Why 30 Million Solar Rooftops Should Be In The Next Relief Bill
As the federal government looks to a second (or even third) stimulus bill, Congress should consider a huge opportunity to pay Americans that pays back: solar rooftops.
Institute for Local Self Reliance
Celebrating 100: A Spotlight On 6 Leaders Of 100% Renewable Cities — Episode 100 Of…
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.
Spreading Like Wildfire: An Interest In Making Electric Power Public
Originally published at ILSR.org. By Lilli Ambort On the morning of November 8th, 2019, a live wire broke free of its grip on a 99-year-old electrical tower, sparking one of the most deadly and destructive wildfires in California’s history. Iris Natividad was away from home when her partner Andrew Downer told her … [continued]
Report: Designing Community Solar Programs That Promote Racial & Economic Equity
This white paper provides guidance for creating community solar programs that promote racial and economic equity.
It defines what makes a community solar program equitable, and states objectives that community solar programs striving to be equitable can pursue related to program structure, consumer participation, compensation, and other policy areas.
Report: Community Choice Energy
An alternative to electricity monopolies enables communities to center people and planet
The 2020 Community Power Scorecard
Each year, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance tracks and scores states based on their energy policies and how these policies help or hinder local clean energy action.
In the 2020 Community Power Scorecard, two states excelled, seven states and the District of Columbia saw above average scores, 11 were average, 17 were mediocre, and 13 states received failing grades at enabling individuals and communities to take charge of their energy futures.
National Community Solar Programs Tracker
Community solar can happen in any state sharing two key market characteristics: virtual net metering and requirements for utilities to connect distributed solar to the grid (interconnection rules). Community solar program legislation can include both elements.
16 states have passed legislation enabling community shared solar gardens, but only four have active programs with multiple installations.
Oregon Nears Launch Of A Solid Community Solar Program
Adopted by the legislature in 2016, it’s been a long wait for Oregon’s community solar program to launch. Technically, it hasn’t yet, but the program rules are final enough to show that this program scores well on the four principles for community renewable energy.
Island Utility Aims For Two-Thirds Renewable Energy By 2020
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.
Voices of 100%: When 100% Renewable Electricity Isn’t Enough, Burlington Targets Net Zero
More than 100 cities have committed to 100% renewable electricity transitions, with most hoping to get there by 2030 or 2050. Burlington, Vermont already achieved this goal five years ago.
