7 - Energy communities: a North American perspective

Abstract

In North America as elsewhere, policy makers and regulators are wrestling not only with how to achieve rapid and substantial GHG reduction targets, but how to do so in ways that attract and maintain broad public engagement and acceptance. A survey of community energy projects in North America and the policy frameworks that support them reveal some important features that are helping to reduce GHGs. North Americans are motivated to engage in neighborhood-based renewable energy initiatives given the opportunity. More importantly, a market-based approach that provides incentives for utilities and entrepreneurs to engage the public in these initiatives appears to be effective.