Socrates once wrote that the secret to change is to focus all our energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.
The ‘new’ Minneapolis’ Northside is renewable energy.
Kristel Porter, a passionate environmental activist, has long championed an alternative energy source from the sun in lieu of unhealthy and dangerous fuels provided by the utility industry -. coal, nuclear, hydro, natural gas.
As the executive director for MN Renewable Now, Porter addresses community challenges determined to build opportunities and enhance the quality of life for North Minneapolis residents. Partnering with Jamez Staples, owner of Renewable Energy Partners (REP), the goal is to offer training programs in solar energy, EV (electrical vehicle) charging, and green energy efficiency infrastructures.
“Homes should be electrified with renewable resources, but it’s hard to put solar on a roof. Maybe those who desire to do so don’t own a home, or their debt/income ratio would disqualify them from getting financed. I know without a doubt that the benefits coming from the sun onto solar panels far outweigh the costs over time. We can lower carbon footprints, not have to depend on dirty energy, be part of a utility company, and save the planet for future generations. I call it energy assistance through renewable energy.”
Porter goes on to explain that if a resident in the Zip Code 55411 decides to subscribe, there will be two meters. One would show energy being taken in, and another would indicate how much energy is being put into the grid. Xcel buys that energy through a bill credit. Everybody shares. The renewable energy advocate points out that the lack of financing opportunities is not the only barrier.
A subscriber can purchase no more than 120% of their usage that will cover the cost of their electric bill and perhaps afford a 20% return when all other entities have been paid. Businesses should consider being backed up by solar generators.
Porter said the electric utility company, “Just doesn’t like to see other people own power. There is a climate emergency, and it cannot go unchecked,” she warned. “The world is on fire, and we have to save ourselves,” she said, indicating two bills, H File 1133 and Senate File 2191 will be introduced to the Legislature requesting funding for rooftop solar panels for area schools on the Northside.
For Kyle Samejima, Executive Director of the non-profit, Minneapolis Climate Action, it’s about ‘doing the right thing’ and that, in part, means focusing on local and equitable energy alternatives. “We want to bring choices, possible solutions, and benefits to the local level. We know pollution and climate change affect low income and people of color the most. We can create projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but we can’t ignore the blatant realities of the problem – that extractive capitalism takes advantage of these communities through environmental, social, and racial injustices. Climate Action partners with community non-profits to inform residents of their options and the resources available for alternative energy.
A huge endeavor of Climate Action has been the installation of a 900 panel array on the roof of North High School. A Community Solar Garden gives people opportunities, and a voice. Investors reap the benefits together. Grant resources and investors assisted in the completion of the solar project. It has also been a great scientific learning classroom right ‘on top of the roof’ for North High students and community members, Samejima said. The only requirement for subscribers and investors is that they must be paying an Xcel bill. No upfront money is needed. You can rent or own your home. There’s no income or credit check review. The company has tried to eliminate all the barriers and even offer a ‘pay-as-you-go option.
“We need to act boldly, innovate broadly, and implement equitably, wrote an Earth Day planner. “It’s going to take all of us – all in. We cannot assume we will or will not be around when the last glacier melts. It’s happening fast. But our children might still be here and their children, we pray. Climate change has the potential of impacting us all. If soil does not hold the nutrients and water is polluted, crops cannot grow, food will be scarce, economies will weaken, our health will be compromised, devastating weather patterns will evolve even more deadly than what we have already experienced around the world, and the future for generations to come will be in peril. Everyone accounted for; everyone accountable. ‘This is the moment to change it all. The business of climate; the political climate; and how we take action on climate. Now is the time for the unstoppable courage to preserve and protect our health, our families, and our livelihood. Together we must invest in our planet.” (Quote source: Earth Day websit)
For further information: Kristel@MNrenewablenow.org
www.mplsclimate.org Tap Our Work – Community Solar Gardens
www.earthday.org/earth-day-2022 (A partnership for the Planet, April 22nd: Earth Day 2022. Action Tool Kit; Help Plant Trees; join or create a clean up group; 52 ways to get involved.
