The current framing of renewable energy goals creates a perverse disincentive for organizations seeking to be “powered by” 100% renewable electricity to NOT deploy rooftop solar or support community solar projects in their jurisdiction, but instead, buy renewable energy certificates that are 5-years old, not a part of their local electric grid, and/or do not make the electric system any cleaner.

A change in mindset, such as that being adopted by the City and County of Denver, will unlock hundred of millions of dollars of annual investments that should be reallocated towards solutions that enable the physical operation of a 100% renewable electric grid and the decarbonization of the systems we are a part of. A more thoughtful investment of these resources will enable co-benefits such as local workforce development, utility bill savings, and more resilient buildings and facilities. Jonathan Rogers is the Renewable Energy Specialist for the City and County of Denver. He is responsible for the city's efforts to transition to a 100% renewable electricity system by 2030. Mr. Rogers leads Denver’s advocacy at the public utilities commission and coordinates Denver's Energy Future Collaboration with Xcel Energy. He works with stakeholders across city agencies to develop and implement renewable-energy focused policies, programs, and projects that advance Denver’s clean energy and community empowerment objectives. Before joining Denver, Mr. Rogers was Program Director of Energy Systems Analysis and Integration at Energetics Incorporated, advising the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. National Laboratories, and state and local governments on efforts to achieve an affordable and equitable energy transition. Mr. Rogers holds both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at [ Ссылка ]

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