinator for Soulardarity. The two discussed energy democracy, and Soulardarity’s work in Highland Park, live in Milwaukee at the RE-AMP annual meeting. Highland Park, home to the first Ford Model-T assembly line, is suffering from economic downturn. As industry departed, the Detroit suburb shrank – along with its tax base. This left the city indebted to the monopoly utility company, DTE energy. To collect on this debt, without any notice, the utility pulled more than a thousand streetlights from residential areas. Listen to the episode to hear how the community fought back against monopoly power, and see the episode notes and transcript below for more. https://ilsr.org/articles/solar-streetlights-soulardarity-maria-thomas-ler-81/

Voices of 100%: Can Philadelphia and its Suburbs Revolutionize Their Local Energy System? — Episode 80 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 11:00:35 -0400

What gives the suburbs of Philadelphia an edge over the central city in making commitments to 100% renewable energy? For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Meenal Raval, a leader in the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 campaign in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Thanks to organizing from this campaign, 16 suburbs surrounding Philadelphia have made formal, community-wide commitments to transition to 100% renewable energy. Despite its revolutionary roots, however, the core city has not yet set a citywide commitment. This conversation digs into what actions and policies are needed to implement local clean energy solutions that will help Philadelphia and communities in the larger metropolitan region gain independence from dirty energy and an incumbent, centralized utility model. https://ilsr.org/articles/philadelphia-pa-voices-of-100-podcast/

Voices of 100%: Small Iowa Town Pushes for Energy Independence — Episode 79 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 12:33:26 -0400

How does a small city in southeastern Iowa plan to achieve energy independence and join the more than 100 cities across the country that are working toward ambitious goals to generate their electricity from renewable resources? For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell spoke with Chris Ball, Community Development Director for the town of Bloomfield, Iowa. Bloomfield is a small town in southeastern Iowa with a population of about 2,600 people, aging homes, and its own municipal electric and gas utilities. At the urging of the town’s residents, Bloomfield is now pursuing ways to expand energy independence and reduce their reliance on imported energy by investing in solar, energy efficiency, and more. Listen to the full episode to learn how the town is taking action to support local, clean energy, and explore more highlights and resources, below — including a transcript and written summary of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/bloomfield-iowa-voices-of-100-podcast/

Using Disaster to Build a New, (d)emocratic Energy Paradigm — Episode 78 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 11:25:26 -0400

Can an island economy overcome hurricane devastation to seize the opportunity for energy democracy? Ingrid Vila is an engineer and director of Cambio, a Puerto Rico based nonprofit. In a coalition called Queremos Sol – we want sun – Ingrid works with many other organizations on the island and off to prioritize community-owned, local renewable energy. Nearly two years after Hurricane Maria destroyed the island’s electrical grid, an influx of federal recovery dollars may provide the catalyst to rebuild the island’s economy by reimagining its grid, starting with solar on rooftops and local energy storage. In this May 2019 interview, ILSR’s Director of Energy Democracy, John Farrell, and Ingrid discussed the enormous opportunity, and the pitfalls the island must avoid to seize its chance for energy democracy. Listen to this conversation and explore more highlights and resources, below — including a transcript. https://ilsr.org/articles/using-disaster-to-build-a-new-democratic-energy-paradigm-episode-78-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

A Local First Approach to Rebuilding Puerto Rico’s Electricity System — Episode 77 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 23 May 2019 10:43:07 -0400

How can an island rebuild its electric grid in a way that boosts the local economy? In September 2017, Hurricane Maria caused a devastating and historic blackout in Puerto Rico. The months of efforts to reconnect customers were hampered by the public utility’s bankruptcy, and control of the island’s financials by a federal oversight board. Marcel Castro Sitiriche, Professor of electrical engineering and Co-director of Cohemis at the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez, joined me in April 2019, to discuss the limits of the island’s resilience, and what it can do to rebuild better for everyone. https://ilsr.org/articles/rebuilding-puerto-rico-electricity-episode-77-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Voices of 100%: Youth Push Small Minnesota Town to Act on Changing Climate and Invest in Local, Renewable Energy — Episode 76 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 09 May 2019 08:04:05 -0400

How can a small town in Minnesota on the North Shore of Lake Superior match the ambition of large cities like Minneapolis or San Diego in the quest for 100% renewable energy? For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell spoke with Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux, mayor of Grand Marais, Minnesota. Grand Marais is a small community of roughly 1300 people, whose climate commitments were driven by activism among the town’s youth. With a city-owned utility, Grand Marais is now charting a course to reduce their reliance on imported energy while reducing their carbon footprint. Listen to the full episode to learn how the town is taking action to support local, clean energy, and explore more highlights and resources, below — including a transcript of the conversation. https://ilsr.org/articles/grand-marais-minn-voices-of-100-podcast/

From the Archive: A David and Goliath Fight to Tap World Class Solar — Episode 75 of Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 12:01:42 -0400

In early 2014, John Farrell, director of ILSR’s Energy Democracy initiative, hosted a conversation with Mariel Nanasi, executive director of New Energy Economy, about how the city of Santa Fe’s incumbent and monopoly electric utility Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) was failing to take advantage of the city’s abundant local, solar resources, while residents pushed the city and utility to implement more local climate solutions and distributed solar. Today, New Energy Economy and residents of Santa Fe continue to push for local, clean energy and greater control over the city’s energy future. Still, their earlier efforts outlined in this episode reveal important strategies communities can take organize a campaign for public ownership. Listen to this episode, and explore more highlights and resources, below — including a transcript of the conversation and more updates about what has happened in Santa Fe between then and now. https://ilsr.org/articles/archive-rerelease-mariel-nanasi-sante-fe-solar-episode-75-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Why Garbage Incinerators Are A Bad Deal For Communities — Episode 74 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 07:12:59 -0400

Why are garbage incinerators such a bad deal for communities? In this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell speaks with Marie Donahue, ILSR researcher, and Neil Seldman, Director of ILSR’s Waste to Wealth Initiative, about the harmful impacts of burning trash to generate electricity. The three spoke for a recent episode of the Institute’s Building Local Power podcast, reproduced here. The conversation dives into ILSR’s late-2018 report Waste Incineration: A Dirty Secret in How States Define Renewable Energy, highlights the harmful impacts of burning trash to generate electricity, and outlines what steps cities like Baltimore are taking to shut down these dirty facilities and build a healthier, local clean energy future. https://ilsr.org/articles/garbage-incinerators-episode-74-local-energy-rules-podcast/

A Massachusetts Town Realizes a Community Vision to Transition from Coal to Sol — Episode 73 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 10:02:45 -0400

How can a community close a coal plant and produce clean electricity, respect the needs of its community members, and provide a just transition for power plant workers? A successful, multi-year campaign by community members in Holyoke, Mass., to address air pollution and related public health impacts from the coal-fired Mount Tom Power Station and push for clean energy provides a powerful model. As a new video about this campaign by the Toxics Action Center shows, community efforts were instrumental in closing the nearby plant. The campaign didn’t stop there, however. It pushed for initiatives to help plant workers transition into new careers or retirement and to develop a new solar and energy storage facility to replace the plant. In this episode of Local Energy Rules, ILSR’s Energy Democracy Initiative director John Farrell digs into this story with Lena Entin, deputy director of the Toxics Action Center and board member (as well as former community organizer) of the grassroots, Latinx-led economic justice organization Neighbor to Neighbor. Working in close partnership, Neighbor to Neighbor members and the Toxics Action Center built and supported this community-driven campaign that provides important lessons and inspiration to other communities fighting to transform the energy system. Listen to the episode, read a summary, and explore resources including a transcript of the conversation, below. https://ilsr.org/articles/community-vision-transition-coal-sol-holyoke-mass-lena-entin-ler-73/

Don’t-Miss Opportunity for Local Choice in Landmark Carbon-Free Bills — Episode 72 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 12:23:22 -0500

