Energy District (n): a local institution that leads, implements, and accelerates the locally-owned, inclusive, clean energy transition.
Locally-led Change
State and federal policies and programs are critical for a clean energy future, but as in politics, ultimately all energy and all change is local. Energy Districts provide an impactful and saleable model for enabling change leadership and harnessing the “power of local” in every community and county in America.
Local Impact
Click above to read our in-depth Energy District concept document
In the process, Energy Districts create local jobs and retain and grow wealth (the green of energy prosperity), and simultaneously reduce carbon emissions and air pollution (the green of climate stewardship). Green meets Green. A win-win for everyone, and the right thing to do.
Energy Districts are geographically and socioeconomically inclusive, independent, and nonpartisan. They create change through principal strategies of energy planning, market transformation, public engagement, advocacy, and readiness. As the flywheel of momentum builds, tipping points of energy efficiency and locally-owned renewable energy are crossed, community clean energy identity grows, and the transition becomes unstoppable.
As of 2021, there are nine established Energy Districts in Iowa, two in Wisconsin, and more in planning stages! Together with many partners, we are dedicated to building a network of Energy Districts across Iowa and beyond. We are working hard on enabling policies, funding opportunities and collaborations, and direct technical assistance to possible start-ups. If you’re interested in learning more and building an Energy District in your neck of the woods (or prairie), please contact us.
For more on the Energy District model, history, and opportunity, see the Geography of Change concept document pictured above.
For additional reading, visit the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa.