Local Energy Rules
Technology
About
This bi-weekly podcast from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance shares powerful stories of local renewable energy, from mayors discussing their city’s commitment to 100% renewable energy to tales of innovative community owned solar to questions about the the best rooftop solar policy. Join host John Farrell, the director of the Institute’s Energy Democracy Initiative, as he asks if the 100-year-old monopoly market structure for electricity delivery makes sense in an on-demand, distributed 21st century energy system. Tell us what you think.
Episodes
- How Much Are You Paying For Utility Profits? — Episode 270
Episode 270 of Local Energy Rules examines the significant portion of customer payments that go towards utility shareholder profits, with some states seeing as much as 30 cents of every dollar directed to profits. The episode discusses how…
- Xcel Owns the Batteries, You Pay the Bill — Episode 269 of Local Energy Rules
This episode of Local Energy Rules discusses Xcel
- Black Churches Power Up A Solar Revival — Episode 268 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 268 of Local Energy Rules discusses the appeal of faith communities, particularly Black churches, as hosts for resilience hubs and explores a related solar revival.
- A Coal Town Digs Deep for Municipal Clean Heat — Episode 267 of Local Energy Rules
Local Energy Rules Episode 267 discusses how a former coal town successfully transitioned to municipal networked geothermal heating, becoming the cheapest option by abandoning gas lines and obtaining grants.
- The Utility Power Trip Behind Transmission Network Upgrades — Episode 266 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 266 of Local Energy Rules, titled 'The Utility Power Trip Behind Transmission Network Upgrades,' examines the question of who should be responsible for funding upgrades to the high-voltage transmission network.
- How This City Got Low-Income Solar On The Utility’s Dime — Episode 265 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 265 of Local Energy Rules discusses how San Diego may be the only city to secure upfront funding from utility shareholders to make clean energy more affordable.
- A 2nd State Puts Utility Performance Over Profits — Episode 264 of Local Energy Rules
This episode of Local Energy Rules examines how Oregon is implementing performance-based regulation to link utility profits with goals for cost, reliability, and climate impact.
- 42 Million People Can Use this Toolkit to Lower Electric Bills — Episode 263 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 263 of Local Energy Rules introduces a toolkit designed for rural electric co-op members to replace coal debt with clean, affordable energy options.
- Solar and Portable Batteries Save Lives after Storms — Episode 262 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 262 of Local Energy Rules discusses NOLA’s Community Lighthouse initiative. This initiative establishes local hubs equipped with rooftop solar and portable batteries to provide critical support and save lives in the aftermath of st…
- DIY Plug-In Solar Is On The Way — Episode 261 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 261 of Local Energy Rules discusses the upcoming availability of DIY plug-in solar devices. These devices are designed to provide affordable and convenient energy solutions by circumventing utility company involvement.
- Public Power Can Tackle The Affordability Crisis — Episode 260 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 260 of Local Energy Rules discusses how public power entities can address the affordability crisis.
- Cutting Tax Credit Losses With Third-Party Ownership — (Bonus) Episode 259 of Local Energy Rules
This bonus episode of Local Energy Rules discusses how third-party ownership models could help mitigate losses resulting from changes in the solar tax credit system.
- Leveraging Distributed Power Plants To Lower Costs — (Bonus) Episode 258 of Local Energy Rules
This episode discusses pending Minnesota legislation focused on enabling distributed power plants and their potential to reduce energy costs.
- A Blueprint for Scalable Cooperative Solar Energy — Episode 257 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 257 of Local Energy Rules discusses the combination of cooperative solar ownership with a standardized design to match the scale and capacity of local communities and their grids.
- State Solutions for Local Energy Action — (Bonus) Episode 256 of Local Energy Rules
This episode discusses how state legislatures can support cities in advancing clean energy goals and addressing climate change.
- How to Raise the Bar for Community Solar in Minnesota — (Bonus) Episode 255 of Local Energy Rules
This episode of Local Energy Rules discusses recent improvements to Minnesota's community solar program and explores ways to encourage cooperative ownership models.