Clean energy policy is sweeping the states in 2019, with numerous bills setting targets of 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050. While these climate-friendly policy proposals have many advocates excited, some utility companies also see them as a golden opportunity. With advocates laser-focused on climate instead of how renewable energy is deployed and by whom, utility shareholders can win rich rewards by locking in ownership of billions of dollars of new clean energy infrastructure at a hefty price premium to customers. Mariel Nanasi, executive director of New Energy Economy in New Mexico, joined ILSR’s Director of Energy Democracy, John Farrell, in March 2019, for a new episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, to discuss the state’s proposed Energy Transition Act and its big giveaways to one of New Mexico’s incumbent monopoly utilities, PNM. The two also discussed the pitfalls of state policy that ignores how rooftop solar and other distributed energy offer huge opportunities to share the wealth of a climate-friendly energy system. Listen to the episode, and explore highlights and resources including a transcript of the conversation, below. https://ilsr.org/articles/local-choice-carbon-free-bills-mariel-nanasi-ler-72/

Voices of 100%: Boulder Takes Bold Steps to Support Local Renewable Energy — Episode 71 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 15:46:23 -0500

The city of Boulder, Colo., is one of more than 100 cities across the country that has adopted an ambitious goal to transition to one hundred percent renewable energy. A small city on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder has long been a national leader in the pursuit of clean and renewable energy and made a community-wide commitment in 2016 to supply all of its electricity from renewable sources by the year 2030. For this episode of our Voices of 100% series of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell spoke with Jonathan Koehn, Boulder’s Regional Sustainability Director, in September 2018 to learn more about what has motivated the city’s commitment to renewable energy and what strategies it is pursuing to ensure a vibrant, local, and resilient clean energy future. https://ilsr.org/articles/boulder-colo-voices-of-100-podcast/

Planning for Local Energy and Climate Action in Minneapolis — Episode 70 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 08:15:34 -0500

In the face of gridlock and inaction at state and federal levels, what tools do cities have to take the lead on local, renewable energy? In this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, John Farrell, director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance’s Energy Democracy Initiative, is joined by Minneapolis City Councilmember Jeremy Schroeder, who has been a vocal leader in city hall on local energy and climate solutions. The two spoke for a recent episode of the Institute’s Building Local Power podcast, which we have recut here, to highlight the city’s unique partnership with its incumbent utility and what other tools the city is using to address climate change locally. https://ilsr.org/articles/jeremy-schroeder-episode-70-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Small Minnesota Community Faces David v. Goliath Negotiation for Community Solar — Episode 69 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 11:22:33 -0500

What does it take to build a community solar project (with battery storage) in a small town in northern Minnesota when the monopoly wholesale energy company tells your small city-owned utility to “lawyer up”? Bill Schnell is the lead volunteer with the Itasca Clean Energy Team, a small group of active citizens in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, working to secure a community solar project for the town. He spoke with John Farrell, ILSR’s director of energy democracy, in January 2019, about building community support for the project and overcoming the objections of Minnesota Power, the electricity supplier to the small town’s city-owned utility. https://ilsr.org/articles/small-minn-community-david-v-goliath-community-solar-episode-69-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Voices of 100%: Midwestern City Pressures Incumbent Utility to Clean Up Its Act — Episode 68 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 12:23:39 -0500

The city of Madison, capital of Wisconsin and sustainability leader in the Midwest, is one of more than 100 cities across the country committing to shift to 100 percent renewable power. But with a hometown utility––investor-owned electric company Madison Gas & Electric––that produces three-quarters of its electricity from coal, it’s path is steeper than most. Local leader Raj Shukla, chair of the city’s Sustainable Madison Committee and candidate in the city’s spring mayoral election, spoke with John Farrell in August 2018, to discuss the city’s push to carbon-free power. In this episode of Voices of 100%, Shukla and Farrell discuss how the relationship between the city and its utility evolved and specific strategies that will help the city reach its ambitious goal. https://ilsr.org/articles/madison-wis-voices-of-100-podcast/

A ‘Year of 100’ for Local, Renewable Energy in 2018 — Episode 67 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 08:30:44 -0500

Co-director of ILSR and Energy Democracy initiative director John Farrell and research associate Marie Donahue sat down before the winter break to reflect on what they are describing as the “Year of 100” — a landmark year for 100 percent renewable energy commitments in 2018. In this special year-end episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, Farrell and Donahue recap the many ambitious renewable energy commitments made by states, utilities, and cities, this year. The two discuss what we can learn from these resolutions and how to ensure benefits from the clean energy transition remain both local and equitable. Tune in for highlights from 2018 and a lively discussion about what is on horizon for local, renewable energy in 2019. Find a transcript and summary of the conversation below. https://ilsr.org/articles/year-of-100-local-renewable-energy-2018-episode-67-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Two Rural Electric Cooperatives Overcome Barriers to Clean, Local Energy — Episode 66 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 18:38:46 -0500

Rural communities formed rural electric cooperatives as a way to get energy where no one else would provide it. In the 21st century, some cooperatives have found an additional economic benefit in pursuing local renewable energy. In the cases of Farmers Electric Cooperative in Iowa and Kit Carson Electric Cooperative in New Mexico, it’s a desire that’s risen from the member-owners up to the leadership. In this episode of Local Energy Rules (recorded in mid-2018), John Farrell and a few listeners ask questions of the manager and CEO of each cooperative: Warren McKenna of Farmers Electric Cooperative and Luis Reyes of Kit Carson Electric Cooperative. These cooperatives have jumped far ahead of their peers in pursuing clean, local energy in a win-win for the cooperative and its members. https://ilsr.org/articles/rural-electric-co-ops-overcome-barriers-to-clean-local-energy-episode-66-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Voices of 100%: Abita Springs Fights for Community Solar in Louisiana — Episode 65 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 17:52:54 -0500

Nearly 100 U.S. cities have formally adopted ambitious commitments to power their communities with 100 percent renewable energy by deadlines set in the 2030s or beyond. Among those communities, many large cities have made high-profile commitments and garnered significant media attention. Fewer small communities are well-known for setting these goals. Abita Springs, however, has claimed the title of the first community in Louisiana and among a select number of towns its size nationwide committed to a 100% renewable energy future. Located in St. Tammany Parish, the community is home to only a few thousand people. Following successful organizing efforts by the volunteer-led Abita Committee for Energy Sustainability (ACES) in collaboration with and supported by the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 campaign team, Abita Springs’ mayor and town council unanimously adopted a resolution in 2017 to provide the city with electricity from renewable sources by 2030. In our sixth Voices of 100% episode as part of the Local Energy Rules podcast, LeAnn Magee, who serves as chair of ACES, speaks with co-director of ILSR and Energy Democracy initiative director John Farrell about Abita Springs’ motivations for and approach to reaching its 100% renewable energy goal, starting with municipal buildings and community solar. https://ilsr.org/articles/abita-springs-la-voices-of-100-podcast/

Solar Co-ops Support Clean Energy Advances in D.C. — Episode 64 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 11:00:17 -0500

How does a growing, national nonprofit organization help homeowners complete the circle between clean energy ownership and policy advocacy? ILSR’s Energy Democracy Initiative director John Farrell talks with Anya Schoolman of Solar United Neighbors in this October 2018 recording about two major clean energy policies before the Washington, D.C., city council. Support for the policies comes from the advocacy efforts of many residents enabled by Solar United Neighbors to become solar owners by banding together, a model that has spread to over 10 states. https://ilsr.org/articles/solar-co-ops-support-clean-energy-advances-in-d-c-episode-64-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Voices of 100%: Will Portland Voters Opt for New Equitable Clean Energy Fund? — Episode 63 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 12:49:34 -0400

More than 80 U.S. cities have now made commitments to reach 100 percent renewable energy with deadlines set in the 2030s or beyond. Of these, few have secured ambitious policies and funding sources that will help them reach these goals and center equity in the decision-making process, however. A unique campaign in Portland, Oregon, illustrates a new tool for cities considering a transition to 100 percent renewable energy. In our fifth episode of Voices of 100%, a multi-part series of Local Energy Rules, Alan Hipólito, director of Verde, a local environmental and social justice nonprofit organization based in Portland, Ore., speaks with co-director of ILSR and Energy Democracy initiative director John Farrell about the Portland Clean Energy Initiative, a ballot measure coming in this November’s midterm elections. On November 6th, voters in Portland will decide the fate of this “first-of-its-kind“ initiative. The proposed policy could raise $30 million annually through a surcharge levied on big business to help the city fight climate change and transition to 100 percent renewable energy. Verde, a local, grassroots nonprofit organization “by and of low income communities” where Hipólito works, is located in the Cully neighborhood on the northeast side of Portland, Oregon. The communities Verde serves, along with a large and diverse coalition of partners, have led an impressive campaign to support local, renewable energy citywide — one that presents a unique opportunity for Portland to fund the city’s transition to clean energy and center racial and economic equity in the process. https://ilsr.org/articles/portland-ore-voices-of-100-podcast/

