This week, we hope that you like our commentary, published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and will share it around, especially to Governor Mark Dayton of Minnesota, who has one last chance to assert the authority of his own Public Utility Commission.
Also, listen to the latest episode of the Building Local Power podcast, where our own Karlee Weinmann discusses “The Power and Perils of Cooperatives.”
Keep your energy local,
John
Sherco power plant: The wrong project, for the wrong reasons, at a big cost
The proposed Sherco natural gas plant bill will soon be at Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton’s desk, give him a call and tell him you oppose this billion-dollar boondoggle. Call Gov. Mark Dayton at 651-201-3400 or email him at [email protected].
The Power and Perils of Cooperatives – Episode 12 of the Building Local Power Podcast
Cooperatives, and their unique ownership model, offer a great opportunity for democratic participation and great projects such as renewable energy and gigabit Internet service. Check out the latest episode ILSR’s podcast, Building Local Power.
Commentary: Removing co-op oversight jeopardizes rural solar
A plan floated by Minnesota lawmakers to exempt rural electric cooperatives from virtually all regulatory oversight would allow these utilities to restrict development of local solar power, even where their member-owners support renewable energy.
Thanks to Co-op, Small Iowa Town Goes Big On Solar
This co-op in Iowa is producing over 3,000 watts per customer. In the small community of Kalona, Iowa, where many Amish and Mennonite families shun electricity and cars, solar power is prolific.
Monopoly Un-Managed? Utility Tries to Dodge Oversight of Spendy Proposed Gas Plant
Xcel Energy in Minnesota seems to have decided they know better than energy regulators, side-stepping the regulatory process to introduce legislation to build a new natural gas plant, sticking customers with the bill.
Solar: Choice, Competition, and Clean Air
It’s simple to promote solar power as a money saver and clean alternative to fossil fuel generation. But it sells solar short to focus only on savings, when it also gives Americans the freedom to generate their own energy and to challenge the economic and political power of big corporations.