- The Oregon Trail To Community Microgrids — Episode 254 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 254 of Local Energy Rules discusses Oregon's community microgrid law, designed to improve resilience against power shutoffs and grid failures.
- The State Fighting The Feds to Lower Energy Costs – (Bonus) Episode 253 of Local Energy Rules
Bonus Episode 253 of Local Energy Rules covers a state's intensified efforts to challenge federal actions concerning local clean energy affordability and access.
- The Minnesota Lawmaker Tackling Energy Problems Head-On — (Bonus) Episode 252 of Local Energy Rules
This bonus episode of Local Energy Rules features a Minnesota lawmaker discussing her approach to the state's energy problems. The episode is available on the ILSR website.
- Distributed Power Banishes Blackouts In Puerto Rico — Episode 251 of Local Energy Rules
Eight years after Hurricane Maria caused widespread outages in Puerto Rico, residents have invested in solar panels and batteries to ensure consistent electricity. Javier Rúa-Jovet, Chief Policy Officer at the Solar and Energy Storage Asso…
- The Job No One Does Well — (Bonus) Episode 250 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 250 of Local Energy Rules discusses the state of utility regulation in America, concluding that no state is currently performing this function effectively. The episode offers a hopeful outlook on the situation.
- BlackRock Bought Minnesota Power. What’s Next? — (Bonus) Episode 249 of Local Energy Rules
Bonus Episode 249 of Local Energy Rules discusses the acquisition of Minnesota Power by BlackRock. The episode highlights the ongoing efforts of consumer advocates focused on utility accountability.
- How to Fix the Country’s Biggest Power Market — Episode 248 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 248 of Local Energy Rules discusses the crisis in the PJM electricity market, detailing how ratepayers are reportedly being overcharged to benefit generation owners.
- Should We Celebrate When Monopoly Utilities Embrace Distributed Energy? — (Bonus) Episode 247 of Local Energy Rules
Bonus Episode 247 of Local Energy Rules examines a utility proposal for owning energy storage on customer property, noting how it also strengthens the utility's monopoly position.
- Finally a Bright Spot for California Rooftop Solar — Episode 246 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 246 of Local Energy Rules explores a positive development for California's rooftop solar ambitions.
- A New Coalition for a Distributed Energy Future — Episode 245 of Local Energy Rules
This episode discusses Common Charge's initiative to advance a future where distributed energy assets improve grid functionality for everyone.
- These Solar Tax Credits Are Still Standing — Episode 244 of Local Energy Rules
Local Energy Rules Episode 244 discusses how non-profit and public entities can still utilize solar tax credits, outlining the three necessary steps for obtaining them.
- The Town That Could Spark a Public Power Revolution — Episode 243 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 243 of Local Energy Rules discusses Slayton's public power takeover, which is intended to increase reliability and safety.
- A Public Power Struggle in Tucson — Episode 242 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 242 of Local Energy Rules discusses a public power campaign in Tucson, Arizona. The campaign seeks to take over the city's investor-owned utility, motivated by issues of affordability and clean energy.
- Smart Homes, Stronger Grids, Thanks to Distributed Power Plants — Episode 241 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 241 of Local Energy Rules discusses how distributed power plants contribute to stabilizing the electric grid and reducing consumer electricity costs.
- Why BlackRock Wants to Buy Your Electric Utility — Episode 240 of Local Energy Rules
This episode of Local Energy Rules discusses the potential sale of Minnesota Power to BlackRock, examining how the transaction might affect customer rates and shareholder profits.
- The Truth Behind California’s High Electric Bills — Episode 239 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 239 of Local Energy Rules features Richard McCann explaining that utility overspending, rather than rooftop solar, is the reason for California's increasing electricity rates. McCann debunks the
- Australia’s Rooftop Solar Revolution: A Postcard from the Future — Episode 238 of Local Energy Rules
Australia leads globally in rooftop solar installations. This episode of Local Energy Rules discusses the lessons learned from Australia's experience, which are relevant for regulators and grid operators in the United States.
- Boosting Consumer Control with Better Utility Governance — Episode 237 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 237 of Local Energy Rules explores the concept of modifying monopoly utility governance structures to enhance consumer influence in decision-making processes.
