As the transition to renewable energy accelerates, there is growing focus on energy justice and the importance of making clean electricity accessible to low- to moderate-income (LMI) groups – who often suffer from high energy burdens, meaning they spend a disproportionate and large portion of monthly income on energy bills. One of our MSEM Spring 2024 graduates, Ellie Sekelsky, contributed to this growing body of research with her Master’s Project: “Crafting Community Solar Programs to Alleviate Energy Burdens and Empower Communities in Virginia.” Key focal points in her work included the potential for community solar, energy efficiency, and home weatherization to alleviate Virginia’s energy burdens.
In conducting her research and seeking to answer the question “What is required to impart a successful community solar program in Virginia that can effectively reduce energy burdens for low-income groups in the state, Ellie utilized several research methods:
- Policy / Program Analysis to assess policies/programs and incentives already existing in Virginia for implementing solar and aiding lower-income groups;
- Environmental Justice Analysis to understand what the state of Virginia is doing to reduce energy burdens and increase energy justice;
- Geospatial Analysis to identify suitable sites for community solar in Virginia; and
- Comparative Case Study Analysis to assess what needs to change for a community solar program to be successful for all residents of Virginia.
Community solar is important in the energy transition, because it is one of the most accessible forms of renewable energy and gives the most attention to energy justice struggles. Specifically, it is more accessible for groups that would not otherwise have opportunities for involvement, such as renters and other disadvantaged groups. The Department of Energy (DOE) defines Community Solar or shared solar as “any solar project or purchasing program, within a geographic area, in which the benefits of a solar project flow to multiple customers such as individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and other groups,” and – according to the DOE – it has been known to increase access for low- to moderate-income groups, increase community resilience and health, and create jobs and opportunities within those communities.
In outlining environmental management recommendations for Virginia state leaders to improve community solar for disadvantaged groups, Ellie focused on four key actions:
- Empower and provide funding for smaller communities to facilitate community solar, electric bill assistance, and weatherization relief;
- Optimize the location of community solar and new infrastructure with low-income communities in mind;
- Improve education towards the availability of energy assistance and the benefits renewable energy provides for smaller communities; and
- Emphasize the importance of collaboration between utilities, governments, non-profits, and communities to create a cohesive and well-run community solar program.
Underlying these recommendations is the central idea that small LMI communities need to gain more support and financial benefits to be included in the renewable energy revolution.
Ellie’s full research paper is available for download here.
At the Master’s Project Research conference and celebration in the Spring, Ellie was honored with the Joe Petulla Award, which is presented to one graduating MSEM student each year, in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and a Master’s Project that demonstrates a significant contribution to the environmental field.
We recently caught up with Ellie, who shared some additional background on her research and experience along with advice for today’s MSEM students.
What most surprised you during the process of conducting your Master’s Project research?
“While researching the state I grew up in, I came across many shocking things that I had never considered before – including the high amounts of energy burdens amongst low to moderate-income (LMI) groups. While I was aware of large amounts of LMI groups in Southwest Virginia, I was not aware of the extent. Doing my research and recognizing solutions to the problem was really exciting for me. I also was shocked to discover that Virginia has such a large number of utilities, this includes large investor-owned utilities as well as smaller coops. What this made me realize was a lack of cohesion in Virginia’s electrical infrastructure.”
How has your MSEM experience helped shape your career aspirations?
“MSEM has changed my career aspirations quite a bit. It has encouraged me to be passionate about environmental issues in smart and inventive ways. By gaining my GIS certificate, I feel as though a lot of doors have opened for me. I want to use that certificate in ways that benefit the environment such as encouraging the development of renewable energy resources.”
What advice do you have for current MSEM students?
“Make connections with faculty and peers in your program. Everyone is in it to help each other succeed. Making those connections and friendships within the MSEM community can help open up opportunities for you. I also highly encourage students to take advantage of receiving their GIS certificates or at least dipping their toes in and taking a few classes in the GsAL lab. I believe this part of my education to have been the most valuable to my career aspirations.”
