Smart. Sustainable. Local Power.
Click here to access our newly-published leadership brief on community energy.
Today, local governments purchase energy – generated outside their community via non-renewable sources – from their utility company. Utility bills are paid every month, with no local environmental or economic benefit.
We can do better. By supporting and purchasing power from community-owned renewable energy facilities (located on agency facilities and properties) local governments can, at no additional cost:
- Create jobs. Local contractors build the renewable facilities, supporting the workforce and generating local employment opportunities.
- Reduce the community’s environmental impact. California public agencies are looking for ways to comply with statewide greenhouse gas reduction requirements. Local renewable sources are a simple, proven way to boost compliance with AB32 while enhancing local independence and creating more healthy, livable communities.
- Reduce utility costs. Since 2000, utility costs in California have increased by more than 50%, with substantially higher (15-20% annually) price increases sought by utilities in 2013 and beyond. Uncertainty in fundamental energy costs strains local budgets, but this strain can be avoided if the jurisdiction agrees to purchase power at set rates in the future – with guaranteed savings from day one.
- Stimulate the local economy. Today, when a local government pays its utility bills, the money spent leaves the community and lines the pockets of utility company investors. With community renewables, community members own the energy source and dollars spent on electricity stay in your community. When these dollars stay close to home, they multiply – up to 3.5 times, according to many economists – and contribute to local prosperity.
