| Resource Type | Website |
| Author / Source | Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) |
| Publication Date | Founded 1998; ongoing |
| Location | Headquartered in Oregon (various programs operate nationally) |
| Initiative Type | Partnership, Program, Technology |
| Project Complexity | Beginner |
| Recommended For | Staff, Board, Community Organizations |
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Why This Matters for Rural Electric Co-ops
Bonneville Environmental Foundation works at the intersection of renewable energy and clean water, offering co-ops a partner organization for community solar program design, renewable energy certificate (REC) sourcing, clean energy education programs, and beneficial electrification pilots like farm electrification (e-farms). Co-op leaders evaluating community solar development, REC procurement, or clean energy member programs including farm electrification can use this resource to assess whether BEF's program models and partnership approach fit their service territory.
The organization is particularly relevant for co-ops seeking turnkey program partners rather than building in-house renewable program teams.
Key Takeaways
| › | BEF's Community Solar program offers a partnership model co-ops can study when designing their own community solar offerings, including subscription structures and member engagement approaches. |
| › | The BEF Renewables and Renewable Energy Certificates programs provide a path for co-ops or members seeking to source verified renewable attributes, useful for co-ops with sustainability goals or large member demand for clean energy. |
| › | CE Clean Energy Bright Futures is a clean energy education program partnership co-ops could join to reach students and emerging workforce, supporting longer-term member engagement and workforce development. |
| › | BEF's partnership-based model spans nonprofits, tribes, communities, utilities, and school districts, demonstrating a multi-stakeholder framework co-ops can replicate. |
Implementation Considerations
- Cost or Funding Requirements: BEF programs vary from fee-for-service (REC purchases) to grant-funded partnerships (E-Farms, education programs). Co-ops should clarify financial structures early when evaluating specific BEF programs.
- Regulatory or Governance Considerations: Community solar partnership structures must align with state regulations on third-party ownership, billing, and subscription models. Co-ops should validate fit with state law before committing to a specific BEF community solar model.
Notable Examples
- E-Farms program: The farm electrification partnership BEF co-leads with Sustainable Northwest, Forth, and Wy'East RC&D.
- BEF Community Solar program: The foundation's community solar development and partnership offering.
- CE Clean Energy Bright Futures: Clean energy education partnership program.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
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