In Depth

The 2023 Community Power Scorecard

The 2023 Community Power Scorecard

Maria McCoy

February 23, 2023

Communities can do a lot to advance energy democracy, but some tools must be granted by 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

Proof in the Public Takeover Pudding — Episode 184 of Local Energy Rules

Proof in the Public Takeover Pudding — Episode 184 of Local Energy Rules

Maria McCoy

May 24, 2023

Randy Knight explains how the Winter Park, Fla., overcame utility opposition to create a publicly-owned electric utility and shares his advice to other cities. Portions of this interview were released as part of last year’s series on public power.  READ MORE


Advocates Applaud Equitable Clean Energy Wins in Minn. Legislation, Look to Next Session for More Progress

Advocates Applaud Equitable Clean Energy Wins in Minn. Legislation, Look to Next Session for More Progress

Katie Kienbaum

May 19, 2023

A coalition of clean energy advocates celebrates new legislation in Minnesota, which will increase access to clean energy and local solar across the state.  READ MORE


Tennessee Valley’s Unchecked Authority — Episode 183 of Local Energy Rules

Tennessee Valley’s Unchecked Authority — Episode 183 of Local Energy Rules

Maria McCoy

May 10, 2023

Maggie Shober discusses how the Tennessee Valley Authority operates like a for-profit utility, despite its public ownership. Portions of this interview were released as part of last year’s series on public power.  READ MORE


The Value Idling in Electric Vehicles — Episode 182 of Local Energy Rules

The Value Idling in Electric Vehicles — Episode 182 of Local Energy Rules

Maria McCoy

April 26, 2023

Brian Callnan discusses New Hampshire Electric Cooperative’s Transactive Energy Rate pilot program and how the energy sitting in electric vehicle batteries can provide additional value to the owner and the grid.  READ MORE


Why Minnesota’s Community Solar Program is the Best

Why Minnesota's Community Solar Program is the Best

John Farrell

April 20, 2023

Minnesota's community solar program reached 868 megawatts in April 2023, enough to power more than 100,000 homes each year or about as much capacity as a typical nuclear power plant!  READ MORE