Why Minnesota’s Community Solar Program is the Best
Minnesota’s community solar program reached 822 megawatts in November 2021, enough to power more than 100,000 homes each year or about as much capacity as a typical nuclear power plant!… Read More
Drone Data Helps a Minnesota City Conserve Energy — Episode 141 of Local Energy Rules
For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell and guest Shannon Mortenson discuss Warren’s first-of-its-kind thermal imaging project, lessons learned from the pilot, and how cities can help residents conserve energy.… Read More
Utility Conflict of Interest is at the Heart of Minnesota’s Solar Interconnection Frustration
In these reply comments to the Minnesota PUC, ILSR points out that as long as the utility’s interest is to profit off of new generation assets, it cannot successfully manage grid access for third parties.… Read More
National Community Solar Programs Tracker
20 states have policies allowing some form of community renewable energy. This quarterly update (2021 Q2) shows the capacity built in states with most active programs: Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York. It focuses on programs in investor-owned utility service territory.… Read More
Report: Minnesota Communities and Local Providers Build Diverse Solutions for Affordable, Reliable Internet Access
Our new report Minnesota Broadband: Land of 10,000 Connectivity Solutions showcases the diverse range of approaches communities and local ISPs have taken to expand affordable, high-quality Internet access in Minnesota. … Read More
Report Highlights Diverse Community-Led Solutions for Expanding Internet Access in Minnesota
A new report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance showcases the diverse range of approaches Minnesota communities and local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have taken to expand affordable, high-quality Internet access.… Read More
Targeting Subscriber Inequities in Minnesota’s Community Solar Program
In these comments, submitted to Minnesota utility regulators, ILSR asks that the Commission extends the residential adder: a program designed to increase residential participation in community solar gardens.… Read More
In the Star Tribune: Wrong Incentives Drive Energy Decisions in Minnesota, Most States
In the Star Tribune, ILSR Co-Director and Director of the Energy Democracy Initiative John Farrell explains that thanks to a lack of competition, Minnesota energy companies have little incentive to invest in clean energy.… Read More
National Community Solar Programs Tracker: 2021 Q1
20 states have policies allowing some form of community renewable energy. This quarterly update (2021 Q1) shows the capacity built in states with most active programs: Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York. It focuses on programs in investor-owned utility service territory.… Read More