Local Energy Rules

by John Farrell
13

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 21st century energy system. Tell us what you think.

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Recent Episodes
  • Boosting Consumer Control with Better Utility Governance — Episode 237 of Local Energy Rules
    Jun 4, 2025 – 1:05:34
  • Community Solar Cracks Gas Crisis in Alaska — Episode 236 of Local Energy Rules
    May 21, 2025 – 42:51
  • Community Solar Complements New Hampshire’s Resident-Owned Communities — Episode 235 of Local Energy Rules
    May 7, 2025 – 41:11
  • A ‘North Star’ For California Utility Reform — Episode 234 of Local Energy Rules
    Apr 23, 2025 – 55:50
  • How Utilities Evade Grid Regulation — Episode 233 of Local Energy Rules
    Apr 9, 2025 – 38:40
  • Connecticut Utility Regulator Under Fire for Doing Her Job — Episode 232 of Local Energy Rules
    Mar 26, 2025 – 1:03:32
  • Community Solar 2.0 is Coming to Boston — Episode 231 of Local Energy Rules
    Mar 12, 2025 – 38:18
  • On Molokai, A Community Cooperative for Energy Sovereignty — Episode 230 of Local Energy Rules
    Feb 26, 2025 – 49:47
  • Voting (Again) on Municipal Power in Decorah, Iowa — Episode 229 of Local Energy Rules
    Feb 12, 2025 – 30:02
  • Wisconsin’s SolarShare: A Co-op Model for Local Clean Power — Episode 228 of Local Energy Rules
    Jan 29, 2025 – 49:56
  • A Public Utility for New York’s Hudson Valley – Episode 227 of Local Energy Rules
    Jan 15, 2025 – 36:59
  • Five Tactics for Fighting Utility Rate Gouging – Episode 226 of Local Energy Rules
    Jan 1, 2025 – 57:56
  • Biogas: The Good, the Bad, and the Sludgy – Episode 225 of Local Energy Rules
    Dec 18, 2024 – 41:42
  • Monopoly Utilities Shakedown Regulators in the Southwest – Episode 224 of Local Energy Rules
    Dec 4, 2024 – 49:53
  • Unions and Public Power NY Organize for Public Renewables – Episode 223 of Local Energy Rules
    Nov 20, 2024 – 47:52
  • Envisioning a Future Without Investor-Owned Utilities – Episode 222 of Local Energy Rules
    Nov 6, 2024 – 47:25
  • Public Power on the Ballot in Florida — Episode 221 of Local Energy Rules
    Oct 23, 2024 – 35:25
  • Solar Help Desk Offers Agenda-Free Consumer Assistance — Episode 220 of Local Energy Rules
    Oct 9, 2024 – 31:32
  • Crashing the Utility Transmission Planning Party — Episode 219 of Local Energy Rules
    Sep 25, 2024 –
  • How Cities Can Simplify Rooftop Solar — Episode 218 of Local Energy Rules
    Sep 11, 2024 – 49:13
  • Leah Stokes and Tim Hade on Climate Resilience in California — Episode 217 of Local Energy Rules
    Aug 28, 2024 – 45:34
  • How Monopoly Utilities Abuse Their Power — Episode 216 of Local Energy Rules
    Aug 14, 2024 – 18:36
  • The Cost of Utility-Controlled Vehicle Charging — Episode 215 of Local Energy Rules
    Aug 1, 2024 – 41:26
  • Financing Platform Opens the Door to Solar Ownership — Episode 214 of Local Energy Rules
    Jul 17, 2024 – 1:03:57
  • Paying Solar Incentives Direct to Nonprofits — Episode 213 of Local Energy Rules
    Jul 3, 2024 – 50:21
  • Seven Hundred Yards Pt. 3: Seven Generations to Come — Episode 212 of Local Energy Rules
    Jun 20, 2024 – 24:20
  • Seven Hundred Yards Pt. 2: Pretend Democracy — Episode 211 of Local Energy Rules
    Jun 5, 2024 – 28:14
  • Seven Hundred Yards Pt. 1: A Small Island in the Mississippi — Episode 210 of Local Energy Rules
    May 23, 2024 – 28:44
  • Advocate Puts Full Court Pressure on Utilities — Episode 209 of Local Energy Rules
    May 9, 2024 – 49:34
  • Standing Rock’s Wind Project Puts People First — Episode 208 of Local Energy Rules
    Apr 24, 2024 – 53:44
  • Ann Arbor’s Public Pathway to Reliable Power — Episode 207 of Local Energy Rules
    Apr 12, 2024 –
  • A San Diego Solar Takeover — Episode 206 of Local Energy Rules
    Mar 27, 2024 – 52:09
  • Arizona’s High Stakes Utility Election — Episode 205 of Local Energy Rules
    Mar 13, 2024 –
