In a new report, ILSR offers a vision for a 21st century electricity system as a network of independently-owned and widely dispersed renewable energy producers.
“Thirty years ago renewable energy was a novelty,” says John Farrell, author of the new report. “Twenty years ago it was little more than a cottage industry. Today the $100 billion renewable energy industry threatens to overturn the bigger-is-better foundation of the existing, 20th century electricity system.”
In
just three weeks, citizens of Boulder, CO, will vote on whether to
begin a big, formal process to unplug from Xcel Energy’s system and
plug into local energy self-reliance. The vote to form a municipal
electric utility could set a precedent for communities across the
United States to keep millions of dollars local instead of sending them
to remote electric utilities each year.
At every turn, the utility has stalled local efforts.
In choosing policies to finance solar power, U.S. states have chosen
between two major options: solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) and
CLEAN Contracts. But few legislatures have been armed with data on the
cost-effectiveness of these strategies. This report reveals that the transparency, certainty, and low risk of CLEAN Contract Programs makes them more cost-effective than SRECs for financing solar power projects. In other words, CLEAN means more solar at less cost.
Local solar power hits the sweet spot of cost-effectiveness and economic value for communities. The best approach for expanding energy is local mid-size projects.
Click through to see our new infographic, illustrating the optimal size for solar, it’s out-sized impact in generating power, and the enormous economic benefits of local solar power.
More
What would happen if the U.S. adopted the world's flagship solar energy policy – a feed-in tariff? This policy is responsible for three-quarters of the world's solar power capacity and offers the simplest mechanism for expanding production of solar power and other renewable energy.
If you've ever wondered how to explain to someone what ILSR brings to renewable energy policy, look no further. This 16-slide presentation lays out our history, philosophy and out-sized impact fighting for greater local authority and economic returns from renewable energy:
CENTERVILLE, Wis. — About 75 residents from area communities affected by the CapX2020 power line project gathered at two public meetings Wednesday at the Centerville community center. More
The Golden State has covered over 50,000 roofs with solar PV in the past decade, but could it also save 30% or more on its current solar costs? It turns out switching energy policies could save ratepayers billions.
If 2011 is a banner year and the state sees 1 gigawatt (GW) of installed capacity, the savings to ratepayers of a CLEAN program (over 20 years) would be nearly $3 billion.
Thousands of area homeowners could someday see more of
power lines. That's if the American Transmission Company gets approval
from the state Public Service Commission to build a massive power line
through western Wisconsin.
More
People in the La Crosse area got to voice their opinion
today about the American Transmission Company’s (ATC) proposed Badger Coulee
Transmission Line Project. Some people don’t want the lines to cut through
their backyard.
More
Xcel Energy, Dairyland Power and nine other
utilities (CAPX2020) are proposing a 345kV ultra high voltage power line
crossing from Minnesota to Alma, Wisconsin and then running either
south or east to Madison. Most of the power line will be built by the
American Transmission Company. The power line towers will be 15+ stories
tall and have a right of way of 150 feet, which will be cleared by
eminent domain and maintained by herbicides.
More
Owners of land that sits in the way of a highway or power
line project would have a harder time challenging a government takeover
of their property if a proposal inserted into the state budget becomes
law, property rights advocates say. The measure, adopted on a 12-4 party-line vote by the
Legislature's Republican-dominated budget-writing committee, pits the
state Department of Transportation and power-line builder American
Transmission Co. against property rights advocates and lawyers.
More
Owners of land that sits in the way of a highway or power
line project would have a harder time challenging a government takeover
of their property if a proposal inserted into the state budget becomes law, property rights advocates say.
More
The New Rules Project exists to encourage policies that will increase the political and economic power of citizens and communities. Newrules.org will only approve comments that are relevant and, in our judgment, add a valuable contribution to the topic. We may edit comments to bring out key points. Abusive comments will not be tolerated.
Post new comment
"Rules" are laws, ordinances, and regulations that can strengthen your community.
Local solar power hits the sweet spot of cost-effectiveness and economic value for communities. The best approach for expanding energy is local mid-size projects.
Comments
Post new comment