@CountersparkUS

Find out more at https://xitter.cf/t.co/8cf0DzxJzS

counterspark.org
Joined December 2022
  • Tweets1.9K
  • Following120
  • Followers135
195Media
🧵 Climate change is here and its impacts are being felt in every part of the country. The good news is that we have the tools to solve the climate crisis. We just need to make sure everyone has what they need to do their part. That’s why today we’re launching Counterspark.
2
6
4
12
6,079
At least 30% of each project's capacity must serve lower and moderate-income households. At least 55% must serve those households, affordable housing, schools, nonprofits or similar groups. If you rent or have a shaded roof, you're now included.
1
43
more replies
For qualifying households, subscription charges can't exceed 90% of their solar bill credits. So we're guaranteed savings if we join.
1
1
And utilities have a responsibility here, too. They are are responsible for applying solar credits to customers' bills, and regulators need to make sure those savings actually reach the people they're meant to benefit.
1
Solar savings without buying a single panel? Minnesota is making that possible for more families, including renters.
1
8
Instead of installing panels on your own home, you subscribe to a shared community solar project. It produces electricity, you pay a subscription fee, then you get credits back on your electric bill that equal SAVINGS. Minnesota also put access requirements into the program!
1
4
43% of electricity used in American homes goes to heating, cooling, and hot water. From efficiency upgrades to solar and storage, households have more ways to save than you might think.
1
12
more replies
In Massachusetts, 40% of wholesale electricity spending occurred during the 10% most expensive hours from 2013–2015. Batteries can store power for later, while smart appliances and EV chargers can shift demand to cheaper hours.
1
3
More households should be able to share in the savings. Efficiency rebates, community solar, and utility programs can help make these technologies accessible and reward households for reducing expensive demand.
1
The power grid used to be a one-way street. Not anymore! The result: lower bills, backup when the lights go out, and less money spent on power plants and lines built just for the busiest hours. That helps the whole grid, not just your house.
4
Picture 6 p.m. on the hottest day of the year. Air conditioners are running, people are making dinner, and cars are plugging in. Electricity use reaches its yearly peak, and the grid has to be built to handle it.
Beige Spark Notes poster with the headline “Homes and neighborhoods can make, store, and shift power.” and the subhead “What does that do for our bills?” followed by text about solar, batteries, and flexible appliances lowering grid costs. An aerial strip of rooftops with solar panels sits above a “SWIPE THROUGH TO SEE HOW” banner and the COUNTERSPARK logo.

ALT Beige Spark Notes poster with the headline “Homes and neighborhoods can make, store, and shift power.” and the subhead “What does that do for our bills?” followed by text about solar, batteries, and flexible appliances lowering grid costs. An aerial strip of rooftops with solar panels sits above a “SWIPE THROUGH TO SEE HOW” banner and the COUNTERSPARK logo.

1
9
more replies
Those savings can benefit everyone who pays an electric bill, including people who don't own any of these technologies. But who actually gets rewarded for helping? Households that shift or supply power often aren't paid for the value they provide.
1
Paying people for that help could encourage more participation, reduce costs even further, and make sure households share in the savings they help create.
Load more