The National Energy Democracy Project convenes a national network of frontline communities working to democratize energy as a public good instead of the current profit-driven and extractive system we have today. In 2021, there was an emergency meeting where a project collaborator in Puerto Rico made a call for support to help with the rebuilding process that stemmed from Hurricane Maria that happened four years prior. Our group’s response was to provide immediate aid and relief. However, Al and Jessica did not just stop there and were able to ground us and bring vision to the root causes of how a profit-driven energy system is part of the legacy of colonial oppression. And, they described perfectly why our communities suffer massive consequences during climate and energy crises because of the control by profit-driven investors instead of people. Without addressing this root cause, we will be doomed to repeat our struggle. What resulted was the collective rallying, support, and development of the REFOCUS (Reimagined Energy For Our Communities in the United States) Campaign, a nationwide collaboration and effort to create a more reliable, equitable, and democratic energy system.

LCEA can claim two honors. It has unequivocally injected the cause of social equity and environmental justice into the hitherto largely white, middle-class, college-educated clean energy movement. Secondly, LCEA successfully bridges the sometimes wide gaps that separate the many small, often poor communities of color from each other and from society as a whole. For me personally, the most meaningful gap LCEA bridges is the generational one. LCEA provides an excellent forum for the mixing of young and old, enthusiasm and experience, fresh views, hard-won wisdom, and everything in between. Constant renewal is critical because our fight for energy justice and equity will continue for many years to come.

I am so honored to have volunteered at Local Clean Energy Alliance since 2012. It has been by far the most meaningful and impactful work I have been a part of. LCEA’s mission takes on the monumental task of dismantling a legacy of energy injustice that has systematically harmed and exploited Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, LCEA is fighting to right these wrongs and empower BIPOC communities and transition our energy model that prioritizes profit over people to a locally, community-controlled clean energy system. LCEA has had a significant impact in BEEP. LCEA is able to bring a critical point of view from BIPOC communities that often goes overlooked and is able to bring focus amongst several stakeholders to center equity.

When I became the chair of Ava Community Energy in March of 2023, the complexities of energy were overwhelming at first. LCEA brought to my attention vital information, especially as to how Ava Community Energy can improve on issues of equity and include the needs of our community. With LCEA’s leadership, we make Ava Community Energy more transparent and accountable to the public. With LCEA, Ava Community Energy has modified decisions to be better aligned with its mission and promises of serving the most vulnerable and impacted communities in our area. As I continue to serve on this board, I am thankful for LCEA’s leadership and the impact they have made in helping me as a Latina leader in energy and Ava Community Energy be an Agency that is fair, just, and equitable to the diversity that makes up the community throughout Alameda and San Joaquin County.

I have been serving as an Ava Community Energy board member, including two years as board chair, since the beginning. LCEA’s Al Weinrub and Jessica Tovar were staunch advocates in establishing an Alameda County Community Choice energy program that has since grown to include cities in San Joaquin county. Their vision and steadfast advocacy for energy equity in the agency policies and practices move us into a clean energy economy in a way that addresses environmental justice and community-based clean energy development. With their leadership, LCEA has helped shape the agency and has been integral in advocating for Ava Community Energy’s Local Development Business Plan – a plan for how to build clean energy assets in the cities that we serve. They have been integral to advocating for plans to include microgrids targeted to providing low-income community members to keep the power on in the event of climate crises or power shut-offs. LCEA’s commitment and reach to communities, especially those who have been traditionally underrepresented, have been incredibly impactful in ensuring our agency is acting in an equitable manner and responding to the needs of all our community members, especially those who have been underserved.

LCEA has been a long-time host for the New Voices Are Rising Program, working with both Summer Academy and School Year Fellowship Programs. LCEA has a unique ability to connect with youth in engaging and accessible ways. They have hosted energy trainings and included youth on being part of creating workshops and other popular education materials, such as social media posts and even comics! They help the youth use their new skills in advocating to their peers, families, and decision makers on the importance of building clean energy resilience in the form of microgrids for resilience hubs in environmental justice communities, promoting community health and community-based solutions!

At Mujeres Unidas y Activas, we consider it very necessary to collaborate with the Local Clean Energy Alliance. Our members have shown interest and concern about the energy issues that Local Clean Energy Alliance has presented to us in Spanish, such as the electrification of buildings, how to read bills, and debt relief programs. For this reason, we will continue to invite the Local Clean Energy Alliance to hold Spanish workshops with our members again soon. I personally struggle with high energy bills and would love to learn how to reduce energy costs.