All Posts
Community Solar Tracker
Maria McCoy
September 21, 2023
ILSR tracks community solar capacity in states with formal programs that allow non-utility ownership. This quarterly update (2023 Q1) shows the capacity built in seven states, with a focus on projects in investor-owned utility service territory.READ MORE
Don’t Follow California’s Lead on Rooftop Solar — Episode 192 of Local Energy Rules
Maria McCoy
September 13, 2023
Sachu Constantine explains the obstacles and opportunities arising for the electric grid as customers become generators and what California got wrong in its 2022 net metering decision.READ MORE
The Anti-Competitive Tricks up Utility Sleeves — Episode 191 of Local Energy Rules
Maria McCoy
August 30, 2023
Seth Handy explains how utilities have, through loopholes in federal guidance and friends on public regulatory bodies, protected their own interests at the expense of clean energy projects.READ MORE
Portland Funds Community-Led Clean Energy Projects — Episode 190 of Local Energy Rules
Maria McCoy
August 16, 2023
Maria Sipin discusses what the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund has accomplished, how volunteers from the community have shaped the fund’s priorities, and how to evaluate project success.READ MORE
Maryland’s Community Solar Program
Caroline Petterson
August 9, 2023
In 2023, Maryland passed legislation (HB 908) making permanent a successful 7-year community solar pilot program. The now-permanent program allows for unlimited capacity and requires that 40% of each project’s output serves low- to moderate-income subscribers.READ MORE
How Utilities Neglect Certain Customers — Episode 189 of Local Energy Rules
Maria McCoy
August 2, 2023
Alex Hill discusses a report on utility redlining in electric distribution, the impacts of inadequate grid infrastructure, and how the report helped make a case against the utility’s proposed rate increase.READ MORE
13 States Flunk This Standard Test — Episode 188 of Local Energy Rules
Maria McCoy
July 19, 2023
Mari Hernandez explains why we need transparent and efficient interconnection standards, how the regulatory landscape can adapt to new technologies, and where IREC’s Freeing the Grid initiative can help.READ MORE
Utilities Gamble With Household Money — Episode 187 of Local Energy Rules
Maria McCoy
July 5, 2023
Tony Bartelme discusses how utilities have wagered and lost billions of customer dollars, why customers are on the hook when utilities take financial risks, and how unhappy customers can counter utility power grabs.READ MORE
New Power Generation Quarterly: 2023 Q1
Maria McCoy
June 28, 2023
Eight gigawatts of new power generation capacity came online in the first quarter of 2023. For the third quarter in a row, over half of new generation was solar power (4.5 GW) with the rest from fossil gas (2 GW) and wind (1.5 GW).READ MORE
How Cities Can Steer State Action — Episode 186 of Local Energy Rules
Maria McCoy
June 21, 2023
Stacy Miller explains how she represents the city of Minneapolis in state forums, including the Public Utilities Commission, and what’s at stake in decisions made by the state.READ MORE
National Community Solar Programs Tracker
Maria McCoy
June 20, 2023
20 states have policies allowing some form of community renewable energy. This quarterly update (2023 Q1) shows the capacity built in seven states: Colo., Ill., Mass., Md., Minn., N.J., and N.Y. It focuses on programs in investor-owned utility service territory.READ MORE
Report: How Local Ownership of Clean Energy Boosts Benefits, Busts Barriers, and Builds Power
Katie Kienbaum
June 14, 2023
ILSR's new report, Advantage Local: Why Local Energy Ownership Matters, breaks down how locally owned clean energy can maximize economic benefits for households and communities while putting power back in the hands of people.READ MORE
Scoring Justice in Clean Energy Standards — Episode 185 of Local Energy Rules
Maria McCoy
June 7, 2023
Haley Havens explains the ways that states can advance equity through their clean energy standards and how Minnesota’s 2023 standard performs on the Initiative for Energy Justice’s scorecard.READ MORE
Minnesota's Community Solar Program
Maria McCoy
June 1, 2023
10 years after Minnesota enabled community solar, a 2023 policy has expanded the program. It also introduced new rules and limitations. This post explains the policy and compiles additional Minnesota community solar resources.READ MORE
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