Voices of 100%: Atlanta Works Toward Clean Energy for All — Episode 62 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 16:50:49 -0400

Over 80 U.S. cities have now made commitments to reach 100 percent renewable energy with deadlines set in the 2030s or beyond. Though not all have considered which implementation strategies, including both policies and programs, will help them reach these goals. With a population of close to 500,000 people, Atlanta is the economic center of one of the country’s largest metropolitan areas and the largest city in the state of Georgia. It is also a regional leader in the pursuit of clean energy, making its pledge in 2017 to transition to 100 percent renewable energy in both its municipal operations and citywide by 2035. Since Atlanta made its formal commitment to renewable energy, the city’s Office of Resilience has worked with local partners to assess the city’s current energy outlook, engaged countless community members and groups, and developed a Clean Energy Atlanta Plan, detailing possible implementation strategies to reach its goal. Megan O’Neil is the Energy Programs Manager for the City of Atlanta, where she coordinates energy programming and policy on behalf of the city. During the fourth episode in our multi-part Voices of 100% podcast series, O’Neil spoke with ILSR’s Energy Democracy director, John Farrell about Atlanta’s 100 percent commitment and which strategies it plans to implement to achieve its goal. https://ilsr.org/articles/atlanta-georgia-voices-of-100-podcast/

Voices of 100%: San Diego’s Pathway Forward — Episode 61 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 15:08:29 -0400

Over 70 cities have made commitments to reach 100 percent renewable energy, but only a few have made substantial progress toward achieving these goals that often have deadlines set in the 2030’s or beyond. With a population of just over 1.4 million people, San Diego, the country’s eighth largest city and the second largest in California, is also one of the largest to make a pledge to transition to 100 percent renewable energy. Drawing on a unique policy tool allowing cities to choose their electricity supply and the area’s enviably abundant solar resources, San Diego is well on its way to developing a clear pathway for how to reach its goal. Cody Hooven is the Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of San Diego, where she coordinates sustainability planning and policy, with emphasis on economic development. During the third episode in our multi-part Voices of 100% podcast series, Hooven recently spoke with ILSR’s Energy Democracy director, John Farrell about San Diego’s 100 percent pledge and the steps the city has taken toward fulfilling it. https://ilsr.org/articles/san-diego-california-voices-of-100-podcast/

Voices of 100%: Shifting the Paradigm toward Renewable Power in Pueblo, Colo. — Episode 60 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 10:35:43 -0400

As a growing number of U.S. cities make commitments to reach 100 percent renewable electricity, how are cities making plans to achieve these goals? In our second episode of Voices of 100%, a multi-part series of Local Energy Rules, John Farrell interviews city council member Larry Atencio from Pueblo, Colo., about the ambitious goal the city has made to shift to 100 percent renewable power.

A New Credit Union Aims to Lower the Cost of Clean Energy — Episode 59 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 10:56:32 -0400

What if your savings account could enable clean energy investments from insulation to solar to electric vehicles? Starting this summer it can. Blake Jones is the Volunteer Board Chair of the newly launched Clean Energy Credit Union. The brainchild of Amicus Solar, an installer cooperative, the online-only Clean Energy Credit Union is dedicated to financing the clean energy future. It provides loans for home insulation, solar, electric vehicles, and electric bikes and more. Its nonprofit mission is to illustrate that money-saving clean energy investments should get low-cost financing. John Farrell, director of the Energy Democracy Initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, spoke with Blake in July 2018 about the launch of the Clean Energy Credit Union. https://ilsr.org/a-new-credit-union-aims-to-lower-the-cost-of-clean-energy-episode-59-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Voices of 100%: Mayor Dale Ross on Georgetown’s Successful Switch to Renewable Power — Episode 58 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 10:59:35 -0400

Across the country, more than 50 cities of all sizes have adopted goals to generate 100% of their electricity from renewable resources. While the growing number of these commitments is an encouraging sign, few cities have created a clear pathway to achieve their goals. To learn more, we started asking folks why these commitments matter and how cities will follow through on their promise to transform the local energy system. You are listening to an episode of Voices of 100%, a new multi-part series from the Institute for Local Self Reliance’s Local Energy Rules podcast, where we’re speaking with local leaders from across the country to understand their reasons for pursuing a 100% renewable energy goal, how their city plans to achieve that goal and what these visionaries see as the future of local, renewable energy. https://ilsr.org/articles/georgetown-texas-voices-of-100-podcast/

Community Solar With an Equity Lens: Generating Electricity and Jobs in North Minneapolis — Episode 57 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 14:24:58 -0400

Shiloh Temple, a church two miles from downtown Minneapolis, serves more than just the spiritual needs of the community. After a recent update to its roof, this church in North Minneapolis now serves some of the community’s energy needs, as well. The church roof is covered with solar panels that Cooperative Energy Futures, an energy efficiency and community-owned clean energy cooperative, designed as the first of their many community solar projects. At 200 kilowatts, these panels will power the temple and 20 homes that have subscribed to the project. Plus, thanks to the vision of Cooperative Energy Futures, the panels have done more than provide a source of clean energy — they have created jobs, trained local workers for these jobs, and above all, they tell an inspiring story about the power of democratizing our energy system. In May, John Farrell visited the solar garden and interviewed Timothy DenHerder-Thomas, general manager of Cooperative Energy Futures. The two discussed final stages of the project, the justice perspective that makes it unique, and other projects Cooperative Energy Futures has lined up. https://ilsr.org/articles/community-solar-equity-ler-episode-57/

Ohio Residents Exercise Community Choice to Bill Themselves for Public Solar — Episode 56 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 13:20:16 -0400

As consumers, we all want choice: the freedom to decide our own best interests and where our dollars go. In the energy sector, however, there are not always options to choose from. Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) frees communities to collectively choose their energy supplier. In Ohio, one city is stretching its freedom to choose even further. Residents of Athens, Ohio, just passed a carbon fee ballot initiative that will add 0.2 cents per kilowatt hour to electricity costs for CCA members. This first-of-its-kind carbon fee proposal, drafted by the non-profit UpGrade Ohio, will support installation of solar on public buildings and provide more resources for public investment. In 2017, the city of Athens published the Athens Sustainability Action Plan. It includes concrete and immediate goals for sustainability, such as reducing residential/municipal energy use 20% by the year 2020. Supporters believe the carbon fee will contribute to this goal, as well as driving investment in renewables. On this episode of Local Energy Rules, Director of the Energy Democracy Initiative John Farrell speaks with UpGrade Ohio’s information and outreach director Mathew Roberts. As part of the group that designed the carbon fee initiative, Roberts was eager to talk about this and other community-led energy initiatives in Athens. https://ilsr.org/articles/ohio-community-choice-ler-episode-56/

From the Archive: Anya Schoolman, Executive Director of Solar United Neighbors — Episode 55 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 10:38:35 -0400

In 2013, we hosted an inaugural conversation with Anya Schoolman about her neighborhood solar project then called the Mount Pleasant Solar Cooperative, and the early stages of her journey fighting for local climate solutions and distributed solar. Back then, the cooperative Schoolman helped organize was already known nationwide for helping dozens of homeowners work together to go solar in their Washington, D.C., neighborhood by establishing group or bulk purchasing programs, for example, while simultaneously organizing these residents to fight for better solar policies. https://ilsr.org/articles/from-the-archive-anya-schoolman-executive-director-of-solar-united-neighbors-episode-55-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Ballot Initiative Shapes Iowa Town’s Fight for Local Power — Episode 54 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 07:30:01 -0400

In 30 states, communities and individuals have no choice for their electricity provider. Instead, states have granted monopolies to electric companies in exchange for sometimes inadequate oversight of public regulatory commissions. As a final accountability check, however, cities have often retained the power to take over the utility and run it as a public service. Andy Johnson and Joel Zook with Decorah Power, an effort in the small town of Decorah, Iowa to put the public back in public utility. https://ilsr.org/articles/ballot-initiative-shapes-iowa-towns-fight-for-local-power-episode-54-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

South Miami: A Bright Spot for Solar in Sunshine State — Episode 53 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 10:30:43 -0400

