This week in Democratic Energy: Low-income residents of Colorado county get solar. Hawaii island of Kauai hit renewable energy milestone. The growing likelihood of consumerization of energy. Featured Stories: Bringing solar to low-income residents in La Plata County by Jonathan Romeo, Durango Herald To lease or to own: simplified solar calculator by John Farrell, CleanTechnica … Read More
Like mine, your eyes probably glaze when you see items like “fuel cost adjustment clause,” but tucked in your monthly electric bill are two big components that matter. One is a fixed amount you pay to be connected to the grid every month. The second is a variable portion is based on what you use. Your … Read More
In any conversation about the transition to a renewable energy economy, solar and wind advocates will eventually come up against the term “stranded assets.” It’s a misleading term, usually deployed in defense of legacy fossil fuel power plants (and their owners). But as times change, “stranded assets” can be redefined and in the next few years … Read More
This week in Democratic Energy: Nevada slashes Net Metering policy. Solar investment tax credit gets an extension from Congress. Midwest Energy News’ 2015 year in review focuses on the fight between utilities and everyone else. Featured Stories: Fixed charges, ‘bailouts’ and green tea: the Midwest Energy News 2015 year in review by Ken Paulman, Midwest Energy … Read More
Five years ago, I launched ILSR’s first program blog, Energy Self-Reliant States, to provide regular analysis and perspective on the opportunities to enrich local economies in the changing energy landscape. At the time, the big discussions in energy were about state renewable portfolio standards, wind power, and big transmission lines as the only reasonable and cost-effective strategy … Read More
I took the “no” side in a point/counterpoint in the Wall Street Journal this week on the topic: Will Solar Energy Plummet if the Investment Tax Credit Fades Away? It’s been a great conversation-starter, but also an opportunity to clarify ILSR’s position on the tax credit extension. In short, while allowing the 30% tax credit to … Read More
On the one hand: Sky-high electricity prices. A 20th century electricity system burning fuel oil and controlled by large monopoly electric utilities. A proposed utility takeover. On the other hand: A new 100% renewable energy standard. Rooftop solar on one of ten homes, saving each customer hundreds of dollars per year. Cost-effective energy storage. A rising interest in locally controlled utilities. Welcome to Hawai’i at the Energy Crossroads.… Read More
This week in Democratic Energy: Ohio groundswell gathers around reinstatement of renewable energy mandates. Utah group condemns utility’s false claims to promoting renewable energy Vox’s David Roberts, in a 2-part series, seeks to break down the dominance of 20th century style electric utilities. Featured Stories: The Federal Solar Tax Credit extension: can we win if we … Read More
Vox, September 11, 2015 In my last post, I explained the core problem facing US electric utilities: They are still structured as monopolies that bundle together disparate energy services, despite new technology making it possible, and desirable, to “unbundle” those services. That core problem explains why so many utilities are fighting rooftop solar, hostile to energy … Read More
