Energy Democracy is a policy framework with the goal of transforming neglected and isolated communities—often poor, and often communities of color—into energy producers who contribute to the nation’s overall capacity, add clean energy to the grid, enhance their economic and political ties across the region, and supply their own energy needs. Without intervention, communities of color risk missing a transformative opportunity for a meaningful role in America’s changing energy economy. With people of color fast becoming half of the national population, this would be a loss for both communities of color and the nation. This white paper explores the challenges and opportunities communities of color face as participants in a renewable energy economy. With the right ownership models, clear and supportive tax incentives and finance policy, reformed land use and zoning policies, and equitable access to the grid, emerging technology allows communities of color to establish themselves as power producers. This white paper is focused on communityowned, small-scale renewable generators in electricity markets. Communities of color that become energy producers will transform their relationships with the larger regional economy, bringing improved infrastructure, increased wealth, and greater political interdependence between communities of color and their neighbors.
Report by the Center for Social Inclusion.