Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.’s Post

🌟 Empowering Nebraska’s Rural Communities Through Clean Energy: A Story of Progress 🌟 In a major step toward a sustainable future, the USDA has announced a $30 million investment through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program to fund SE Municipal Solar LLC’s ambitious solar projects across Nebraska. These eight solar photovoltaic facilities will generate 18.72 megawatts of power—enough to light up over 1,700 homes across Alliance, Gering, Sidney, Imperial, Ansley, Pender, Crete, and Stuart. But this project is more than just an energy initiative. It’s a story of resilience, innovation, and community empowerment. For decades, rural America has faced unique challenges, from economic fluctuations to limited access to modern infrastructure. Yet, these communities have remained the backbone of our nation, fueling our economy and enriching our culture. Today, through programs like PACE, we see a renewed focus on these vital areas—bringing not just power, but hope, jobs, and a vision for a brighter, greener future. The Biden-Harris Administration, through the Inflation Reduction Act, is making the largest investment in rural electrification since the 1930s. These investments are designed to lower energy costs, create good-paying jobs, and ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the clean energy transition. This is especially crucial as we strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen the resilience of our nation’s electric grid. At Leswee LLC, we’re dedicated to supporting this transformative journey. We understand the complexities of federal funding and are passionate about helping businesses and communities unlock the potential of programs like PACE. Our expertise lies in navigating the grant landscape, providing strategic advice, and ensuring your projects not only meet but exceed funding requirements. Imagine your community being the next to benefit from such groundbreaking initiatives. Picture the impact—lower energy costs, new job opportunities, and a cleaner environment for generations to come. This isn’t just about securing funding; it’s about securing a future. If your business or community is ready to step into the future of clean energy, Leswee LLC is here to guide you. Let’s work together to harness these opportunities, turn your ideas into reality, and power a new era of growth and sustainability in rural America. 💡 Together, we can build a future where every community thrives. Contact us today to learn how you can benefit from clean energy grants! #RuralDevelopment #CleanEnergy #SolarPower #GrantFunding #Sustainability #EconomicGrowth #USDA #energy #solar #PACEProgram #InflationReductionAct

They received how much??🤑 Chicago's Blacks in Green, led by Naomi Davis, secured a significant win of receiving $12.5 million in renewable energy credits to develop three community solar projects! 🌄 The projects, valued at $25.7 million, will be executed by the Green Energy Justice Cooperative, a collaboration initiated by Blacks in Green and partners. These projects aim to benefit under-resourced communities in Aurora, Naperville, and Romeoville, Illinois. The Green Energy Justice Cooperative, launched in 2022, focuses on providing low-income communities of color with ownership of energy generation. 💡 Renters, condominium owners, and homeowners unable to install solar will be co-owners, promoting community engagement and shared profits. Davis emphasizes the organization's commitment to expanding clean energy businesses, decarbonizing buildings, and creating strong communities against climate change. 🌞💚 Read more about it here: https://hubs.ly/Q02gQ-GP0 #CleanEnergy #CommunitySolar #Sustainability #RenewableEnergyCredits

By leasing their land for community solar, landowners have the opportunity to earn reliable, long-term income while doing good for the environment. Here are 5 things landowners should consider when thinking about leasing their land for solar. https://hubs.li/Q02JLH1s0

Considering leasing your land for #solar? The experts at Pivot Energy share the 5 Things You Must Know: 1. You can earn a predictable and reliable source of income (for decades!) 2. You'll turn your property into a "land bank" for the next generation 3. You will generate income while saving time and energy 4. You'll still continue being considered a good neighbor! 5. Your family will earn money while making a positive impact #communitysolar #farmland #landlease #renewableenergy

$7.3 Billion in Clean Energy Investments DENVER, Colo., Sept. 6, 2024 – USDA Rural Development State Director for Colorado Crestina M. Martinez announced three rural electric cooperatives in Colorado were selected for financing to build clean energy for rural communities through the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program. New ERA and other investments in rural clean energy in the President’s Inflation Reduction Act make up the largest investment in rural electrification since President Roosevelt signed the Rural Electrification Act into law in 1936 as part of the New Deal. “Rural electric cooperatives are the backbone of America’s power generation, storage and transmission and leading the clean energy transition. The New ERA selectees will invest in our rural communities and the American workforce using workforce training, registered apprenticeship programs, project labor agreements, and more. Put simply, this is rural power, for rural Colorado,” said Martinez. Selectees from the first round in Colorado: CORE Electric Cooperative “This Empowering Rural America New ERA investment will be used for CORE Electric Cooperative to procure approximately 550 megawatts of new wind and solar renewable energy. It will also allow CORE to invest in energy reliability through roughly 100 megawatts of energy storage,” said CORE Electric Cooperative CEO Pam Feuerstein. “These efforts are estimated to provide more than 1.9 million MWh of GHG-free energy annually, create new short and long-term jobs, reduce costs for member-owners, and help meet Colorado’s clean energy goals.” Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. “New ERA represents the largest investment in rural electric cooperatives and the communities they serve since the Rural Electrification Act of 1936,” said Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. CEO Duane Highley. “We couldn’t be more excited by this opportunity to leverage New ERA to serve our cooperative’s members and support our communities through unparalleled investments that achieve significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions while maintaining the reliable, affordable electricity rural communities count on.” United Power, Inc. “The Empowering Rural America New ERA investment will have an immediate positive impact on all United Power members who have experienced increased costs for food, property taxes, insurance, and all utilities over the past few years,” said United Power, Inc. President and CEO Mark Gabriel. “We are excited to start receiving the funds so we can promote how USDA's support of our power supply’s decarbonization as laid out in Our Cooperative Roadmap will benefit the communities, we serve for generations to come.” More inform about the selectees can be found at https://lnkd.in/gytsbtKx. USDA expects to continue making New ERA and Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program awards in the coming months.

