Advancing Local Government Goals through Wholesale Market Engagement: A Series of Case Studies

Local governments are becoming increasingly aware of the important role of wholesale market operators in decarbonization, the deployment of clean energy, and grid reliability. Wholesale market operators include regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs). Due to the technical and time-intensive nature of the process for engaging with RTOs, local governments frequently have a difficult time engaging in stakeholder and market processes. This report outlines case studies in which two municipalities and one coalition of local governments have successfully used innovative strategies to engage with their RTOs. The case studies feature the town of Hanover, NH; the PJM Cities and Communities Coalition; and the City of Castle Hills, TX.

Read More

Driving Climate Action Through Utility Integrated Resource Plans: A North Carolina Case Study of Local Government Leadership

This ACCC Renewables Accelerator case study examines a coordinated effort by local governments in North Carolina to provide insight into how and why local governments are increasingly getting involved in utility Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) processes. It shares details and takeaways from this leading example of local government collaboration to inform other local governments’ efforts to advance a cleaner, more equitable, and sustainable energy future.

Read More

Selected Examples of Leading Equitable Clean Energy Initiatives

This spreadsheet highlights case studies of equitable clean energy initiatives from leading cities and states across the United States. For each initiative, this resource provides a brief summary, an overview of key characteristics, and a description of how it addressed procedural, structural, distributional, or transgenerational equity.

This is a companion resource to the publication “Integrating Equity into City Clean Energy Initiatives: Considerations and Resources for Local Governments.” Download that report from the Tools & Resources library.

Read More

Integrating Equity into City Clean Energy Initiatives: Considerations and Resources for U.S. Local Governments

This report offers an approach and considerations for integrating equity into city clean energy initiatives. It provides an overview of developing equitable clean energy initiatives, relevant definitions, and example goals, targets,
and indicators that can be used for consistent and comprehensive planning and implementation. The report explores seven common types of clean energy initiatives pursued or supported by city governments, with high-level observations based on equity-focused case study reviews. The report also includes additional equity-focused resources from experts nationwide.

A companion piece to this report—”Selected Examples of Leading Equitable Clean Energy Initiatives”—presents case studies from leading cities and states. Download it from the Tools & Resources library.

Read More

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Charlotte and Duke Energy Carolinas to Establish a Low Carbon, Smart City Collaboration

This Clean Energy Collaboration is a formal agreement that outlines various overarching values, goals, and shared principles to foster a Low Carbon, Smart City Collaboration for all Charlotteans. It outlines a strategy for cooperation and achievement of a shared vision through broad collaboration, focusing on innovation, low carbon energy, economic development opportunities, customer choice programs, and technology.

Read More

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of St. Petersburg and Duke Energy Florida, LLC for Clean Energy Collaboration

This Clean Energy Collaboration is a formal agreement that outlines a shared commitment to a cleaner, greener future. The MOU states that the two parties will meet at least quarterly to identify and move forward priority projects on transparency and data access, transparency of stakeholder engagement, energy efficiency, renewable energy/community solar, resilience, smart technology, and mobility electrification.

Read More

Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Support Package

This support package provides local governments with a foundational understanding of integrated resource plan (IRP) processes and key considerations to help local governments evaluate their engagement plans and craft an initial engagement strategy.

Read More