- Community Solar Cracks Gas Crisis in Alaska — Episode 236 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 236 of Local Energy Rules explores how Alaska’s electric co-ops and the Cook Inlet gas crisis led to the creation of the state’s community solar policy.
- Community Solar Complements New Hampshire’s Resident-Owned Communities — Episode 235 of Local Energy Rules
This episode of Local Energy Rules explores how residents of community-owned neighborhoods in New Hampshire are achieving cost savings through community solar projects.
- A ‘North Star’ For California Utility Reform — Episode 234 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 234 of Local Energy Rules discusses California's Senate Bill 332. The legislation aims to mitigate the negative impacts of investor-owned utilities and foster a more resilient future.
- How Utilities Evade Grid Regulation — Episode 233 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 233 of Local Energy Rules explores how utility companies are prioritizing smaller, local transmission projects. This strategy allegedly serves to bypass regulatory oversight and enhance profitability, rather than investing in more…
- Connecticut Utility Regulator Under Fire for Doing Her Job — Episode 232 of Local Energy Rules
Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Chair Marissa Gillett discusses the difficulties in reforming utility regulation due to the significant influence of investor-owned utilities. This episode is a rebroadcast from Volts.
- Community Solar 2.0 is Coming to Boston — Episode 231 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 231 of Local Energy Rules discusses Community Solar 2.0's arrival in Boston. A local solar developer is using state climate initiatives to share the advantages of the energy transition.
- On Molokai, A Community Cooperative for Energy Sovereignty — Episode 230 of Local Energy Rules
Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative, a resident-led group on the Hawaiian island of Molokai, is developing clean energy initiatives. Their work aims to address community needs and priorities, particularly in response to the nation's highest utility…
- Voting (Again) on Municipal Power in Decorah, Iowa — Episode 229 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 229 of Local Energy Rules covers the public power initiative in Decorah, Iowa, where residents are again voting on a municipal utility. Advocates hope that recent electricity bill hikes and dissatisfaction with Alliant Energy will…
- Wisconsin’s SolarShare: A Co-op Model for Local Clean Power — Episode 228 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 228 of Local Energy Rules discusses the SolarShare Wisconsin Cooperative model, which permits any Wisconsin resident to invest in local solar initiatives.
- A Public Utility for New York’s Hudson Valley – Episode 227 of Local Energy Rules
Rep. Sarahana Shrestha's bill, The Hudson Valley Power Authority Act, seeks to transition Central Hudson Gas & Electric into public ownership. The goal is to lower energy rates, speed up the adoption of clean energy, and improve community…
- Five Tactics for Fighting Utility Rate Gouging – Episode 226 of Local Energy Rules
Mark Ellis, formerly a chief economist and strategist for investor-owned utilities, outlines five tactics to combat utility rate gouging. He now assists intervenors in these fights.
- Biogas: The Good, the Bad, and the Sludgy – Episode 225 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 225 of Local Energy Rules covers biogas production through anaerobic digestion of organic waste. The episode explores both the benefits of harnessing power from waste and the potential negative ecological and health consequences.
- Monopoly Utilities Shakedown Regulators in the Southwest – Episode 224 of Local Energy Rules
In episode 224 of Local Energy Rules, Stephen Fischmann describes how New Mexico’s monopoly utilities engage in a "continual shakedown" of regulators, refusing to act without significant compensation due to their lack of competition.
- Unions and Public Power NY Organize for Public Renewables – Episode 223 of Local Energy Rules
Patrick Robbins helped establish the Public Power NY Coalition, which was instrumental in drafting New York's Build Public Renewables Act. This legislation serves as a model for other regions aiming for energy independence while addressing…
- Envisioning a Future Without Investor-Owned Utilities – Episode 222 of Local Energy Rules
Episode 222 of Local Energy Rules discusses a University of Michigan research team's exploration of four alternative energy futures that move beyond investor-owned utilities.
- Public Power on the Ballot in Florida — Episode 221 of Local Energy Rules
Florida’s Legislature removed local control of Gainesville’s municipal utility. Commissioner Bryan Eastman discusses the city’s strategy to reclaim it.