A cautionary tale: Farm for sale - with its very own solar facility! This is a NextEra lease - 50 MW - so not too big - just 355 acres of the 1,000 farm. In Sharon NY. The issue at hand is the neighbors water wells have dried up since the project was built. Not much talked about is the water use on solar facilities to keep the panels clean, and this will affect neighbors. The other issue, in this case, is the construction-destruction of the farmland and runoff - not much talked about either even though there have been several successful EPA and civil lawsuits. Hey folks it is not just clean and green! Never was and never will be! Total devastation of millions of acres which will never be reclaimed! https://lnkd.in/gGGHBhET

This is the reality of “green” energy.

In Minnesota, the Clean Energy Resource Teams showcased a transformative approach to solar energy by guiding tours of community solar farms.🌄 This initiative seeks to make solar power accessible to all, broadening its economic and environmental advantages to those in the low- and middle-income categories. The journey of community solar in the U.S. traces back to 2006 in Ellensburg, Washington. The early projects were more focused on contributing to environmental sustainability than on providing financial benefits. Yet, as solar technology became more affordable and with backing from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the scope of community solar has broadened significantly. Today, it goes beyond just generating energy – it's about supporting fairness, strengthening communities, and caring for the environment.🌳 The Green Energy Justice Cooperative's recent contract to develop 9 megawatts of solar power in Illinois exemplifies this shift. This project, supported by nonprofits and clean energy co-ops, will provide lower electricity rates to underserved communities. Businesses are also stepping up, with companies like Tapestry partnering with a solar developer to launch six solar projects in Illinois. Not only does this lower electricity bills for people in the area, but it also serves as an example of how businesses can help communities grow and become more sustainable by getting involved in renewable energy projects. As we move towards a cleaner, more inclusive energy future, the role of partnerships between businesses, nonprofits, and government programs is crucial. #CommunitySolar #SustainableBusiness #RenewableEnergy #SolarForBusiness #ESA Read more about it here: https://hubs.ly/Q02hP2dg0

So here's a conundrum - #Vermont is likely to have a new, aggressive renewable energy requirement on the books soon, pushing my home state to 100% renewable energy with a significant in-state generation component. Super exciting, right? And as a community solar developer with over 120 projects under our belts, mostly in the Green Mountain State, Green Lantern Solar knows that development scale means a LOT to Vermonters. I'm 100% supportive of small-scale, in-state generation that is part of the circular local regenerative economy. And yet there is some 100MW of large (>20MWac) scale solar currently being proposed by big out-of-state companies that are going to wheel the power OUT of Vermont to utilities in Massachusettts and Connecticut so those companies can meet their own states' renewable goals. The VT PUC has approved similarly situated large generation facilities located in Vermont in the past under the rationale that Vermonters benefit from the regional generation of renewable energy (which is per se true, but a pretty slim argument nonetheless). So what will Vermont do to encourage private investment by local developers to build projects here in Vermont, that actually serve Vermonters, at a scale that makes sense? What if anything will Vermont do to incentivize dual use #agrivoltaics projects and #brownfield redevelopment? That all remains to be seen, and I'm cautiously optimistic despite the Scott Administration's failure to fully embrace renewables despite a clear mandate to do so. Time for the Executive branch in Vermont to lead, follow or get out of the way.

Lights, cows, action! Celebrating our latest solar projects in Vermont; these initiatives are not just about energy—they're about transforming landscapes and livelihoods. 🌞🐄 I'm thrilled to have successfully managed the transaction to secure funding for these two community solar projects that will generate over 2,100 kWh of renewable energy annually. These projects will support six local dairy farms, cutting costs and boosting their profit margins. Key facts about the projects: ◆ Total capacity: 500 kWAC each, (864 kWDC per project)   ◆ Annual generation: Over 2,100 kWh   ◆ Beneficiaries: 6 dairy farms   ◆ Collaborators: Norwich Solar, Solaris Energy, Greenday Finance  It's amazing to see the community coming together for a more sustainable future. Together, we are turning challenges into opportunities and redefining the possibilities of renewable energy. Hats off to our visionary partners at Solaris Energy | B Corp whom I helped on these projects, for their dedication to a greener future—let's keep shining bright! For more details, check out the full article: https://lnkd.in/g4YcxCCy #CommunitySolar #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability