Originally published at ilsr.org. 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 … [continued]
Originally published on ilsr.org. This article was written by Nick Stumo-Langer, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance Energy Democracy initiative’s Communications & Research Associate. He regularly publishes articles and designs graphics based on local, renewable energy. Electric cooperatives — member-owned organizations that sell electricity to those within their service area — are perhaps the nation’s largest group … [continued]
Originally published on RMI Outlet. By Kevin Brehm and Thomas Koch Blank In a previous blog post, we explained how rural electric cooperatives could become a multi-GW market for community-scale solar by 2020. Co-ops want solar to save money, diversify energy supply, meet renewable portfolio standard (RPS) requirements, and meet … [continued]
Originally published on RMI Outlet. By Kevin Brehm and Joseph Goodman, Ph.D. This is the third in a series of blog posts on RMI’s Shine program. Shine is innovating and unlocking the community-scale market. Download the insight brief. Rural electric cooperatives (co-ops) are a large and important part of the … [continued]
Originally published on ilsr.org. Introduction Decades after cities lit the first electric lamps in the 1880s, most of the rural places of America were still dark. Urban utilities didn’t care for the expense of wiring farms, and it wasn’t until communities organized that electricity expanded to rural areas. Farmers in southwest … [continued]
This article originally posted at ilsr.org. This article was written by Matt Grimley, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance Energy Democracy initiative’s Research Associate. He regularly publishes articles and reports on local, renewable energy solutions. Randy Wilson knew you had to start somewhere. Knocking on doors and hanging around retail store … [continued]
Originally published on ilsr.org. Last week I asked why rural electric cooperatives haven’t been leaders on renewable energy. This week, I explain a $6 billion opportunity they can seize to take leadership. One of the biggest barriers to making investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy is the upfront cost. … [continued]
