As electric vehicles become a vital part of the transportation landscape, it is crucial to ensure that communities are equipped to effectively implement electric vehicle infrastructure. For communities with fewer resources, especially those that are smaller and rural, additional support is essential to ensure they have the capacity to develop this infrastructure. Continue reading »
GPI is thrilled to announce that Southfield, Michigan, and Dayton, Ohio, are the first cities in their states to earn designations as Charging Smart communities! These designations recognize these cities’ work to become ready for the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging equipment. Both Southfield and Dayton earned a Bronze designation. Continue reading »
Fall is a beautiful time of change and transition, and in that spirit, we have exciting news of change and opportunity to share ourselves!
It is with gratitude and celebration that we share Lola Schoenrich is evolving her leadership role at GPI, stepping back from serving as vice president of Communities and into a part-time senior fellow role where she will continue to contribute her considerable experience and expertise. Continue reading »
In March 2024, the Great Plains Institute, in partnership with the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, launched Charging Smart. Charging Smart is a free technical assistance program for local governments to increase electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The program, which is funded by the US Department of Energy, is available in several states and will expand nationwide later this year. Continue reading »
Photo by Brandon Stengel for BWBR Architects, Inc (www.bwbr.com)
The Great Plains Institute (GPI), along with our project partners, is excited to share a new report for a project focused on creating a model to overcome the significant barriers for underserved Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)- and immigrant-owned small businesses to access rooftop solar energy. Continue reading »
Minnesota cities have been working hard to prepare for transportation electrification, and GPI is proud that nine of them are the first in the nation to be designated as Charging Smart communities! Continue reading »
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of AmeriCorps during AmeriCorps Week 2024, Director of AmeriCorps State and National Sonali Nijhawan visited GPI while touring host sites across the country. GPI was selected as a site visit during this tour for its long commitment to supporting AmeriCorps members through the Climate Impact Corps and Minnesota GreenCorps. Continue reading »
MINNEAPOLIS — Today, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) announced the launch of Charging Smart designation program that prepares and recognizes communities for electric vehicle (EV) readiness. Charging Smart is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office. Continue reading »
CERTs (Clean Energy Resource Teams) just announced its 2024 selection of projects to receive seed grant funds for kickstarting community-based clean energy projects across the state of Minnesota. The seed grants are offered every other year through a request for proposals process. Continue reading »
Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs), the Minnesota statewide partnership to support community-based clean energy projects, is now accepting applications for seed grants for 2024! Applications are due at noon on October 10, 2023, and projects will be conducted from January 2024 through January 2025. Read the request for proposal for the full criteria and eligibility. Continue reading »
