Local Energy Rules

https://ilsr.org/feed/localenergyrules

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This bi-weekly podcast from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance shares powerful stories of local renewable energy, from mayors discussing their city’s commitment to 100% renewable energy to tales of innovative community owned solar to questions about the the best rooftop solar policy. Join host John Farrell, the director of the Institute’s Energy Democracy Initiative, as he asks if the 100-year-old monopoly market structure for electricity delivery makes sense in an on-demand, distributed 21s...

Episode List

Black Churches Power Up A Solar Revival — Episode 268 of Local Energy Rules

Apr 8th, 2026 5:30 PM

What makes faith communities such attractive hosts for resilience hubs?

A Coal Town Digs Deep for Municipal Clean Heat — Episode 267 of Local Energy Rules

Mar 25th, 2026 3:50 PM

How did this coal town ditch gas lines, win grants, and make municipal networked geothermal the cheapest heating option?

The Utility Power Trip Behind Transmission Network Upgrades — Episode 266 of Local Energy Rules

Mar 11th, 2026 3:51 PM

Who should pay for upgrades to the high voltage transmission network?| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/transmission-network-upgrades-ler266/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

How This City Got Low-Income Solar On The Utility’s Dime — Episode 265 of Local Energy Rules

Feb 25th, 2026 12:16 PM

San Diego may be the only city to have secured upfront funding from utility shareholders to make clean energy cheaper.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/San-Diego-franchise-agreement-ler265/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

A 2nd State Puts Utility Performance Over Profits — Episode 264 of Local Energy Rules

Feb 11th, 2026 6:00 PM

Oregon tries to tie utility profits to climate, cost, and reliability targets through performance-based regulation.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/oregon-performance-based-regulation-ler264/ Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

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