In Depth

The 2022 Community Power Scorecard

The 2022 Community Power Scorecard

Maria McCoy

February 24, 2022

Communities can do a lot to advance energy democracy, but some of their options depend on state policy. This annual scorecard from ILSR’s Energy Democracy Initiative grades states on whether their policies help or hinder local clean energy action.  READ MORE


Recently Posted

How Colorado Electric Customers Are Leading a Co-op’s Clean Energy Journey — Episode 159 of Local Energy Rules

How Colorado Electric Customers Are Leading a Co-op's Clean Energy Journey — Episode 159 of Local Energy Rules

Maria McCoy

June 22, 2022

For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell and guest Bryan Hannegan discuss how cultural change, led by the customers, pushed Holy Cross Energy to offer innovative programs in its transition to 100 percent renewable energy.  READ MORE


National Community Solar Programs Tracker

National Community Solar Programs Tracker

Maria McCoy

June 16, 2022

20 states have policies allowing some form of community renewable energy. This quarterly update (2022 Q1) shows the capacity built in five states: Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York. It focuses on programs in investor-owned utility service territory.  READ MORE


A Solar Policy Shows How Solar Protects Households From High Gas Prices

A Solar Policy Shows How Solar Protects Households From High Gas Prices

John Farrell

June 14, 2022

State "value of solar" policies, as in Minnesota, create an incentive to install more solar energy in response to high natural gas prices and reduce long-term impacts on electricity customers.  READ MORE


Why Minnesota’s Community Solar Program is the Best

Why Minnesota's Community Solar Program is the Best

John Farrell

June 13, 2022

Minnesota's community solar program reached 833 megawatts in May 2022, enough to power more than 100,000 homes each year or about as much capacity as a typical nuclear power plant!  READ MORE


Petitioners Ask Feds to Investigate Utility Abuses of Monopoly Power — Episode 158 of Local Energy Rules

Petitioners Ask Feds to Investigate Utility Abuses of Monopoly Power — Episode 158 of Local Energy Rules

Maria McCoy

June 9, 2022

For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell and guests Howard Crystal and Liz Veazey discuss a recent petition to the Federal Trade Commission and why electric utility practices require federal investigation.  READ MORE