NY Energy Democracy Alliance (EDA) A statewide consortium of 22 diverse community organizations working to advance a just and participatory transition to a resilient, localized and democratically controlled clean energy economy in NY. We shape NYS energy policy and programs and implement them on the ground (e.g. CoShare) Make REV R.E.A.L Renewable Equitable Accountable Local On September 21, 2014 the Peoples Climate Movement organized the historic Peoples Climate March on the eve of the UN Climate Summit. As heads of state from around the world gathered, 400,000 people from every walk of life marched through the streets of New York City demanding bold and urgent action of the global climate crisis. That march — and the months of organizing that lead up to it — helped to re-boot the climate movement in this country, and laid the foundation for the growth of the Peoples Climate Movement.

What is energy democracy and why does it matter? Energy democracy means centering community ownership, decision-making and equity at the heart of a renewable energy economy. A democratic clean energy economy can scale and become a major employment and economic driver  Slow ‘leak’s of capital out of the area through locally owned energy generation Pragmatic solution to solar & wind siting fights in a home rule state Best defense against fracking, pipelines & bomb trains reduces economic desperation motivation Revenue for landowners and municipalities + local jobs provides for our energy needs A corporate clean energy econo

Reforming REV Ambitious goals (e.g. 50/30) but results on the ground show policies and programs are inadequate to meet them. Undue influence corporate utilities and large energy companies Narrow market based approach – equity, public accountability, local economic development and employment are not prioritized Institutional biases of energy policy leaders whose views were shaped by long careers at the worlds largest banks. Their vision? From: Centralized, vulnerable, dangerous, expensive fossil & nuclear corporate owned To: distributed, resilient, safe, affordable corporate owned Only 5 community solar projects on line since Summer 2015, NONE serving LMI New Yorkers 800 solar installer jobs lost last year in NYC and flat growth v. 20% growth nationally While the REV process sets some ambitious goals for moving to a renewable energy system that serves all New Yorkers, the results on the ground have been significantly less than expected. According to the latest Solar Foundation report, New York lost 500 jobs in the industry in 2016, and unofficial industry estimates show 2016 deployment level with that of 2015, after 300 percent growth over the previous two years. To date, only 1-2 community shared solar projects have gone on-line more than 18 months into the program, and the current Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) proposal before the Commission threatens to erect another barrier to solar access for most New Yorkers. This is due, in part, to undue influence of corporate utilities and energy companies on the REV process, the PSC’s narrow, market-based approach, and the institutional biases of energy policymakers whose approach to energy solutions was shaped by long careers at the world’s biggest banks. We need all constituents’ voices at the table. The broader goals of the REV process, and of the majority of New Yorkers, would be best served by a Public Service Commission that represents the people and the environment of New York State, rather than those with vested interests in outdated energy systems.

What is CoShare? Coshare, the Community Owned Shared Renewables Group is an initiative of the New York Energy Democracy Alliance (EDA). A member-based network of community organizations and local energy practitioners Working to advance locally controlled, community-based shared renewable energy projects across New York State. Could be a model for other states. Currently focused on supporting community shared solar (CSS) development. What are the things that a network like this would do: Policy and Advocacy Feature of own projects, share common resources Research& Dissemination of best practices

Why did EDA create CoShare? EDA and many of its members worked with the coalition led by Vote Solar that successfully advocated for regulation to enable CSS in NY in 2015. No business model development, financing or incentives by NYS for CSS. Began CoShare to create a one-stop shared knowledge base, and to provide material and advocacy support for community owned CSS development. Just yesterday on our conf. call – priority 1 is getting CSS projects built by 2017

Why Community owned? Our existing energy system is corporate controlled, with most benefits going to shareholders. New York’s emerging clean energy transformation could easily go the same way. Neither equity nor economic development & employment are top line goals for the REV or the NYS energy plan. Community owned energy projects create more local jobs, economic benefit, and can be a cornerstone of a just transition to an affordable and climate friendly energy system. energy savings, local power generation, and enhanced reliability to provide safe, clean, and affordable electric service.

NYS CSS Development Challenges NYC Metro Restrictive zoning and site related ordinances, high development costs, and physical space constraints, make finding sites difficult. Upstate Low electric rates (~.10/kwh) make cost savings difficult Existing NYSERDA C/I incentives make 200kw+ systems uneconomical for public or private sector customers who may be paying (.04-.07 / kwh) Policy & Process Community stakeholders not resourced for participation in the process Time commitments and process assumes paid full time staff, and is weighted in favor of IOUs and other corporate players

What CoShare Does Disseminate & Discuss CSS info Best practices, case studies, development support Lessons learned & Cautionary tales Participate in other CSS spaces: e.g. National Community Solar Partnership, Energy Democracy Community Solar FUND Collaborate and partner with key stakeholders, agencies, and organizations. Advocate for policies and regulations to support community ownership or control of CSS projects that broaden access to solar. Fixing VDER for LMI access NYSDPS – CDG-LI collaborative • LMI incentives & development funding • From early adopter states such as MA, CO, MN, VT • NYSERDA, DPS, NYFB, CCE, • DPS – CDG –LI / NYSERDA / Governors office • Predatory Farm leasing • Our role is boots on the ground in communities