Visioning a just energy future: a case study of democracy and justice in community renewables

Energy consumption is a passive act of industrialized societies that contributes to the injustices and exploitation of communities with energy rich resources. Eliminating injustices within the energy system requires consideration of social and political aspects of such system, which is prevalent within community renewable energy (CRE). CRE aims to decarbonize through renewable energy investment, decentralize through localization of energy supplies, and democratize through community ownership and participatory decision-making (Hicks & Ison, 2011). This research study investigates how CRE exemplifies democratic relationships and just practices as ways to establish equitable energy systems. Presented as a case study, this research highlights the work of MCE Clean Energy (MCE), California’s first community choice aggregate (CCA) program. To evaluate MCE’s democratic and just practices, this research applies two energy justice frameworks to distinguish the strengths of MCE’s work, as well as areas in which democracy and justice can be better incorporated. This case study supports existing CRE work and provides a vision for equitable transformation of energy systems