For this episode of Local Energy Rules, we head to the archive, replaying our interview with South Miami mayor Philip Stoddard. In this conversation from April 2018, we discussed South Miami’s fight for renewable energy against a resistant monopoly utility and Stoddard’s own drive to lead by example with solar. Since the episode aired, Mayor Stoddard made the news by doing exactly as he set out to do years ago: taking himself off the grid and proving that solar works in Florida. Using his rooftop solar, electric car, and two Tesla Powerwall batteries, Stoddard went off the grid for a week in March of 2019. Stoddard is walking the walk, not only for the economic benefits of energy independence, but also for the security it provides during hurricane season. https://ilsr.org/articles/south-miami-a-bright-spot-for-solar-in-sunshine-state-episode-53-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Getting San Diego Ready for 100% Renewable Energy — Episode 52 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 12:44:07 -0400

More than 50 U.S. cities have made commitments to reach 100 percent renewable electricity, many inspired by Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 campaign and the cost-effectiveness of solar and wind power. But how do communities build the political will to adopt such goals, and how do they plan to meet them? In San Diego, the answer to both is the exercise of local authority. In particular, the city is taking advantage of the state’s community choice energy law to take over selecting where the city’s residents and businesses get their electricity. Nicole Capretz is the executive director of the Climate Action Campaign and former staffer to the San Diego mayor during the creation of the city’s climate action plan. Capretz recently spoke with ILSR’s director of Energy Democracy, John Farrell, about the city’s adoption of a 100% renewable electricity goal, and the struggle against the incumbent electric utility company for control of the journey toward that goal. https://ilsr.org/articles/getting-san-diego-ready-for-100-renewable-energy-episode-52-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Video: How Communities Use Clean Energy to Build Local Power – Alternative Energy Resources Expo

Local Energy Rules — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 16:30:25 -0500

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. https://ilsr.org/articles/video-how-communities-use-clean-energy-to-build-local-power-alternative-energy-resources-expo/

Electric Vehicles Unlock Local Energy Benefits, Deliver Cost Savings — Episode 51 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 14:14:59 -0500

It’s no secret that electric vehicles have gone mainstream. From quarter to quarter, U.S. sales numbers consistently hover near or above record levels. Cities are trading in their gas-powered fleet vehicles and buses. And major auto manufacturers are planning for an electrified future. But the shift toward electric vehicles means more than cleaner, greener transportation. It offers an opportunity to build out new infrastructure in a way that supports local economies and a pathway to bolstering local renewable energy, all while generating meaningful cost savings for drivers nationwide. https://ilsr.org/articles/local-energy-benefits-electric-vehicles-episode-51-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

In Small-Town Iowa, a Movement to Own the Future — Episode 50 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 11:00:33 -0400

A citizen-led effort to establish in a city-run electric utility in the small northeast Iowa community of Decorah is picking up steam, with advocates — including some local officials — forecasting significant local economic growth powered by the transition. Decorah, with about 8,000 residents, is tucked in the northwest corner of Iowa just south of the Minnesota border. It’s best known as home to Luther College, but as in the rest of the region, the agriculture industry is also significant. Decorah also has a rich tradition of self-reliance, including when it comes to the energy economy. Decorah Power, the group behind the municipalization push, estimates that as much as $100 million in countywide energy spending funnels out of the community each year to the existing investor-owned utility, located some 150 miles away in Madison, WI. A locally run utility would ensure those resources instead remain in the local economy, while also providing a path to a more dynamic clean energy future. https://ilsr.org/articles/in-small-town-iowa-a-movement-to-own-the-future-episode-50-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Declare Energy Independence with Solar (Just Shop Around First) — Episode 49 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 12:00:10 -0400

The combination of falling prices and rising interest put rooftop solar on a strong trajectory. But even as solar goes mainstream, it’s tough for consumers to tell which installer, which panels, and which financing is right for them. There has been little transparency in solar pricing, and consumers without technical expertise have a tough time shopping around. It’s a barrier to widespread solar adoption that gnaws at Vikram Aggarwal, and one he’s trying to fix through his online solar-shopping platform, EnergySage. https://ilsr.org/articles/declare-energy-independence-with-solar-just-shop-around-first-episode-49-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Amid EV Surge, Austin Eyes a New Way of Doing Business — Episode 48 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 12:00:34 -0400

Experts predict a dramatic transformation of the U.S. transportation system will take hold in the coming decade. Karl Popham, who manages emerging technologies and electric vehicles at Austin Energy, expects major disruption too, fueled mainly by a distinct shift in how drivers view auto ownership. For decades, the marketplace has nurtured a “single-car ownership” model, built around the idea that every adult driver wants to own a vehicle. But the popularity of carshare services like Zipcar and Car2Go, as well as ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft, suggest a fundamental fracture in that longstanding framework. https://ilsr.org/articles/amid-ev-surge-austin-eyes-a-new-way-of-doing-business-episode-48-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Boulder County Incentive Program Drives Adoption of Two ‘Sexy Electrics’: Solar and Electric Cars — Episode 47 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 12:00:28 -0400

An innovative group purchasing program in Boulder County, Colorado, put hundreds of electric vehicles on local roads and sparked the addition of more than 1 megawatt of rooftop solar in its first two years. Now, the initiative is a springboard for efforts nationwide to allow consumers to seize control of their clean energy future. The Boulder County project was the first in the country to offer dual incentives for integrating electric vehicles and rooftop solar. It started as part of an ongoing push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, taking specific aim at transportation, a major contributor of harmful pollutants. To date, it’s paying off — and in more ways than one. In addition to bringing more clean energy technology online, the program’s financial benefits for the community far outpaced its costs, Brad Smith, the county’s Sustainability Outreach and Education Specialist, recently told ILSR’s John Farrell. The county spent just $650 on marketing and outreach, a miniscule price for the gains it has seen. https://ilsr.org/articles/boulder-county-incentive-program-drives-adoption-of-two-sexy-electrics-solar-and-electric-cars-episode-47-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Will All New Vehicles Be Electric By 2030? One Expert Says Yes — Episode 46 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 11:00:30 -0400

Is the U.S. on the cusp of a clean energy revolution that will fundamentally change how we live, work, and get around? That’s exactly what entrepreneur and lecturer Tony Seba argues in his book, Clean Disruption of Energy and Transportation. His multi-pronged predictions include: all new energy will be provided by solar or wind, all new mass-market vehicles will be electric, and all of these vehicles will be self-driving or semi-autonomous — by 2030, or maybe sooner. Seba explained his breathtaking vision in a recent conversation with John Farrell, who leads the Energy Democracy Initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. He pointed to a series of factors, including falling energy storage costs and fast-moving innovation in the auto and renewables industries, that he says will reinvent day-to-day life in America. https://ilsr.org/articles/will-all-new-vehicles-be-electric-by-2030-one-expert-says-yes-episode-46-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Working Together, Small Solar Firms Compete With Big-Name Rivals — Episode 45 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 09:17:27 -0400

Fast-improving technology and growing consumer interest continue to put momentum behind the clean energy transition. Unlike utilities and other industry players that have largely ignored growth opportunities as market dynamics shift, a coalition of independent solar companies is harnessing its combined power to command more influence in the marketplace. Amicus Solar Cooperative formed in Colorado in 2011, an outgrowth of increased demand for solar services in communities across the U.S. The idea was simple: crafting group purchasing agreements to allows independent solar companies to aggregate their buying power in order to purchase materials at a better rate — putting them on par with big-name rivals like SolarCity and Sunrun. https://ilsr.org/articles/working-together-small-solar-firms-compete-with-big-name-rivals-episode-45-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Pioneering Community Solar in the Granite State – Episode 44 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Fri, 19 May 2017 15:36:30 -0400

New Hampshire, home to some of the highest utility costs in the nation, could be fertile ground for community energy projects that promote lower-cost, renewable generation — especially after investors in one shared solar array pioneered a strategy to promote greater local ownership. Regulatory and legal roadblocks forced solar advocates in Keene to develop a comprehensive framework for adding a 43-kilowatt rooftop array to Monadnock Food Co-op, whose focus on sustainability and downtown location made it a natural partner. Still, when the group began exploring its options in 2013, community shared renewables represented unfamiliar territory in the Granite State. Without a blueprint from other local projects, the group — led by community members — got to work. Peter Hansel, an investor in the project and part of its steering committee who helped develop its model, recently spoke with ILSR’s John Farrell about how it all came together.

