energy policy have been the preserve of the corporate boardroom or venues with no public participation .
“ The movement is growing neighbourhood by neighbourhood , city by city , and state by state ,” she adds , “ in an effort to not only transform how we power our society , but who has the power to make energy decisions that impact our lives . The transition to 100 % clean energy is an opportunity to put power back in the hands of local families , businesses and residents .”
Working together for change People power , then , is firmly at the forefront of this staggering growth in renewable cities . And there ’ s little doubt that all individual commitment to clean energy – think rooftop solar in offices or residential buildings – helps to “ decentralise and distribute the benefits of ownership to residents and local business ,” says Van Horn .
But there too is a wider requirement for the industry , whether renewable or fossil fuel organisations , to work together to achieve this . Large cities and urban areas naturally represent a high percentage of any major utility provider ’ s overall retail sales , presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for change for providers . In the US , as Van Horn explains , the continued growth of customer preference for 100 % clean energy is bringing many major electric utilities on board in working with cities to achieve change .
“ Just this month , the city of Denver and Xcel Energy entered into an agreement to work together in order to boost the city ’ s use of clean , renewable energy . It comes after local community leaders and activists across Denver have been calling for the city to move to 100 % clean energy . The utility has entered into similar agreements with other 100 % clean energy committed communities across Colorado .”
Other examples cited by Van Horn include Salt Lake City , which is working closely with electric utility , Rocky Mountain Power , to achieve the goal of 100 % renewable electricity by 2032 . “ A detailed plan has been released for the city to enhance energy efficiency community-wide , increase investments in local clean energy like solar and to expand zeroemission vehicles as part of the 100 % clean energy goal ,” she elaborates .
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