When it comes to communities taking action to accelerate sustainability, the peer cohort model is proven to be successful time and time again because it allows people to learn together and learn from each other. To build on that success, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) and the Clean Energy Resources Teams (CERTs) are creating a network of Minnesota cities focused on identifying and overcoming barriers to renewable energy procurement.
To help kick off this important effort, GPI and CERTs will host the day-long Renewable Energy Procurement Boot Camp on June 18 in St. Paul, Minnesota. With facilitators from the World Resources Institute and Rocky Mountain Institute, cities will learn more about renewable energy procurement options in the state (including power purchase agreements and utility solutions), share best practices, and discuss possible pathways to clean electricity.
Building on the expertise gained from the June boot camp, cities can then join GPI and CERTs’ Renewable Energy Procurement Network. Alongside peers in other Minnesota cities, they will work toward tangible outcomes together, including the creation of an action plan to increase participation in renewable energy deployment. Peer network activities will begin this summer and continue through the next year with periodic meetings facilitated by subject-matter experts. This network will also help participants demonstrate leadership and increase renewable energy options for other cities across the state.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Renewable Energy Procurement Network, please contact Abby Finis, senior energy planner at the Great Plains Institute. Abby works with communities throughout the Midwest to implement energy and climate action plans, analyze community resiliency, and help cities become more sustainable.