Westchester Power Puts New York Communities in Charge of Energy Future – Episode 43 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 12:00:56 -0400

A growing number of small- and mid-size communities are harnessing their shared market power to promote local renewable energy. Using a state policy called community choice aggregation, these communities can unseat powerful monopoly utilities and seize greater control over their energy futures by choosing their electricity suppliers or generating their own power. Community choice aggregation — a system pioneered in Massachusetts but now in play in more than a half-dozen states, both regulated and deregulated — allows cities and counties to form a single entity to select the electricity supplier on behalf of all., It expands energy options and gives these small communities market power, while keeping costs down for its customers. They negotiate terms for sourcing and purchasing energy, effectively sidestepping monopoly utilities that have historically made those decisions themselves. https://ilsr.org/articles/westchester-power-energy-future-episode-43-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Municipal Utility Offers Springboard for Minnesota City’s Energy Vision – Episode 42 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 12:00:32 -0500

Rochester, Minnesota is known worldwide as the home of the Mayo clinic. And in recent years, its leaders have turned their attention to charting sustainable, responsible growth, including in energy with its own municipal utility. This Southeastern Minnesota city has extra flexibility in calling its own shots and recirculating a greater portion of its residents’ electricity dollars within the community. Now in his ninth year on Rochester city council, Michael Wojcik champions this kind of local control. He spoke with John Farrell, who heads the Energy Democracy Initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance about Rochester’s unique opportunity to promote economic growth through better energy policies. https://ilsr.org/articles/municipal-utility-offers-springboard-for-minnesota-citys-energy-vision-episode-42-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

In New England, Cooperative Values Drive Solar Growth – Episode 41 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 06:00:35 -0500

New England offers some of the nation’s biggest incentives for renewable energy generation, but high upfront costs and complicated financing mean many residents are still missing out on the opportunity to go solar. But one cooperative, with a series of pioneering programs, is beginning to change that. Co-op Power, headquartered in Massachusetts, has steadily built up its credentials over the past decade. In a significant milestone, it mounted a $4.3 million community-based fundraising campaign for a biodiesel plant set to go online early next year. It has supported hundreds of rooftop solar installations, and fueled the region’s green job growth. https://ilsr.org/articles/in-new-england-cooperative-values-drive-solar-growth-episode-41-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

At the Two-Year Mark, a Few Lessons from the Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership – Episode 40 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 12:00:48 -0400

The city of Minneapolis has earned wide reaching praise for its innovative, first in the nation partnership with a pair of local utilities formed to advance ambitious goals, to reduce emissions, energy consumption, and more. Two years in, the clean energy partnership is more than a novel tool to propel sensible energy policy. It offers lessons in how cities can better manage their energy futures. https://ilsr.org/articles/at-the-two-year-mark-key-takeaways-from-the-clean-energy-partnership-episode-40-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

In Santa Fe, Momentum Builds for Locals to Take Charge of Electricity System – Episode 39 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 06:00:56 -0400

A widening chasm between what customers want and what Santa Fe’s electric utility delivers is bolstering a campaign to rejigger power production and distribution, possibly putting the city itself in charge. The municipalization campaign, years in the making, comes as the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) leans on a long-term strategy that shortchanges renewables, includes shaky financial analysis, and diverges from what most ratepayers say they want. Now, New Energy Economy — the Santa Fe advocacy group spearheading the effort — is vetting its options for toppling a monopoly criticized for its resistance to renewables and market-leading fees. Santa Fe could form a municipal utility on its own, or aggregate demand with communities nearby and form a utility alongside them. John Farrell, ILSR’s Energy Democracy Initiative Director, spoke with Mariel Nanasi, executive director of New Energy Economy, in August 2016. https://ilsr.org/articles/in-santa-fe-momentum-builds-for-locals-to-take-charge-of-electricity-system-episode-39-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Video: The Coming of Energy Democracy – Midwest Renewable Energy Fair

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 06:00:07 -0400

On June 17, John Farrell delivered a keynote address to the annual Midwest Energy Fair in Custer, Wisconsin. In this presentation, John detailed the growth of renewable energy and how new technologies and smart policies can lead to the downfall of the monopoly electric utility. https://ilsr.org/articles/video-the-coming-of-energy-democracy-midwest-renewable-energy-fair/

Mountains Beyond Mountains: How Green Mountain Power Became More Than An Electric Utility – Episode 38 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 06:00:44 -0400

“We just need to become the Ben and Jerry’s of the utility world!” So said Mary Powell, CEO and president of Green Mountain Power, as she announced in 2014 that her electric utility had just earned B Corp certification, making it one of more than 1,700 companies in the world committed to rigorous standards. https://ilsr.org/articles/mountains-beyond-mountains-how-green-mountain-power-became-more-than-an-electric-utility-episode-38-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Competition and Freedom at Stake – Episode 37 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 06:00:39 -0400

Incentives designed to make rooftop solar feasible for a wider range of consumers are under attack nationwide, threatening new solar development as well as the consumers that already have rooftop panels. The staunchest opponents? Utilities who say, despite a growing body of research to the contrary, that rooftop solar hurts other ratepayers and their bottom lines. In particular, utilities have railed against net metering policies that require them to provide credits to customers that produce energy from their own solar arrays. Those programs, and other key incentives supporting rooftop solar, are at the center of fierce debates in several states — notably in Arizona, on former U.S. Rep. Barry Goldwater Jr.’s home turf. https://ilsr.org/articles/competition-and-freedom-at-stake-episode-37-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Utilities Strip Consumers’ Control Over Energy Bills – Episode 36 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 06:00:01 -0400

A surge of interest in residential solar arrays threatens traditional utilities’ outdated business model of selling more and more electricity, prompting them to adopt a controversial fee that hurts efficiency and diminishes long-range cost savings — even for themselves. Mandatory fixed fees on utility bills force consumers to pay up no matter how much, or how little, electricity they use. Utilities are increasingly pushing higher fees, skewing rate plans to erode benefits for customers with rooftop solar that offsets power demand and eases strain on the grid. https://ilsr.org/articles/utilities-strip-consumers-control-over-energy-bills-episode-36-of-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Northeast Iowa’s Winneshiek Energy District Shows How Communities Can Capture Local Energy Dollars – Episode 35 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 05:45:39 -0400

Andy Johnson works with the soil. When younger, he served in Peace Corps in Central America for three years, working on conservation practices. Then he worked in the Natural Resource Conservation Service for years, the same agency that his father Paul Johnson headed by appointment from Bill Clinton in 1993. After moving back to northeast Iowa in 2007, he started farming christmas trees and grass-fed beef cows, but thinking about how the concept of conservation applied to his community’s energy use and economy. https://ilsr.org/articles/northeast-iowas-winneshiek-energy-district-shows-how-communities-can-capture-local-energy-dollars-episode-35-of-local-energy-rules/

Sunshine and Ownership: A Cooperative Solar Garden Blooms in North Minneapolis – Episode 34 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 11:00:49 -0400

When people pay their electric bill to an investor-owned utility such as Minnesota’s Xcel Energy, they are generating energy for themselves, but the profit and wealth accrues to the utility’s investors. But now, customers have an opportunity to buy in. Community solar programs are popping up rapidly across the country, offering electric customers an opportunity to own a slice of solar energy production. Most are utility-owned, and almost all limit customer benefits to energy credits on their electric bill. But some community solar models are going further, letting the customers themselves take ownership. https://ilsr.org/articles/sunshine-and-ownership-a-cooperative-solar-garden-blooms-in-north-minneapolis-episode-34-of-local-energy-rules/

Freeing Electric Cooperatives from Fossil Fuel Serfdom? – Episode 33 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 12:46:11 -0400

Electric cooperatives arose from New Deal legislation that provided government-backed low-interest loans to bring electricity to rural areas that for-profit companies wouldn’t serve in the 1930s. They were engines of the rural economy. But today they face unique challenges, including a disproportionate reliance on coal-fired power, often purchased on decades-long contracts. Additionally, even though rural coops serve 90% of counties with persistent poverty, member engagement has declined precipitously from the golden years, and now few cooperative members even realize they are owners of their electric company. This week Ed Marston, former board member of the Delta-Montrose Electric Association in western Colorado, joins John Farrell on Local Energy Rules to talk about the electric cooperative world. He highlights the good, the bad, and what his and other cooperatives are doing to spur clean energy investment in a region that so desperately needs local economic development. https://ilsr.org/articles/freeing-electric-cooperatives-from-fossil-fuel-serfdom-episode-33-of-local-energy-rules/

