John Farrell

31 May 2019

With Major Hurricane Vulnerability, Puerto Rico Develops Landmark Microgrid Regulations*

by John Farrell | Date: 31 May 2019 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0

The cost of wind and solar energy keep falling, joined by batteries for energy storage. But while the technology of local grid power has become inexpensive, U.S. development of microgrids has lagged. Trapped by a bankrupt utility, high vulnerability to climate change, and high cost fossil-fueled electricity, Puerto Rico has been no exception. However, the island’s landmark microgrid regulations could open the small grid floodgates.… Read More

23 May 2019

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

by John Farrell | Date: 23 May 2019 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States, Podcast | 0

In this episode of Local Energy Rules, Energy Democracy Initiative director John Farrell speaks with Marcel Castro Sitiriche about the challenges Puerto Rico faces in building a local, clean, and resilient energy system in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.… Read More

9 May 2019

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

by Marie Donahue and John Farrell | Date: 9 May 2019 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States, Podcast | 0

More than 100 U.S. cities have now set goals to transition to 100 percent renewable energy, but how are they working to make these goals a reality? In a new episode of our Voices of 100% series from Local Energy Rules, we feature the small town of Grand Marais, Minn., and the strategies it is using to achieve its ambitious local, clean energy commitment.… Read More

6 May 2019

Minnesota’s Solar Gardens: the Status and Benefits of Community Solar

by John Farrell | Date: 6 May 2019 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0

Minnesota is the national leader in community solar, with 208 projects around the state, more than a third of all community solar projects in the U.S. The state’s community solar policy is the best, making it easy to develop and subscribe to solar power. Read more about the benefits for customers, workers, and landowners in a new report from Vote Solar, MnSEIA, and the Institute for Local Self Reliance.… Read More

3 May 2019

Minnesota Community Solar Saves All Utility Customers Money

by John Farrell | Date: 3 May 2019 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0

Despite its pride in having the nation’s largest community solar program––shown by the massive poster on its headquarters front doors (the above photo)––Xcel Energy can often be caught complaining (erroneously) that utility-owned solar would be more cost-effective. In the following analysis, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance explains why Minnesota’s community solar program has actually saved Xcel Energy customers millions of dollars already.… Read More

2 May 2019

Power Plant Securitization: Coming to a State Capitol Near You

by John Farrell | Date: 2 May 2019 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0

As clean energy advocates urge retirement of fossil fuel power plants, securitization has become a billion-dollar word with huge implications for who will pay for and who will own the clean energy future. So, what is securitization, and how does it play a role in a clean energy transition?… Read More

11 Apr 2019

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

by Marie Donahue and John Farrell | Date: 11 Apr 2019 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States, Podcast | 0

In this episode of Local Energy Rules, Energy Democracy Initiative director John Farrell speaks with colleagues Marie Donahue and Neil Seldman about the harmful impacts of burning trash to generate electricity. The discussion digs into ILSR’s late-2018 report Waste Incineration: A Dirty Secret in How States Define Renewable Energy and passage of the Baltimore Clean Air Act, a policy which will help shut down the city’s highly polluting waste incinerator.… Read More

8 Apr 2019

Why Does One Minnesota Utility Have a Love / Hate Relationship with Community Solar?

by John Farrell | Date: 8 Apr 2019 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0

Xcel Energy hosts the nation’s largest community solar program. But in testimony to the legislature or comments to the media, Minnesota’s largest private monopoly utility often raises concerns about the community solar program’s value compared to building large-scale solar arrays that don’t offer individual customers any significant bill savings. Why?

2 Apr 2019

Video: Accountability and Ownership Matter for Puerto Rico’s Future Grid (John Farrell presentation)

by John Farrell | Date: 2 Apr 2019 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0

The Black Start conference in March 2019 convened on- and off-island energy experts to discuss whether Puerto Rico can overcome a colonial past for a greener grid. It happened as the island’s governor aims to privatize the (corrupt) public utility and as new legislation recently passed to require 100% renewable energy. ILSR Co-Director John Farrell presented.… Read More

Author Archives: John Farrell