In 2010, Colorado passed the Community Solar Gardens Act, enabling its now fully-fledged community solar program. This post summarizes the policy and compiles additional Colorado community solar resources.… Read More
This post explores how a community can put together a model solar ordinance. One example is Stearns County, Minn., whose solar ordinance protects pollinator habitat and ensures benefits to the wider community.… Read More
This report explores water main geothermal: a novel, affordable way to decarbonize home heating and air conditioning using existing city water mains.… Read More
This 2020 update to a 2016 report finds that while new technology has made electricity demand response simple and cost-effective, and has opened the opportunity for residential savings, utility implementation of demand response programs is lagging.… Read More
Communities reliant on coal, for tax revenue and jobs, are at risk when the plants go under. In this post, we dig in to coal plant closures and ask whether clean energy opportunities can replace what’s been lost.… Read More
Franchise fees are an oft-overlooked strategy for cities to fund their climate and energy goals. Read here whether your city can flex its franchise muscles!… Read More
More states are prioritizing solar, but how much of it is coming from smaller, distributed sources? In this 2019 update, we evaluate the status of state solar markets and whether they are helping communities build local wealth through distributed energy.… Read More
Electrification is a component of many city climate action plans, but beyond reducing carbon footprints, it carries important economic and health benefits. In this post, we explore how cities use local authority to electrify — and ditch dirty gas for good.… Read More
Despite the time and money required for a public takeover, many cities are taking steps toward municipalizing their electric utility. This post compiles some stories behind these battles in San Francisco, Santa Fe, Boulder, and more.… Read More