A Kansas Electric Cooperative Offers Energy Savings with $0 Down – Episode 32 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 17:09:41 -0400

It’s not sexy. But it can make you warmer. It can even make you cooler. On-bill financing provides loans for energy efficiency improvements through the local utility company, paid back with energy savings on monthly electric (or gas) bills. And it’s a powerful tool for simplifying the financing for energy savings, and for making home comfort and lower bills available to those without the credit to borrow money on their own. On-bill financing is not new. The Tennessee Valley Authority has offered it for years. More recently, numerous municipal utilities and electric cooperatives have created programs. But Midwest Energy, on the prairies of western Kansas, might have the best track record. Brian Dreiling, manager of energy services at Midwest Energy, shared his utility’s story with Local Energy Rules this week, explaining the on-bill program, what makes it successful, and how an investment in the member-owner’s home is an investment in the utility. https://ilsr.org/articles/a-kansas-electric-cooperative-offers-energy-savings-with-0-down-episode-32-of-local-energy-rules/

Members Reviving Atlanta Electric Co-op After CEO Takes Millions – Episode 31 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 09:50:32 -0400

Former CEO Dwight Brown did a number on the Cobb Electric Membership Corporation (EMC). Cobb EMC serves around 175,000 member-owners just outside of Atlanta, Ga., and is one of 900 member-owned electric cooperatives in the United States. From the late 1990s on, the co-op’s members lost nearly $400 million dollars to Brown’s for-profit Cobb Energy, a shell entity Brown engineered to drain money from the cooperative. Over a 15 year span, Brown personally pocketed more than $21 million through self-dealing and conspiring with other business entities, including a proposed $2 billion coal-fired power plant that would’ve raised members’ electric rates by 10 to 20 percent in its first year of operation alone. Brown was indicted on more than 30 charges including theft and racketeering in 2011; he is still awaiting trial. https://ilsr.org/articles/members-reviving-atlanta-electric-co-op-after-ceo-takes-millions-episode-31-of-local-energy-rules/

Listen: John Farrell Gives Plenary Presentation at NESEA – Local Energy Rules Podcast Extra

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 09:52:46 -0400

ILSR’s John Farrell was a plenary speaker at the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association’s 2016 annual conference in Boston, MA. The conference was held from March 8th through the 10th and focused on advancing the adoption of sustainable energy practices by bringing over 3,500 renewable energy professionals together. John’s opening plenary pinpointed key challenges of our current centralized energy infrastructure and the opportunity to ensure local ownership and distributed energy resources. Later on in the conference, John gave a session presentation focusing on the question: Does Electric Grid 2.0 Mean Energy Democracy? https://ilsr.org/articles/john-farrell-nesea-keynote/

Microgrids and Regulation with Chris Villarreal – Episode 30 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 16:23:43 -0500

In 2014, Chris Villarreal helped write the white paper, Microgrids: A Regulatory Perspective. As a regulatory analyst with the California Public Utilities Commission, he outlined the regulatory questions of microgrid development at a time when the state was mulling over how to allow more distributed, renewable energy come onto the grid. The questions weren’t small or easy to answer. Microgrids naturally straddle the definitions of utility and customer, of supply and demand, of community- and utility-ownership. Their existence and emergence points to a not-so-distant future when utilities simply manage different communities of distributed power generators, a departure from the historical monopolistic ownership style. https://ilsr.org/articles/podcast-microgrids-and-regulation-with-chris-villarreal/

Clean Coalition’s Community Microgrids – Episode 29 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 01:07:10 -0500

Most microgrids today are single buildings that rely on diesel generators to run when the grid is out. They’re simple backup, redundant power. But some more advanced microgrids, such as the Clean Coalition’s planned community microgrids, are looking into the future, when multiple sources of generation can support a community of homes and businesses. https://ilsr.org/articles/clean-coalition-podcast/

Don’t Take the Bait: Exelon’s Ambitions Go Beyond D.C.’s Power – Episode 28 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 06:55:24 -0500

In April 2014, Exelon, the nation’s largest nuclear power generator, made a $6.8 billion offer for Washington D.C.-based Pepco. Exelon – which already owns Illinois ComEd and Baltimore G&E – would become the largest electric utility in the country, with nearly 10 million customers. Shareholders, federal regulators, and many state utility commissions have approved the deal. But in August, the D.C. Public Service Commission unanimously rejected it, finding little public benefit. Now, just three months later, amid allegations of corruption, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has settled with Exelon and the D.C. Commission has been asked to reconsider. https://ilsr.org/articles/dont-take-the-bait-exelons-ambitions-go-beyond-d-c-s-power-episode-28-of-local-energy-rules/

Two Decades of Solar Pioneers in Sacramento – Episode 27 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 12:30:28 -0400

The publicly-owned Sacramento Municipal Utility District, or SMUD, had already installed the first utility-scale PV array in the nation back in 1984. By the early 1990s, the utility saw a potential for rooftop solar and launched its PV Pioneer program, placing dozens of solar arrays on their customer’s rooftops, for a fee. https://ilsr.org/articles/two-decades-of-solar-pioneers-in-sacramento-episode-27-of-local-energy-rules/

Solar for All: An Article of Faith – Episode 26 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 09:36:14 -0400

Minnesota’s community solar garden program may be the envy of the nation — once the utility’s stall tactics have been stopped — but it needs a little help to fulfill the vision of bringing solar to all. That’s where Julia Nerbonne, executive director of Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, comes in. In June 2015, John Farrell talked to Nerbonne about opening up community solar for everyone — not just for people with high credit scores — and what people of faith can do about it. https://ilsr.org/articles/solar-for-all-an-article-of-faith-episode-26-of-local-energy-rules/

Listen: Unanswered Questions about the Public Rooftop Revolution – Local Energy Rules Podcast Extra

Local Energy Rules — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 11:37:03 -0400

At the beginning of June 2015, ILSR released its Public Rooftop Revolution report, which described how cities across the nation put the shine on municipal rooftops with more than 5,000 MW of solar. That 5,000 MW is as much as one-quarter of all solar installed in the U.S. to date — and many cities could install solar little or no upfront cash. The energy savings would allow cities to redirect millions to other public goods. ILSR’s Director of Democratic Energy John Farrell presented the report’s findings in a webinar, hosted by Applied Solutions, on June 9, 2015. But time constraints meant many unanswered questions. In the first guest-hosted episode, John answers questions from Carolyn Glanton of Applied Solutions on everything from the expiration of federal tax credits to the payback period for municipal solar arrays. https://ilsr.org/articles/unanswered-questions-about-the-public-rooftop-revolution/

Kansas City’s Royal Effort to Solarize City Rooftops – Episode 25 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 11:55:06 -0400

Kansas City, MO, has neither the abundant sunshine nor high cost of electricity that have driven solar installations in other cities. Despite this, the city has close to 1.5 MW of solar in 59 separate installations on municipal properties. Thanks to utility rebates, two department leaders, and a unique opportunity that allowed it to access the 30% federal tax credit, the city was able to make solar work in an otherwise challenging climate of modest sun and low electricity prices. In April, ILSR’s John Farrell interviewed Charles Harris, project manager with the Kansas City. Harris suggested that the project got its start in 2006, when the city established a Climate Protection Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from municipal buildings while getting 15% of their energy from renewable sources. https://ilsr.org/articles/kansas-citys-royal-effort-to-solarize-city-rooftops/

Duking It Out Over Municipal Solar in Raleigh – Episode 24 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 12:32:41 -0400

There aren’t many solar success stories from the Southeast, making Raleigh, NC, stand out in a region with low-cost electricity and modest sunshine. With just over 2 megawatts of solar on public property––providing close to 7% of municipal building peak demand––Raleigh’s solar success comes despite state rules preventing the city from buying electricity from any non-utility entity. In April 2015, John Farrell talked to Robert Hinson, renewable energy coordinator with the City of Raleigh, NC. In lieu of third-party power purchase agreements, Raleigh has pursued solar in three ways: by leasing space on public property to solar developers; owning solar and selling power to Duke Energy; and net metering a city-owned solar array. https://ilsr.org/articles/duking-it-out-over-municipal-solar-in-raleigh/

