Founded in 2014, Community Power is a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering residents across the state to create clean, local, equitable, affordable, and resilient energy systems. Emerging from the “Minneapolis Energy Options” coalition, the organization was pivotal in groundbreaking achievements like the Clean Energy Partnership between the City of Minneapolis, utilities Xcel and CenterPoint, and civil society organizations. Community Power champions local renewable energy, environmental justice, and democratic control of energy systems. Their strategies include partnering with advocacy and community-based organizations to develop solutions that improve community standards, promote economic stability, and foster climate resilience. Through education, collaboration, and civic engagement, they strive to expand energy options across Minnesota, advocating for racial, environmental, and economic justice as the foundation of climate action.
Members rally before the final public hearing on Xcel’s draft 15-year energy plan, expressing concerns about further utility investment in nuclear power plants and new gas plants. Photo: Brian Krohnke
Community Power’s work on a just energy transition – or energy democracy – is for the benefit of all Minnesotans, and in 2012 – 2013, as “Minneapolis Energy Options,” led to the nation’s first Clean Energy Partnership between Minneapolis, Xcel Energy, and Centerpoint Energy. This effort highlights the crucial role of grassroots pressure in pushing monopoly utilities to prioritize environmental and community needs. Composed of educators, organizers, community members, and volunteers supported by a small and growing staff of six, the group champions local, community-owned renewable energy. On behalf of their often-overburdened communities, they’ve advocated for inclusive on-bill financing for energy efficiency and equitable community solar gardens. Further, Community Power has hosted non-partisan candidate forums in Minneapolis’ Mayoral and City Council races in every election year since 2013. Community Power is unique among organizations for taking every opportunity to advocate for adequate funding to meet the city’s climate equity plan goals. Ever-evolving as an organization, Community Power’s core goal remains steadfast: an energy infrastructure that prioritizes sustainability, accessibility, and fairness.
From left, Community Power’s board and staff include John Farrell, Alice Madden, Leticia Jones, Lee Samelson, Brian Krohnke, George Crocker, Susan Breedlove, Timothy DenHerder-Thomas, and Kyle Goertz. Photo: Brian Krohnke