Renewable Energy
Objective
Households that are low-income or on a fixed income, seniors, people with disabilities, and/or people of color are more vulnerable to rising energy costs and stand to benefit the most from the cost savings and cleaner air offered by renewable energy programs, yet these programs are harder to access for historically marginalized populations.
Does your municipality have renewable energy programs and services designed to benefit all customers and increase access for disadvantaged populations?
Examples of Data Needed for Equitable Strategy Development (Qualitative and Quantitative)
Do you know the extent to which low-income residents are energy burdened, i.e., paying a disproportionately larger share of their income for utilities, and thus more likely to benefit from renewable energy?
Examples of Equity-Based Municipal Strategies
Solar:
- Allow solar in all zoning districts
- Pursue SolSmart designation
Energy Districts:
- Support energy districts/green zones
Multi-family and Low-Income Housing:
- Support rooftop solar in low-income housing and affordable housing/housing authorities
- Ensure meter consolidation/submetering for multi-family housing; electric and meter upgrades for affordable/low-income housing
- Ensure community policies, programs, and incentives are extended to non-city-owned projects and developments through alternative financing or RER projects.
New Development:
- Incentivize use of renewable energy for new developments in TIF districts.
Responsible Local Agency or Department
- Planning & Community Development
- Public Works
- Engineering
Opportunities
- ITC and IRA extend tax credit for solar projects
- Focus on Energy solar incentives
- Wisconsin is a solar rights state. Communities can’t restrict homeowner access to solar
Obstacles
- Public Service Commission regulations and State building codes
Municipal Examples
- Madison
- On solar rights, see Dane County’s efforts