Lancaster: The Leading Solar City? – Episode 23B of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 09:55:12 -0400

Jason Caudle, city manager with the City of Lancaster, talked with John Farrell in April 2015 about his city’s solar boom. With more than 118 MW of solar, both private and public, operating within city limits, Lancaster is well on its way to producing or procuring 530 MW of clean energy by 2020. Hitting that target would make Lancaster one of the world’s first net-zero towns, producing more energy on an average day than the city consumes. https://ilsr.org/articles/lancaster-the-leading-solar-city-episode-23-of-local-energy-rules/

Same Price, More Renewables. San Diego’s Fight for Community Choice – Episode 23A of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 16:47:00 -0400

“San Diego and its community choice energy district would be able to offer a diverse energy mix with all of the solar, biodiesel, biogas, and energy storage resources that we have in San Diego. A product that is price competitive and yet at the same time would strive for and achieve a higher level of renewable content.” See how this southern California city is striving for more clean energy and more local control in this interview with Lane Sharman, co-founder and chair of the San Diego Energy District Foundation. This podcast was recorded via Skype on May 21, 2014. https://ilsr.org/articles/price-renewables-san-diegos-fight-community-choice-episode-23-local-energy-rules/

A Deep Dive on Value of Solar and the Future of Solar Energy – Episode 22 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 15 May 2014 17:06:33 -0400

“Utility regulation and rates is a contact sport,” says Karl Rabago, and that makes the implementation of a new “value of solar” policy complex. Will distributed solar grow better with a transparent, value-based contract price? How does it differ from net metering? Is Minnesota’s law a precedent to follow? Prepare yourself for a deep dive in this extended interview with Karl Rabago, former Vice President at Austin Energy and soon-to-be Executive Director of the Pace Energy and Climate Center at the Pace Law School in White Plains, NY. This podcast was recorded via Skype on May 1, 2014. https://ilsr.org/articles/deep-dive-solar-future-solar-energy-episode-22-local-energy-rules/

One City Utility is Carbon Neutral, Today – Episode 21 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 01 May 2014 17:47:33 -0400

It’s one thing to own your utility and have a commitment to renewable energy, but it’s another thing to deliver. The municipal utility in Palo Alto, CA, set an ambitious target of 33% renewable energy by 2015 and to ultimately deliver a carbon neutral electricity supply. They will reach 48% renewable power in 2017 and met the carbon neutral goal starting last year. Learn more about the strategies one municipal utility pursued to drive down its carbon emissions and acquire solar energy in this interview with Jim Stack, Senior Resource Planner of the Palo Alto Utilities, recorded via Skype on Feb. 27, 2014. https://ilsr.org/articles/city-utility-carbon-neutral-today-episode-21-local-energy-rules/

The Power of the Collective Energy Purchasing – Episode 20 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 01:53:07 -0400

“We can’t do it as an individual, But four hundred communities aggregating and asking for local wind power and solar power – that’s really powerful.” Oak Park, IL, is one of hundreds of Illinois towns using their authority to buy electricity in bulk on behalf of its residential and small business customers. So far, most communities have used the policy – known as community choice aggregation – to negotiate for less expensive electricity compared to the default electric utility, Commonwealth Edison. Many have also purchased renewable energy credits with their power, but it’s not clear if the practice is greening or green-washing the power supply. Learn more about the incremental steps forward with community choice aggregation in Illinois and the potential for much greater collaboration between cities in this interview with outgoing Sustainability Manager K.C. Doyle of Oak Park, recorded via Skype on Mar. 28, 2014. https://ilsr.org/articles/power-of-collective-energy-purchasing-episode-20-local-energy-rules/

The Leading Community Energy Aggregator – Episode 19 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 16:02:37 -0400

Community choice aggregation describes a situation where a town can become the bulk buyer of electricity on behalf of its residential and small business customers. Such local aggregations serve about 5% of utility customers in Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and California, but it’s Marin Clean Energy in California that stands above the crowd for their commitment to renewable energy and their nearly decade-long fight to offer service. Learn more about the struggle for local control of the energy system and its numerous advantages in this interview with Marin Clean Energy Executive Director Dawn Wiesz, recorded via Skype on Feb. 13, 2014. https://ilsr.org/articles/leading-community-energy-aggregator-episode-19-local-energy-rules/

A Perfect Storm for Renewables – Episode 18 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 10:05:09 -0400

“We have a perfect storm for renewables,” says Jan TenBruggencate, second-term board member of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. The Hawaiian utility, made local when the investor-owned utility left the business a decade ago, is surging toward 40% renewable energy in the next year, with a third of that total from customer-generated solar. Half its daytime energy will come from solar arrays by the end of 2015. Learn more about how a cooperative utility has blown past purported technical barriers to renewable energy and pioneered energy storage to make solar a prominent part of their energy mix in this interview with Jan, recorded via Skype on Feb 25, 2014. https://ilsr.org/articles/perfect-storm-renewables-episode-18-local-energy-rules/

How Can Communities Leverage a Better Energy Future? – Episode 17 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 17:25:05 -0500

How can a community take control of its energy future from a 100-year monopoly electric utility? Citizens of Boulder, CO, are testing answers to that question, trying to discover how a single city can do more for its economy and the environment with more power over its energy system. At the core of their efforts is a grassroots campaign to form a city-owned utility, an effort that faced an enormous test at the ballot box in November 2013. We spoke with New Era Colorado executive director Stephen Fenberg about the grassroots campaign to fight Xcel Energy and build a better energy future via Skype on Dec. 6, 2013. https://ilsr.org/articles/communities-leverage-energy-future-episode-17-local-energy-rules/

Millions of People Investing in Solar – Episode 16 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 14:16:58 -0500

For years, the only effective way to go solar was to have tens of thousands of dollars and a sunny roof. Investing in solar was nearly impossible. But a couple years ago, a new notion called crowdfunding got its start, and California-Based Mosaic was on the forefront. Its crowdfunding program allows people to pool their resources, large or small, to build community-based solar installations. It’s not about charity, either. Mosaic’s pioneering crowdfunding effort is letting people across the country earn a modest return on their solar investment and putting clean local power on rooftops everywhere. We spoke with Mosaic president Billy Parish via Skype in mid-February about the potential for crowdfunding to give most Americans a chance to invest in renewable energy. https://ilsr.org/articles/millions-people-investing-solar-episode-16-local-energy-rules/

Envisioning An Innovative Local Electric Utility – Episode 15 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 21:14:45 -0500

Laboring to keep more of its energy dollars at home, community members in Boulder, CO, decided that they needed some numbers behind their vision of a cleaner energy utility. Listen in to the podcast to hear Ken Regelson describe how the remarkable results of Boulder’s citizen-driven energy model have given them power to stand up to the incumbent electric monopoly with a vision for a 21st century clean energy system. We interviewed Ken via Skype (apologies for the random construction noise) on Dec. 5, 2013. https://ilsr.org/articles/envisioning-innovative-local-electric-utility-episode-14-local-energy-rules/

A David and Goliath Fight to Tap World Class Solar – Episode 14 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 12:54:51 -0500

“It’s the most inspirational work that I’m doing…this is an inspirational and aspirational effort…at the heart of it is love of place and energy democracy.” Citizens of Santa Fe, NM, are exploring the economic and environmental benefits of more local and locally-controlled energy production. Is their city ready to take the lead? Find out in this interview with Executive Director Mariel Nanasi of New Energy Economy, recorded via Skype on November 22, 2013. https://ilsr.org/articles/david-goliath-fight-tap-world-class-solar-episode-14-local-energy-rules/

How Solar Saves on Grid Costs – Episode 13 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 06:13:07 -0500

“We can avoid that $100 million investment in transmission lines, distribution lines, in capital infrastructure…” How can a utility like Long Island Power Authority avoid all that new capital expenditure? Find out in this interview with Vice President of Environmental Affairs Michael Deering, recorded via Skype on November 25, 2013. https://ilsr.org/articles/solar-saves-grid-costs-episode-13-local-energy-rules/

The #1 Solar Utility is in…Iowa? – Episode 12 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 13:17:43 -0500

