Re @TheEnergyGang conversation on municipalization efforts in Boulder & Memphis, I’m not sure I agree with @JigarShahDC’s assessment - the driving force is a bit simpler than he laid out.

BTW, I’m speaking from experience, having worked with #DecaturGA on its exploration of municipalization when I was on its Environmental Sustainability Board. Spent a decent amount of time talking to other cities incl Boulder about the process as well.

Addressing the bulk of #climatechange emissions is a pretty simple two-part challenge:

1. Use energy more efficiently
2. Source it from clean generation

(For the purposes of this thread, I’m ignoring smaller carbon emitters like municipal waste and fugitive refrigerants)

The impetus to municipalize is almost entirely within #2, as without control of generation, you’re at the mercy of the utility. I actually don’t think cities want to get into the electric utility business, so utility clean energy commitments like @xcelenergy’s solve for #2

@JigarShahDC is right that municipal utilities can help accelerate #1 (end-use efficiency), but there are plenty of other tools local governments have to do that outside of creating/running a utility.

The example I gave on @MattersRadio this morning is #DecaturGA’s building code, which now requires 3rd party “green” certification like LEED or EarthCraft. /fin