The March 12th episode of Booked on Planning featured author Michelle Moore, an advocate for sustainable energy solutions in rural America who recently published Rural Renaissance. Moore shared her wealth of knowledge on the subject, emphasizing the vital role that rural cooperatives and public power companies play in rejuvenating America's heartland. With a focus on energy efficiency, equitable access to clean energy, and the preservation of community values, the discussion offered a compelling blueprint for economic and environmental revival in small towns across the nation.
Moore begins her book by highlighting the historical significance of rural cooperatives and public power companies, entities that have been at the forefront of America's electrification efforts since the 1930s. She described these organizations as intrinsic to community economic development, noting their potential to become modern champions of the clean energy economy. In addition to providing clean energy, these entities can significantly reduce power bills for homeowners, especially in older homes, while ensuring equitable access to clean energy solutions by implementing energy efficiency programs.
As we talked with Moore we discussed the nuanced challenges of securing funding for clean energy projects in rural areas. She pointed out that while recent legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law offers new opportunities, rural electric cooperatives and nonprofits often face capacity issues in applying for and obtaining these funds. Larger communities have paid staff focused on grant writing, whereas these small communities are left scrambling to pull together all the various requirements for each application. From experience helping to submit federal grant applications I can attest to how challenging it is to do, especially when it’s tacked onto your daily work. The philanthropic community can assist rural institutions in closing economic gaps and achieving positive local economic outcomes through energy and infrastructure investments.
A critical point of discussion was the erosion of democracy in public power utilities. Moore observed a drift from the foundational democratic principles that once characterized energy cooperatives, where transparency and member engagement have diminished over time. By reviving these values, Moore believes we can reimagine a resilient future driven by community spirit, aligning profitability with the broader interests of communities.
Finally, Moore emphasized the intersection of values, technology, and systemic change in the transition to clean energy. She called for the 'public' to be put back into public utilities, advocating for investments that reflect societal values of equity and justice which is at the core of conversations across a wide spectrum of departments and communities. By fostering unity and resourcefulness, we can cultivate sustainable rural futures that are not only efficient but are also crafted with human values and democratic integrity at their core. The insights shared serve as an invitation to envision a future that is powered by more than just electricity, but by the very values that define our communities.
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