Energy

In Depth

Report: Will Long-Term Co-op Contracts Give Way to Affordable Clean Energy?

Maria McCoy

October 30, 2023

ILSR’s new report, The Rural Electric Rift, examines the struggle of electric distribution cooperatives and their members to restore local control over electricity purchasing and harness the benefits of affordable clean energy. READ MORE

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 Q3) shows the capacity built in nine states, with a focus on projects in investor-owned utility service territory. READ MORE

The State(s) of Distributed Solar — 2022 Update

Maria McCoy

April 19, 2023

How much of the U.S. solar fleet is made up of smaller, distributed sources that help communities build local wealth? This 2022 update examines the size of state solar markets and the saturation of distributed and community solar systems. READ MORE

Recently Posted

Loopholes and Scams in New York Gas Plans — Episode 198 of Local Energy Rules

Maria McCoy

December 6, 2023

Ben Kuebrich discusses New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, what to expect when gas utilities do their own decarbonization planning, and how states and clean energy advocates can actually address methane gas use in the buildings sector. READ MORE

Utility Millions Take Down Popular Measure — Episode 197 of Local Energy Rules

Maria McCoy

November 22, 2023

Lucy Hochschartner explains how public power would have been an improvement over Maine’s investor-owned utilities, yet didn’t receive the support of Maine voters on November 7th. READ MORE

Virginia’s Community Solar Program

Caroline Petterson

November 16, 2023

Virginia’s shared solar program began enrolling subscribers in 2023, but faces scrutiny due to a high minimum billing feature. This post summarizes the policy and compiles additional Virginia community solar resources. READ MORE

New Paths for Rural Electric Co-op Revival — Episode 196 of Local Energy Rules

Maria McCoy

November 9, 2023

Frances Sawyer and Maria McCoy discuss ILSR’s new report on rural electric co-ops and how federal dollars can meet the growing momentum of co-op member-owners organizing around affordability, clean energy, and local control. READ MORE

Investment Funds v. A Democratic Future

Luke Gannon

November 2, 2023

A community advocacy organization fought to transfer power from a fossil fuel-backed investment firm to community-driven clean energy. READ MORE

In Depth

Report: Will Long-Term Co-op Contracts Give Way to Affordable Clean Energy?

Community Solar Tracker

The State(s) of Distributed Solar — 2022 Update

Recently Posted

Loopholes and Scams in New York Gas Plans — Episode 198 of Local Energy Rules

Utility Millions Take Down Popular Measure — Episode 197 of Local Energy Rules

Virginia’s Community Solar Program

New Paths for Rural Electric Co-op Revival — Episode 196 of Local Energy Rules

Investment Funds v. A Democratic Future

How Big Utilities Are Impeding Clean Energy

This report explores how corporate concentration in the energy sector is harming Americans — and what we can do to fight back.

Local Energy Rules Podcast

Sharing powerful stories of successful local renewable energy

Community Power Map

Mapping local renewable energy and how states help or hinder local power.

Community Power Toolkit

Your starting point for building local power for renewable energy.