Map cases

Energy Futures for Greater Manchester, UK

A vision for a democratic, fair and clean energy company

Energy Democracy Greater Manchester was established as a campaign group in 2015 to advocate for a municipal energy supply company for the region. Our goal has been to create a democratic, fair and clean company that would be a true departure from the ‘Big Six’ energy company model that currently dominates the UK's energy supply. So far, we focused the majority of our campaign efforts on education and research activities in order to bring together a diverse group of Greater Manchester energy citizens, each with their own interest in changing the current system. Strategies for envisioning a just energy future that involved workers and citizens included a YouGov poll, creative meeting methods, mapping the current energy system and learning from international examples.

GoiEner Cooperative, Basque Country

A renewable energy model based on participation, collective ownership and gender equity

The GoiEner Cooperative was founded in 2012 in the Basque Country as a response to both the energy oligopoly and the rise of the anti-austerity movement connected to the economic crisis. Over the past six years, this cooperative for renewable energy generation and consumption has grown to include nearly 9,000 members, and has become an inspiring model for the transition to a new energy model.

Cooperation Jackson, Mississippi

People power drives social and ecological transition

The vast majority of people in Jackson, Mississippi live at or below the poverty line, struggle with chronic unemployment and under employment, poor health and an extreme wealth gap between black and white that is the product of an apartheid-like economy and social order. Cooperation Jackson works to transform the city into one that is ecologically regenerative and centered on economic relationships rooted in equity, solidarity and mutual aid.

Richmond Progressive Alliance, California

Transforming a century-old oil company town into a progressive hub

The Richmond Progressive Alliance (RPA) has made Richmond, California, a national model after successfully organizing the community to challenge pollution by the town’s oil giant, Chevron, high rents, gun crime, gang violence and voter apathy.

Community Power, Minneapolis and Minnesota

Local energy solutions to support energy democracy and community wealth-building

In 2011, a campaign that would eventually become Community Power was set up, with the aim of directing more of the US$450 million Minneapolis residents spend each year on energy bills towards a clean energy economy. Since the partnership’s creation, a broad coalition of actors have pushed forward community-grounded energy solutions: universally-accessible, debt free financing for energy efficiency upgrades; and switching to 100% renewables; workforce development for marginalized communities; just community solar.