News and Media
For all media-related inquiries please contact our Communications Director Allye Doyle at:
(651) 529-2881 or email: allye@cooperativeenergyfutures.com
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+
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
Drone footage of completed Shiloh Temple project: (2 minute downloadable mp4)
Drone footage of completed Ramp A project: (2-minute downloadable mp4 file)
Time lapse of Ramp A panel installation: (27-second downloadable mp4 file)
Time lapse of Ramp A panel installation and array from late afternoon through sunset to night: (4.5-minute downloadable mp4 file)
Ramp A photo repository: Photos of the project are available here.
Demo video of the design of the Ramp A community solar canopy
Talks about the Cooperative Energy Futures Model:
May 18, 2019: Climate Justice Presentation and associated July 2, 2019 Transcribed Interview with Timothy DenHerder-Thomas by The Humanist
December 11, 2018: TEDx Mahtomedi Presentation
October 22, 2016: Zero Waste Summit
Links to news and othEr Media ABOUT CEF’s WORK:
July 16, 2024: Eden Prairie Local News article on Eden Prairie Community Solar Garden Ribbon Cutting on the roof of the EPCC.
January 29, 2024: Inside Climate News article on CEF selection to build solar projects for low income and BIPOC communities in Illinois.
November 30, 2020: Inequality.org article on CEF’s model of cooperative ownership
November 10, 2019: Cool Solutions podcast episode highlighting cooperative community solar
November 6, 2019: Londsdale News review profiles Faribault solar garden
November 3, 2019: Southwest Journal article on Xcel Integrated Resource Plan highlights role of CEF in providing an alternative to energy monopolies.
October 8, 2019: Red Lake Nation News covers the launch of the Ramp A community solar garden
June 2, 2019: Saint Cloud Times highlights the Haven community solar garden as part of a feature on growing solar development
December 7, 2018: Star Tribune feature on the importance of CEF’s cooperative model
November 9, 2018: Mankato Free Press highlights affordable housing participation in the Waseca community solar garden
October 29, 2018: WCCO TV story on the Ramp A community solar garden
October 29, 2018: Minneapolis Star Tribune Article on the Ramp A community solar garden
September 10, 2018: The shiloh project is featured in a video called, "Happening Minnesota: A Clean Energy Road-Trip", see 6:44-8:45
September 2, 2018: Article in Mankato Free Press about southern MN projects
August 16, 2018: Video by MN Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTS) on the launch of the Shiloh project
August 9, 2018: Feature on ABC 5 Eyewitness News about launch of Edina community solar project
July 24, 2018: Podcast by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance on the Shiloh project
July 18, 2018: Article in the Sun Current about launch of Edina project
April 23, 2018: Video by Sierra Club on the collaboration between communities of faith on the Shiloh project
March 29, 2018: Article in Insight News, a local newspaper based in North Minneapolis, about Shiloh project
March 9, 2018: Article on Minnesota Public Radio News website about the launch of the Shiloh project
March 4, 2018: Article in the business section of the Minneapolis Star Tribune about the launch of the Shiloh project
July 6, 2017: Midwest Energy News highlights CEF’s model of creating low-income access to solar
September 26, 2016: Clean Technica report and Podcast on the Cooperative Energy Futures model
August 7, 2015: MinnPost highlights racial equity approach of the Shiloh Temple project
Shiloh Temple International Ministries Community Solar Garden Array