News and Media

For all media-related inquiries please contact our Communications Director Allye Doyle at:

(651) 529-2881 or email: allye@cooperativeenergyfutures.com

Equitable Solar Communities of Practice

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF) facilitated a six-month community of practice focused on equitable solar solutions and community-driven economic development. We are especially grateful to our six core partners: Black Owners of Solar Services, Energy Allies, Institute for Local Self-Reliance, Shake Energy Collaborative, Solar Stewards, and Working Power. This collaboration culminated in a report offering best practices and recommendations for more equitable community solar programs, highlighting CEF’s success in empowering communities to build wealth through clean energy access.

Click below to read the entirety of our report.

CEF x DOE

This summer, CEF is running a Community of Practice through a U.S. Department of energy program. In late July, we hosted our big convening, where about 100 clean energy partners joined us to discuss the ways distributed solar can drive community economic development. Our partners discussed and brainstormed opportunities and barriers to creating bill savings, wealth building, health improvement, and climate action benefits through solar projects like the ones CEF implements. Click here for a 2-page summary. The recording from our three-hour meeting is below. The password for the recording is: kx1*BtV+

Click here to watch the webinar

From right to left:

Senator Steve A. Cwodzinski (49, DFL), EP City Council Member PG Narayanan, Apadana Solar President Lev Buslovich, CEF General Manager Timothy DenHerder-Thomas, EP Mayor Ron Case, MN DOC Assistant Commissioner of Federal and State Initiatives Pete Wyckoff, EP City Council Member Lisa Toomey

We're thrilled to announce that Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF) has been awarded three prestigious prizes/grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, marking a significant milestone in our journey to advance renewable energy nationwide and ensure equitable access to solar power for all communities.

 Buildings Upgrade Prize ("Buildings UP"): This funding will support CEF's energy efficiency program, spearheaded by Audrey Pallmeyer, aimed at enhancing the energy performance of residential and commercial buildings through upgrades and retrofits.

 Round 2 of the Community Power Accelerator Prize: We're proud to continue our efforts in developing community solar projects and innovative models for equitable clean energy deployment with support from this grant.

 Equitable Solar Communities of Practice Grant: This recognition acknowledges CEF as a leader in community-led economic development through solar, fostering collaboration to ensure underserved communities benefit from the transition to renewable power sources.

B-Roll and Images

Talks about the Cooperative Energy Futures Model:

Links to news and othEr Media ABOUT CEF’s WORK:

Shiloh Temple International Ministries Community Solar Garden Array

Shiloh Temple International Ministries Community Solar Garden Array