This paper provides guidance on the ways cities and counties can get involved in clean energy issues at the wholesale market level. It presents three main avenues for local governments to amplify their voices on renewable energy: through public statements, at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission level, and at the regional transmission organization/independent system operator level. It also offers options to help cities understand how they can collaborate with each other and other stakeholders to overcome challenges to getting clean energy.
L4GG State Profiles on Policies Affecting Local Renewable Energy Pathways
This is a series of state profiles providing a general overview of a state’s policies affecting local renewable energy policy in that state. While not legal advice, each profile provides helpful background on existing policies that may affect a local municipality’s path to renewable energy. As of January 2021, profiles exist for Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Oklahoma. Free site registration is required for access.
How Local Governments Can Buy Renewable Energy and Support Market Development
This webinar covers strategies local governments can consider to procure renewable energy and support renewable energy market development, including power purchase agreements (PPAs), virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), community solar, and more. The webinar also cover how the regulatory landscape impacts the RE purchasing options available to a particular community and highlights case studies from local governments across the United States that have successfully implemented these strategies, including Arlington, VA, and Denver, CO.
Solar and Storage for Cities
This resource focuses on two distinct applications for behind-the-meter solar-plus-storage installations at city/county facilities: 1) peak load shaving or peak demand shifting and 2) emergency power (resilience). It provides guidance for city staff to conduct an initial assessment and investigation of solar-plus-storage systems to determine suitable system size and performance information that could be incorporated into a planned PV procurement for a single city facility.
From Community Engagement to Ownership: Tools for the Field with Case Studies of Four Municipal Community-Driven Environmental & Racial Equity Committees
A report, including case studies and best practices, on how local governments can and should work to empower local stakeholders to not only inform, but ultimately take ownership of, key decisions impacting their community.
Contracting for Equity: Best Local Government Practices that Advance Racial Equity in Government Contracting and Procurement
This issue brief from the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) provides a common approach to furthering the field of practice of contracting equity within government.
Climate of Crisis: How Cities Can Use Climate Action to Close the Equity Gap, Drive Economic Recovery, and Improve Public Health
Part two of a three-part report series providing guidance for governmental and non-governmental community leaders on navigating climate-action priorities through the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis. Part two focuses on how the pandemic response creates opportunities and risks for local climate action, and how socially vulnerable populations can benefit from these actions.
More Urgency, Not Less: The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Lessons for Local Climate Leadership
Part one of a three-part report series providing guidance for governmental and non-governmental community leaders on navigating climate-action priorities through the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis. Part one focuses on why local climate action needs more urgency, not less, in light of these challenges.
Local Government Engagement with Public Utility Commissions
This resource identifies key areas in which local governments may engage with PUCs, the potential impacts of local government engagement at PUCs, and opportunities that exist to make regulatory processes more accessible for city and county staff. This short guide was prepared for the National Council on Electricity Policy, administered by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Center for Partnerships & Innovation and written by the Institute for Market Transformation.
City of Indianapolis Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Public Comment
This official comment by the City of Indianapolis was submitted to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission regarding Indianapolis Power & Light’s 2019 integrated resource plan. The City participated in the stakeholder meetings hosted by the utility and developed these comments to ensure that IPL was considering the City’s “Thrive Indianapolis” goals in its longer-term planning on climate, energy, and equity issues important to Indianapolis leadership and stakeholders.