| Resource Type | Toolkit |
| Author / Source | Great Plains Institute |
| Publication Date | February 2025 |
| Location | United States |
| Initiative Type | Partnership, Program, Policy |
| Project Complexity | Intermediate |
| Recommended For | Board, Staff, Community Organizations |
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
Why This Matters for Rural Electric Co-ops
This short guide explains how a community benefits agreement (CBA) can tie a solar project to local priorities through a binding contract. Benefits can include direct payments, local hiring, training, and land stewardship. It is written for local governments and community groups, but the same issues apply to co-ops as solar grows in rural service territories.
A co-op that develops, buys from, or hosts utility scale solar can use this guide to understand what host communities may ask for. It can also help a co-op build local support early and smooth the approval process. The six step drafting process and linked templates make it a practical starting point rather than a deep legal reference.
Key Takeaways
| › | CBAs are binding contracts that give host communities monetary and non-monetary benefits while giving developers local support and a smoother approval path. |
| › | Solar specific benefits can include native ground cover, agrivoltaics, local clean power, PV technician apprenticeships, and dedicated PILOT or tax revenue. |
| › | Engaging developers early and including diverse voices, including farmers, schools, and faith leaders, helps an agreement reflect real local needs. |
| › | Clear requirements and enforcement mechanisms matter, since a CBA without them may not deliver what the community expects. |
Implementation Considerations
- Member Buy-In: The guide is aimed at communities, not utilities. A co-op will need to decide its role, whether as developer, power buyer, or community partner, and communicate that clearly to members.
- Staffing or Technology Requirements: Convening stakeholders, negotiating terms, and setting up enforcement takes staff time. Smaller co-ops may need to partner with local governments, statewide associations, or community groups.
Notable Examples
- Sabin Center for Climate Change Law: Community Benefits Agreements Database of publicly available renewable energy CBAs.
- Fair Shake: CBA template, sample meeting agendas, and a benefits menu based on Beaver County, Pennsylvania.
- Red Lake Nation and Indigenous Energy Initiative: CBA guidelines for renewable energy projects on tribal lands.
- Center for Rural Affairs: Guide on using CBAs to strengthen rural development.
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
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