| Resource Type | Toolkit |
| Author / Source | Kristine Chan-Lizardo, Zach Clayton, Erifili Draklellis (RMI) |
| Publication Date | September 2025 |
| Location | United States |
| Initiative Type | Program, Partnership |
| Project Complexity | Intermediate |
| Recommended For | Board, Staff, Community Organizations |
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Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
Why This Matters for Rural Electric Co-ops
Successful renewable energy development increasingly depends on meaningful engagement with local communities. For rural electric cooperatives, strong engagement practices can reduce opposition, improve transparency, and ensure projects reflect local priorities.
This toolkit provides structured approaches and templates that co-ops and project developers can use to build collaborative relationships with rural communities and reduce the risk of project delays, cost overruns, and permitting setbacks.
Key Takeaways
| › | Community engagement can reduce delays and cancellations of energy projects by addressing local concerns early. |
| › | Structured engagement should begin before site selection, not after, to build trust when it matters most. |
| › | Identifying trusted local leaders early helps co-ops understand concerns and adjust project design before opposition takes hold. |
| › | Two downloadable templates help co-ops document community input and set up a formal community advisory board. |
Implementation Considerations
- Staffing or Technology Requirements: Effective engagement requires dedicated staff time. Smaller co-ops may need to designate a point person or engage outside support.
Notable Examples
- Anza Electric Cooperative: Partnered with the Santa Rosa Tribe on a community solar project, delivering $600 to $1,000 in annual savings per family.
- City of Lake Worth Beach Electric Utility: Used a customer-led advisory board beginning in 2017 to guide a grid reliability and resilience upgrade program.
- North Plains Connector (Grid United/ALLETE): Incorporated community feedback that rerouted 50 miles of transmission line to avoid sensitive Tribal and environmental areas.
View Full Document Requires name and email to access
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
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