The Supreme Court unanimously restricted federal environmental reviews under NEPA to direct project impacts, easing infrastructure approvals...
During a Historic Hurricane Season, Microgrids Kept Communities Running
Summary
During Hurricane Francine, microgrids powered by solar and battery storage provided critical support to communities facing widespread outages. In New Orleans, the Grace United Methodist Church, part of the Community Lighthouses network, served as a resilience hub offering electricity, cooling, and essential services. Across the U.S., microgrid adoption is growing as a reliable energy solution, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing disaster preparedness. RMI’s “Microgrids for Resilient Communities” initiative is helping schools, churches, tribal buildings, and community centers implement microgrids by addressing financial and technical challenges. Key factors for success include high energy efficiency, favorable net metering policies, and access to funding sources like federal tax credits and grants. Advocates highlight microgrids’ role in lowering energy costs and ensuring energy security, especially for low-income communities.
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Environmental Justice
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