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Artwork for Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules
Community Solar
Clean Energy
Renewable Energy
Energy Democracy
Rooftop Solar
Environmental Justice
Solar Energy
Inflation Reduction Act
California Public Utilities Commission
California Rooftop Solar
Net Metering
Climate Change
Build Public Renewables Act
Climate Emergency
Distributed Energy Resources
Energy Transition
Distributed Power Plants
Minnesota
Public Power
Decorah

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-... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes281Founded13 years ago
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Society & Culture

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Artwork for Local Energy Rules

Latest Episodes

How did this small city finance a municipal geothermal network?| Show page available: ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/new-haven-geothermal-network-ler275/ Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: ilsr.or... more

Boulder's voter-approved climate tax has funded local climate action since 2006. Its lessons are ones any city can use.|

Show page available: ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/boulder-climate-tax-lessons-ler274/|

Listen to all of our Local ... more

Solar is ready. Thanks to utilities, the rules to connect it to the grid aren't.|

Show page available: ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/state-interconnection-rules-ler273/|

Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our si... more

States can slash rooftop solar costs with instant permits and remote visits.|

Show page available: ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/reducing-rooftop-solar-red-tape-ler272|

Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our sit... more

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Recent Guests

Jonathan Cohn
Director of Climate Initiatives for the City of Boulder
City of Boulder
Episode: How This Mountain Town Funds Its Own Climate Future — Episode 274
David Golombeski
Senior Program Manager, IREC
Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
Episode: States Can Stop Utilities From Strangling Local Solar — Episode 273
Elizabeth Ridlington
Associate Director and Senior Policy Analyst at Frontier Group
Frontier Group
Episode: Reducing Red Tape to Slash Rooftop Solar Costs — Episode 272
Jerry Baker
Executive Director of One Spirit
One Spirit (Lakota Community Projects)
Episode: Solar Plus Suds Builds Self-Reliance — Episode 271
Daniel Tait
Research and Communications Director for the Energy and Policy Institute
Energy and Policy Institute
Episode: How Much Are You Paying For Utility Profits? — Episode 270
Shannon Anderson
Virtual power plant policy director
Solar United Neighbors
Episode: Xcel Owns the Batteries, You Pay the Bill — Episode 269 of Local Energy Rules
Will Kenworthy
Senior Regulatory Director, Midwest
VoteSolar
Episode: Xcel Owns the Batteries, You Pay the Bill — Episode 269 of Local Energy Rules
Reverend Dr. Ambrose Carroll Sr.
CEO of Green the Church
Green the Church
Episode: Black Churches Power Up A Solar Revival — Episode 268 of Local Energy Rules
Matthew Mendisco
Town Manager, Hayden, Colorado
Town of Hayden, Colorado
Episode: A Coal Town Digs Deep for Municipal Clean Heat — Episode 267 of Local Energy Rules

Host

John Farrell
Host of Local Energy Rules and Director of the Energy Democracy Initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 65 ratings
  • 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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mdowney9
    United States2 years ago
  • 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.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Skjoa19
    United States2 years ago
  • ILSR does amazing work in a narrow but critical piece of the climate solutions universe: helping citizens break free from monopoly utilities, which will enable a cleaner, healthier, wealthier and more resilient future !

    Podcast Addict
    5
    SCSierraDave
    4 years ago
  • 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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RSLatimer
    United States4 years ago
  • Awesome Podcast!!!

    John, host of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, highlights all energy and more in this can’t miss podcast! The host and expert guests offer insightful advice and information that is helpful to anyone that listens!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    roweereyes
    Philippines5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The show frames energy policy with practical case studies that are easy to act on.
High-quality insights into energy democracy and community ownership.
Guests bring real-world experiences that translate to tangible local actions.
Listeners appreciate in-depth policy and financing discussions.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How This Mountain Town Funds Its Own Climate Future — Episode 274
Q: What advice would you give to folks in other cities considering similar paths toward energy democracy and local funding mechanisms?
Prioritize coalition-building and shared learning; don't focus solely on flashy projects. Build a clear value narrative showing how funds translate into tangible community benefits, and push for regulatory and legislative changes that unlock scalable impact while maintaining accountability to residents.
States Can Stop Utilities From Strangling Local Solar — Episode 273
Q: What mechanisms exist to hold utilities accountable, and what roles do state legislatures or PUCs play?
They cover reporting requirements, public interconnection queues, and transparent cost estimates as key accountability tools, with regulators enforcing timelines and rules based on data.
States Can Stop Utilities From Strangling Local Solar — Episode 273
Q: Why does interconnection matter for people who care about clean energy?
The host and Dave discuss interconnection as foundational for distributed energy resources like solar and storage, explaining that well-designed processes reduce costs and delays, enabling faster, broader deployment of clean energy.
States Can Stop Utilities From Strangling Local Solar — Episode 273
Q: What motivated you to get into the work you do in clean energy, particularly interconnection policy?
Dave explains a personal journey from working on wind development with his father to engaging with environmental reviews and climate-focused policy, which sparked a long-standing interest in making the grid more efficient and sustainable.
Reducing Red Tape to Slash Rooftop Solar Costs — Episode 272
Q: Which states were leading in permitting policy, and what practices set them apart?
California and Texas led with approaches that enable instant or third-party permitting, combined with standardized building codes and some HOA limits; these practices reduced delays and costs, illustrating that different governance models can both work.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Local Energy Rules

What is Local Energy Rules about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show consistently covers local and community-scale energy transitions, focusing on how cities, co-ops, faith groups, and grassroots organizations implement renewables, storage, and resilient energy systems. Episodes frequently explore funding models, regulatory reforms, and market structures, with deep dives into rooftop solar, community solar, municipal networks, and distributed energy resources. A standout aspect is the emphasis on energy democracy—empowering local ownership, transparent governance, and equitable access—often illustrated through concrete case studies, policy analysis, and practical financing insights. Listeners can expect thorough interviews with policymakers, advocates, and practitioners who translate complex energy... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Local Energy Rules?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Local Energy Rules:

1. Shift Key with Robinson Meyer
2. Volts
3. Energy Empire
4. Catalyst with Shayle Kann
5. Open Circuit

How many episodes of Local Energy Rules are there?

Local Energy Rules launched 13 years ago and published 281 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Local Energy Rules?

Recent guests on Local Energy Rules include:

1. Jonathan Cohn
2. David Golombeski
3. Elizabeth Ridlington
4. Jerry Baker
5. Daniel Tait
6. Shannon Anderson
7. Will Kenworthy
8. Reverend Dr. Ambrose Carroll Sr.

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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