  • Smarter Rules for Smart Meters — Episode 204 of Local Energy Rules
    Feb 28, 2024 – 45:18
  • The Concrete Benefits of Virtual Power Plants — Episode 203 of Local Energy Rules
    Feb 14, 2024 – 46:00
  • 10 Years of Minnesota’s Community Solar Program — Episode 202 of Local Energy Rules
    Jan 31, 2024 – 45:15
  • Petitioners Ask Feds to Investigate Utility Abuses of Monopoly Power — Episode 201 of Local Energy Rules
    Jan 17, 2024 – 38:18
  • 200 Episodes, 10 Lessons, and Your Questions — Episode 200 of Local Energy Rules
    Jan 3, 2024 – 53:44
  • Scaling Up Home Energy Investment — Episode 199 of Local Energy Rules
    Dec 20, 2023 – 52:54
  • Loopholes and Scams in New York Gas Plans — Episode 198 of Local Energy Rules
    Dec 6, 2023 – 42:56
  • Utility Millions Take Down Popular Measure — Episode 197 of Local Energy Rules
    Nov 22, 2023 – 43:05
  • New Paths for Rural Electric Co-op Revival — Episode 196 of Local Energy Rules
    Nov 9, 2023 – 34:31
  • Stopping the Spread of Monopolies — Episode 195 of Local Energy Rules
    Oct 25, 2023 – 50:23
  • Colorado Bill Increases Utility Accountability — Episode 194 of Local Energy Rules
    Oct 18, 2023 – 37:57
  • Against All Reason, Indiana Dismantles Rooftop Solar — Episode 193 of Local Energy Rules
    Sep 27, 2023 – 43:11
  • Don’t Follow California’s Lead on Rooftop Solar — Episode 192 of Local Energy Rules
    Sep 13, 2023 – 56:06
  • The Anti-Competitive Tricks up Utility Sleeves — Episode 191 of Local Energy Rules
    Aug 30, 2023 – 38:28
  • Portland Funds Community-Led Clean Energy Projects — Episode 190 of Local Energy Rules
    Aug 16, 2023 –
  • How Utilities Neglect Certain Customers — Episode 189 of Local Energy Rules
    Aug 2, 2023 – 28:08
  • 13 States Flunk This Standard Test — Episode 188 of Local Energy Rules
    Jul 19, 2023 – 49:30
Recent Reviews
  • mdowney9
    Must listen for anyone interested in how to combat the climate crisis
    I’ve been a long time listener of many energy and policy podcasts, and this one ranks among the best I’ve heard! I love how they get into the structural challenges facing our systems (especially the recent interview with Shelley Welton). I’m always excited for new episodes to drop into my feed
  • Skjoa19
    Nobody else covers coops and monopolies like this
    If you want to see the structures that determine what we can and can’t do with renewables, this is the best source I have found. Great interviews, great ideas.
  • RSLatimer
    Deep Dive on Energy Info - Well Delivered
    I listen to many energy related podcasts and found this one via another series. Good content, deep dive into some history on the episode I listended to. Moves along quickly. Held my interest for an hour. I'll listen again. R. S. Latimer
  • Noconnell
    A guide towards possibilities
    Ilsr and this podcast highlight those making positive changes in solar. It is truly an inspiration towards what is possible through local empowerment and empowerment.
  • Sustenance13
    A must among energy podcasts
    An important perspective on the energy transition: intersections with politics, equity, local government.
  • phshar
    Indispensable Guide to Energy Democracy
    I really appreciate hearing not only about renewable energy transitions but about citizen empowerment and local democracy in the same dialogue. John interviews interesting people, the discussions are always informative, and on the whole the podcast is one of my best resources for clean energy work and policy!
  • nancylaplaca
    Excellent podcast on local energy
    ILSR and John Farrell give us the straight scoop. If you want to understand the opportunities —and obstacles — re: clean energy, listen up!
  • ZeeVegas
    Informative
    Interesting and informative take on all things local.
  • Kamarall
    Focused and informative
    Love this podcast! Host keeps discussions focused and interesting. Really appreciate that the content.
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