It may be one of the oldest cooperative utilities in the country, but in the next six months, Farmers Electric Cooperative (FEC) of southeastern Iowa will be leading the nation in this 21st century energy source. Upon completion of a new solar array, the 640-member cooperative will have over 1,500 Watts of solar per customer on their system, nearly double the #2 utility. It’s also the most reliable utility in Iowa. How can this small, member-owned utility in Kalona be “America’s Most Progressive Utility”? Find out in this interview with FEC Manager Warren McKenna, recorded via Skype, on November 18, 2013. https://ilsr.org/articles/1-solar-utility-in-iowa-episode-12-local-energy-rules/

A Once-in-a-Generation Chance to Achieve a City’s Energy Goals – Episode 11 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:00:38 -0500

Earlier this week, the Minneapolis city council got an early look at an important “pathways study,” outlining the legal and policy strategies the city could follow toward a cleaner, more affordable, reliable, and local energy future. It’s one of the outcomes from a robust grassroots campaign to move the city toward a better energy future this summer, and it touched a nerve with the city’s incumbent, monopoly electric utility. In July, Xcel Energy dispatched a glossy letter to all its Minneapolis customers, warning them of the dire consequences should the city consider the boldest option – forming a city-owned utility. ILSR Senior Researcher John Farrell explains the letter and its import in this podcast, interviewed by his colleague, Lisa Gonzalez. https://ilsr.org/articles/once-in-a-generation-achieve-citys-energy-goals-episode-11-local-energy-rules/

Vermont’s Standard Offer Renewable Energy Program – Episode 10 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:44:42 -0400

“A lot of the utilities don’t totally understand this new paradigm that’s coming.” David Blittersdorf of AllEarth Solar has been working to advance renewable energy in Vermont for years, and was instrumental in getting the state’s standard offer program (a feed-in tariff) passed in 2009. He’s adamant that the state should accelerate its standard offer in order to meet its ambitious 2050 goal of getting 90% of its energy from renewable sources. But some of the state’s utilities have balked and others don’t seem to grasp the pace that’s needed to reach the state’s targets. https://ilsr.org/articles/vermonts-standard-offer-renewable-energy-program-episode-10-local-energy-rules-podcast/

A Community Solar Gold Standard – Episode 9 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:40:18 -0400

Joy Hughes was living in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, a place with a “tremendous amount of solar potential,” so good that the valley’s residents were being overwhelmed by proposals for large scale solar power plants. One had a “field of things like radar dishes” and another included a “600 foot tower.” The influx of outside companies seeking solar profit led Joy to ask, “Why not just set up solar arrays that can provide power for people in the local community and offset their electric bills?” The Solar Gardens Institute was born, with a vision of helping community members pool their resources, produce their own energy, and keep their energy dollars local. https://ilsr.org/articles/community-solar-gold-standard-episode-9-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Florida City a World Leader in Solar – Episode 8 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:04:51 -0400

“It’s the only time I’ve done a rate increase when nobody was opposed,” says Ed Regan of the Gainesville utility’s feed-in tariff for solar power. The program, launched in 2009, has resulted in nearly 15 megawatts of new, local solar energy generation on or near buildings in the northeast Florida town, enough to make it one of the leading communities in per capita solar worldwide. The program is open to participation by anyone in Gainesville, with the utility buying all solar energy in the program on a fixed price, 20-year contract. It all started about ten years ago, when Pegeen Hanrahan was elected mayor of Gainesville and Ed Regan was serving as the assistant general manager for strategic planning. Intern Wade Underwood and I spoke with them earlier this year. https://ilsr.org/articles/florida-city-world-leader-solar-capita-episode-8-local-energy-rules/

600 Investors in South Dakota’s Premier Community Wind Project – Episode 7 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:05:53 -0400

Community wind projects are relatively rare, but allow numerous investors to share in the financial benefits of owning wind power. After the 2008 financial crisis, several projects were successful, tapping limited-time-only federal tax incentives. In April 2013, John Farrell spoke to Brian Minish, CEO of South Dakota Wind Partners about a community wind project that attracted over 600 local investors. The project was the brainchild of four state organizations rooted in rural South Dakota–the East River Electric Cooperative, South Dakota Farm Bureau, South Dakota Farmers Union and South Dakota Corn Growers. Hoping to broaden ownership in a wind farm project proposed by Basin Electric in Crow Lake, these groups worked with Brian to figure out how to add local investors to the mix. https://ilsr.org/articles/600-investors-south-dakotas-premier-community-wind-project-episode-7-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Paul Spencer and the Community Solar ‘Holy Grail’ – Episode 6 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:37:53 -0400

This week John Farrell and Wade Underwood talk with Paul Spencer, President and founder of the Clean Energy Collective (CEC) in Carbondale, CO. The CEC is pioneering the process of delivering clean power-generation through medium-scale (mostly solar) facilities that are collectively owned by participating utility customers. In many ways, their community energy model is the “holy grail” because it has proven replicable in several places around the United States. https://ilsr.org/articles/paul-spencer-community-solar-holy-grail-episode-6-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Susan Osborne and Boulder’s Clean Energy Takeover – Episode 5 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:25:32 -0400

In this episode of Local Energy Rules, John Farrell and Wade Underwood talk with Susan Osborne, the former Mayor of Boulder, CO, about that city’s effort to take control of its energy future. Thanks to Susan’s leadership and the vision of Boulder’s citizens, the city adopted a ballot measure in the fall of 2011 to break free from its incumbent utility, Xcel Energy, to pursue cleaner, local power on its own terms. As Susan tells us, Boulder didn’t set out to “blaze a trail,” but for a growing number of cities across America considering municipalization, there’s a lot to learn from their remarkable story. https://ilsr.org/articles/susan-osborne-boulders-clean-energy-takeover-episode-5-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Randy Caviness and Community Wind in Iowa – Episode 4 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:04:07 -0500

Community wind projects are relatively rare, but allow numerous investors to share in the financial benefits of owning wind power. After the 2008 financial crisis, several projects were successful, tapping limited-time-only federal tax incentives. In March 2013, John Farrell and Wade Underwood spoke with community wind power developer and farmer Randy Caviness about his Green Energy Farmers community wind project. Working with over 180 investors in the local community, Randy helped build eight utility-scale wind turbines with community ownership, providing 12.6 megawatts of clean, local power to municipal and rural electric utilities in southwestern Iowa. https://ilsr.org/articles/randy-caveniss-community-wind-iowa-episode-4-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Steve Johnson – Episode 3 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:15:33 -0500

In this edition of Local Energy Rules, John Farrell and Wade Underwood speak with Steve Johnson of Convergence Energy about a successful 660 kilowatt community solar project near Delavan, WI. The project required 33 separate LLCs to take advantage of the state’s net metering rules, and also used the limited-time federal cash grant program to pull it together. Unfortunately, the policy environment isn’t as favorable for repeats, and Convergence has interest in, but no plans to replicate the project. https://ilsr.org/articles/steve-johnson-episode-3-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Bill Moyer – Episode 2 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 05:55:04 -0500

In this edition of Local Energy Rules, John Farrell and Wade Underwood speak with Bill Moyer of the Backbone Campaign about a nascent community solar project in Vashon, WA. We ask Bill about his involvement with the project as a community organizer—delving into the frustrating regulatory barriers that have kept the project from coming to fruition, and working towards a more accurate definition of community solar. The project was motivated by a generous production incentive offered in Washington State for solar projects installed on public property. Bill and residents of King County hoped to keep more energy dollars in the local economy by using this incentive to create a community solar project. But it wasn’t smooth sailing. https://ilsr.org/articles/bill-moyer-episode-2-local-energy-rules-podcast/

Anya Schoolman – Episode 1 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Local Energy Rules — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 06:27:20 -0500

What began as a group of neighbors hoping to reduce their impact on global warming has since become a major force for solar advocacy in Washington, DC. The Mount Pleasant Solar Cooperative was started by two teenage boys who wanted to make solar power convenient and affordable through a bulk-purchase program. Along the way, the cooperatives new members realized that buying power wasn’t enough, and sought out changes in the district’s energy policies. Today the Mount Pleasant Solar Cooperative has helped to get solar panels on over 10 percent of the homes in the Mount Pleasant Neighborhood and has grown into a city-wide political organization. https://ilsr.org/articles/anya-schoolman-episode-1-local-energy-rules-podcast/