Many climate advocates in our region are focused on streamlining the process of clean energy development, which requires thoughtful legislation at the state level. We are at the table to ensure that the development process is both swift and equitable.
For example, we are advocating to make microgrid ownership possible for communities on the front lines of the climate crisis. Community ownership has always been a key issue for Spark Northwest, so we are thrilled to be working on this issue with the Making Energy Work Coalition.
Microgrids are a powerful tool for building resilience under precarious conditions. Think of them as a grid-within-a-grid. A typical microgrid has a power source (like solar panels), batteries, and a control system. When all is well with the utility system, the microgrid generates power and shares it through utility powerlines. When the utility grid goes down, the microgrid can switch into “island mode” and operate independently. Power outages during extreme weather events are costly and dangerous. For communities most impacted by the climate crisis, microgrids provide safe and reliable power through all sorts of weather conditions.
Current regulations make it difficult to build and own microgrids. The Making Energy Coalition is calling for clear and reasonable rules to provide pathways to microgrid development and ownership. John recently testified before the Oregon House Energy and Environment Committee. Stay tuned as we work to move this legislation forward this year.
