Author: John Farrell      Published: 09/8/2026    ILSR

Public power vs. monopoly power

What’s the secret behind high utility bills?

Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich explains in this excellent new video, which includes a powerful theme from our 2024 research––the vicious cycle of utility monopoly power––and a nod to ILSR’s map of public power campaigns to fight back. After watching the video, find out if you’ll be voting to pick your utility regulators this year.

Homegrown energy affordability

If you’re interested in how we restore affordability, look no further than my conversation about homegrown energy with Kristin Eberhard from Rewiring America. Their six policy prescriptions outline a path for states to encourage greater use of distributed energy resources like rooftop solar and batteries to meet grid needs affordably. Notably, they found that much of the demand induced by AI data centers could be met by having Big Tech owners pay homes and businesses to install solar and batteries. Of course, many communities don’t want a data center whether it pays them for solar or not, and ILSR also offers an overview of how state and local lawmakers can rein in the power of Big Tech and make hyperscaler data centers respect community interests.

John Farrell
Co-Director, Institute for Local Self-Reliance

 

Connect with me online

• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Follow me on Bluesky
• Follow me on Twitter/X

What do you want to know about the community renewable energy space? Email me at jfarrell@.ilsr.org.

Support our impact

DONATE

Our ability to carry out this work relies on donations from committed allies like you. We are truly grateful for any amount you are able to contribute.

.