In Depth
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
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
Why is Connecting Clean Energy to the Grid So Hard?
February 27, 2023
A terrific Brad Plumer New York Times article highlights the barriers to connecting renewable energy to the grid. This post explains WHY these barriers exist, and how we can overcome them. READ MORE
Recently Posted
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
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
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