Democratizing our Energy System: Ensuring that equity is central to our clean energy transition Becky Wasserman Community Partnerships Manager Resonant Energy becky@resonant.energy

What is Energy Democracy? Energy democracy means that community residents are innovators, planners, and decision-makers on how to use and create energy that is local and renewable. By making our energy solutions more democratic, we can make places environmentally healthier, reduce mounting energy costs so that families can take better care of their needs, and help stem the tide of climate change. Center for Social Inclusion

Who is most impacted by our energy decisions? Climate change and its disproportionate impacts on low-income communities and communities of color We cannot fully address the root of climate change unless we restructure power dynamics and who is at the center of planning our transition to clean energy Who will benefit from this transition?

Our Focus At Resonant Energy Resonant Energy exists to create coalitions that empower people to plan, finance, and build clean energy projects and put communities in control of their own transition to clean energy. We believe that clean, affordable energy is a right, not just for those at the top, but for 100% of people.

What are some of the barriers to expanding clean energy? Financing. Lack of access to capital and perceived credit risk prevent the growth of solar in low-moderate income communities. Trust. Many people distrust conventional solar developers as not having their community’s best interest in mind. Political Barriers. Government agencies at local and national level do not have tools yet to meet social equity goals mandated for clean energy. Physical Limitations. Old buildings and absent landlords make solar installations on many urban rooftops a challenge.

Boston Rooftop Solar Installations Lower income neighborhoods have far fewer solar installations due to barriers. Wealthier suburbs have significantly higher rooftop solar adoption rates.

Boston Interfaith Community Solar Project Who is involved matters Explain BICS and coalition that came together Big learning = putting community leaders and institutions in the driver’s seat

Codman Square Goes Solar Coalition with shared vision and goals

Tools that Enable Participation

Solar Solutions for All Community partnerships formed through the Solar Access Program allow us to reach people across income brackets: Confidential

Solar Access Program

Solar Access Program Highlights No Cost: No upfront cost, financial obligation, or responsibility for operation and maintenance Flexible Credit: mission-aligned anchor institutions serve as credit enhancement for solar hosts Savings: You receive net metering credits directly deducted from your monthly electric bill Adaptable: Good option for nonprofits, houses of worship, multifamily units, people that might move within 5 years

Boston Affordable Solar Coalition A partnership between Resonant Energy & nonprofit partners to develop 400 kW of Resonant’s new Solar Access Program by 2018, bringing solar to low-income and nonprofit rooftops across the city. Confidential

Community Owned Solar

Community Owned Solar Direct Ownership: Participants receive the full set of state and federal incentives for owning solar. Shared Costs: By co-locating with other households, the cost to each participant is reduced. Optimal Site: Your solar panels can be installed at a site with great solar exposure. MA Solar Loan: Individuals can finance their portion of the array with MA Solar Loan Community ownership is key -- keeping all wealth generation in the community

What You Can Do Learn about regional solar policy Reach out to local organizations with shared goals and vision related to energy democracy Have ideas about good sites for solar projects? Connect with us if you have ideas! Join the Alternatives and Solutions contingent with us at the People’s Climate March on April 29!

Questions? Contact: Becky Wasserman becky@resonant.energy