Solar project in Harrisonburg
renew rocktown
solar advocacy
My responsibilities included reading and organizing formal documents such as financial reports, contracts, and city codes, and using this to inform relevant interview questions for utility managers, lawyers and solar energy experts. I translated this data into executive summaries for stakeholders. I created a Powerpoint presentation that included visual graphics/keywords and narrowed our focus to have a clear, concise proposal.
There is a Virginia state law that caps net-metered solar energy at 1% of the total grid energy; however, Harrisonburg is a municipal utility and not subject to Virginia state laws. The energy provider subjected Harrisonburg to this law, despite the fact it has nothing to do with the physical capabilities of the grid, but more so to control the dirty energy market. For the citizens of Harrisonburg, this means past 1% of net-metered solar, no one else is allowed to connect to the grid with their panels, taking away energy freedom.
Working with Renew Rocktown, I was the communications and organizational head of a four-person renewable energy team. My team set out to find a feasible way to work with our energy provider and our municipal utility to create win-win solutions that bring the municipality more money and savings and allow Harrisonburg citizens energy freedom.
On February 27th 2018, we presented our findings to the Harrisonburg Electric Commission and hope to see renewable energy growth in the Friendly City. I have developed a stronger understanding of renewable energy, environmental policy and how the grid, net metering, and utilities operate.
