The Power of Community Utilities

Utility companies often delay or even prevent against the transition to clean energy, causing environmental damage and directly harming low-income communities. Community utilities-publicly and cooperatively owned electric utilities-can help lead the transition towards an equitable, clean energy system. These large non-profit entities also serve as "anchor institutions" that are shaped by their local communities and provide critical opportunities for equitable economic development. This report recommends strategies to create and maximize community utilities, including preventing privatization, increasing democratic governance, effective renewable energy mandates, in-sourcing procurement contracts, and supporting local innovation and technical education.