Energy Democracy Reports

Other Recent Reports

Report: Implementation of the 30 Million Solar Homes Policy Platform

Report: Implementation of the 30 Million Solar Homes Policy Platform

Katie Kienbaum

August 26, 2021

The success of the 30 Million Solar Homes proposal relies not only on the initial passing of legislation through Congress, but also the subsequent implementation of new programs and regulations. This guide aims to address that step in the process:  READ MORE


Report: 30 Million Solar Homes Would Create 1.77 Million Jobs, $69 Billion in Energy Savings

Report: 30 Million Solar Homes Would Create 1.77 Million Jobs, $69 Billion in Energy Savings

Katie Kienbaum

July 14, 2021

A new report finds that deploying distributed solar energy to the equivalent of 30 million American homes would produce significant job-creation and economic benefits while addressing climate change and mitigating racial and income disparities.  READ MORE


New Report Sheds Light on America’s Monopolized Energy Sector . . . and How We Can Fix It

New Report Sheds Light on America’s Monopolized Energy Sector . . . and How We Can Fix It

Virgil McDill

April 1, 2021

In this report, we look at how America’s monopoly problem extends into the energy and electricity sector. This report is the latest in a series from ILSR focused on fighting monopoly power.  READ MORE


Report: Could Existing Water Pipes Replace Dirty Energy Utilities?

Report: Could Existing Water Pipes Replace Dirty Energy Utilities?

Lilli Ambort

October 13, 2020

This report explores water main geothermal: a novel, affordable way to decarbonize home heating and air conditioning using existing city water mains.  READ MORE


Report: 47 States Could Meet 100% of Electricity Needs Using In-State Renewables

Report: 47 States Could Meet 100% of Electricity Needs Using In-State Renewables

Maria McCoy

September 10, 2020

The third edition of this report asks yet again: if each U.S. state took full advantage of its own renewable energy resources, would it be sufficient to satisfy that state’s electricity consumption? The answer for most states is yes, easily.  READ MORE


Sparking Grid Savings Starts at Home

Sparking Grid Savings Starts at Home

Lilli Ambort

September 2, 2020

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


Why Utilities in Minnesota and Other States Need to Plan for More Competition

Why Utilities in Minnesota and Other States Need to Plan for More Competition

John Farrell

July 22, 2020

This report explores the undercounting of customer-sited and non-utility solar in utility distributed resource forecasting. It finds that Xcel Energy's forecasts for distributed solar in Minnesota are strikingly low.  READ MORE


Funding, Expertise, Utility Cooperation: Three Things Cities Need to Reach 100% Renewable Energy

Funding, Expertise, Utility Cooperation: Three Things Cities Need to Reach 100% Renewable Energy

Maria McCoy

June 10, 2020

This report, written by University of Michigan master’s students in the School for Environment and Sustainability, uses survey results to identify 11 key recommendations city leaders can use to transition to 100% renewable energy.  READ MORE


Report: Designing Community Solar Programs that Promote Racial and Economic Equity

Report: Designing Community Solar Programs that Promote Racial and Economic Equity

John Farrell

February 27, 2020

This white paper, put together by a team of community solar specialists, offers guidance for those working to establish equitable community solar programs. It details 30 policy/program guidelines for municipal utility administrators, policymakers, and advocates of accessible solar for all.  READ MORE


Report: An Alternative to Electricity Monopolies Enables Communities to Center People and Planet

Report: An Alternative to Electricity Monopolies Enables Communities to Center People and Planet

John Farrell

February 19, 2020

This report examines community choice energy, a policy giving cities and counties the right to purchase energy on behalf of electricity customers. Enabled in 9 states, community choice agencies are revolutionizing the utility model by offering cheaper, cleaner energy that  READ MORE