One of Ampion’s partners was able to bring about some seriously impactful results through their fierce commitment to community and sustainability. This is a Community Solar success story of Ampion’s partnership with the town of Eliot, Maine. In just a few months, the town made huge strides in their commitment to sustainability, and raised thousands of dollars to benefit their community nonprofit. 

Ampion’s [partner program](https://ampion.net/business/partner-programs?utm_source=website&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=partners) prioritizes the community in Community Solar. Businesses, schools, nonprofits and municipalities partner with Ampion to connect their communities to clean energy from local solar farms and provide them with electric bill savings. In turn, Ampion makes a donation to a cause for every new Community Solar subscriber who enrolls through the partnership. 

The town of Eliot is a tight-knit community of less than 7,000 residents. Through the partnership with Ampion, we have enrolled 73 Eliot households in Community Solar! To date, the town of Eliot will collectively enable the generation of nearly 700,000 kWh of clean, renewable electricity produced locally in Maine. That’s like planting 5,000 trees, or taking 65 cars off of the road! 

Eliot residents and businesses enrolled in Community Solar can feel proud of the impact they’ve made on the environment and their community. For every new Community Solar subscriber, Ampion made a donation to [Eliot Connects](https://eliotconnects.org/), a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to fostering the health and wellbeing of Eliot citizens. As a new nonprofit organization that began in 2021, Eliot Connects was able to use the donations to get up and running and put its dreams in motion. 

“This has really allowed us to open up our realm of opportunities of how we can support our community,” says Claudia Kaerner, a founding board member of Eliot Connects. “When we formed our nonprofit over a year ago, we didn’t even think this was going to be in our future for a while, so for that we are beyond grateful. This will allow us to make a greater impact in so many ways.”

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1686071198-eliot-connects-photo-2.jpg)

Eliot Connects is a 501c3 mutual aid non-profit of community-minded members that support the well-being of Eliot and all its citizens by bringing together neighbors, collaborating with over 30 local community organizations, and creating new programs and initiatives to serve and connect its flourishing community. In a short period of time, Eliot Connects successfully organized programs for the community that benefit a wide range of local community organizations such as Spring & Winter CARE Kits, Give Warmth Event, Safe Summer Kickoff, Back to School Supply Drive, Footprints Food Program, October in the Pumpkin Patch, Farm Gleaning program and so much more. This past year, Eliot Connects was also able to contribute more than $9,000 to local community support programs at Footprints and York County Community Action (YCCAC), providing assistance to those in critical need of fuel, car repairs, emergency housing and other services. It’s all about making connections with neighbors, helping neighbors and giving a little extra help and love when needed!  

The donations from Ampion are a “thank you” to our partners for enrolling in Community Solar and for spreading the benefits to their community. In this way, partnering with Ampion benefits people, communities and the causes they care about. 

Each new Eliot Community Solar subscriber also received a $100 Visa gift card provided by Ampion! But this incentive is just an added bonus on top of the savings Eliot Community Solar subscribers receive on their electricity costs. 

In Maine, residents and small business Community Solar subscribers receive up to 15% savings on their electricity costs! With energy costs expected to go up even more in 2023 (CMP supply rates will be going up 49%), these savings couldn’t come at a better time for Eliot.

Much of the success of this partnership can be attributed to the multiple points of communication. Ampion sent a series of direct mail pieces to Eliot residents and businesses, educating them about the partnership and Community Solar. Ampion provided content for Eliot Connects to share with their members and supporters via email and social media, which drove even more Eliot Community Solar sign-ups. 

Mike Sullivan, Eliot’s Town Manager, fully supported the town’s partnership with Ampion from the beginning.

“We’re excited to partner with Ampion to offer this opportunity to support clean, renewable energy at no additional cost!” said Mike. “The Town of Eliot wholeheartedly supports this initiative and we strongly encourage you to sign up. Through Maine’s Community Solar program, you make your home or business more sustainable by helping to generate clean energy from a local solar farm, and even save up to 15% on your electric bills.”

To help get the news out to even more people, Ampion provided a press release that formally announced the town partnership and tied in the benefits of solar energy to Earth Month. The press release was published on the front page of Eliot’s town newspaper, [*The Weekly Sentinel*](https://issuu.com/weeklysentinel/docs/ws_042922), in April 2022.

[![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1686067652-eliot-newspaper-article.jpg)
](https://https://issuu.com/weeklysentinel/docs/ws_042922)

By July 2022, 50 Eliot residents had signed up for Community Solar, and the town of Eliot had raised $5,000 for Eliot Connects! Katie Rooney, Ampion’s Community Partnerships Executive, met with Mike Sullivan and some members of Eliot Connects to present the big check. ([Read more on WGME!](https://wgme.com/news/local/donation-made-to-celebrate-the-york-county-towns-commitment-to-clean-energy))

The Town of Eliot’s success is an example of how one small community can make a real difference. Are you interested in connecting your town, business, school or nonprofit to Community Solar? Let’s connect! Learn more about our partner program and get in touch with an Ampion team member [here](https://ampion.net/business/partner-programs). 

Eliot Check Presentation

Eliot, Maine: A Community Solar Success Story

*Gloversville residents can save on electricity while supporting clean energy through Community Solar with Ampion.*

**Gloversville, New York - 5/15/2023** - The City of Gloversville is excited to announce its partnership with Ampion Renewable Energy to provide low-to-moderate income residents with access to Community Solar and electric bill savings. Community Solar subscribers in New York can save up to 10% on their electricity costs while supporting clean energy. The program is available to all Gloversville residents and businesses, and priority access will be given to low-to-moderate income residents who are benefiting from SNAP, LIHEAP, Medicaid, TANF, Supplemental Security Income and other government programs.

Additionally, income-eligible Gloversville Community Solar subscribers who enroll through [ampion.net/gloversville](https://ampion.net/gloversville) will receive a $50 Visa gift card from Ampion. Ampion will make a $50 donation to the City of Gloversville for every new, approved Community Solar subscriber.

Mayor DeSantis of Gloversville expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, stating, “I hope everyone in our city who pays an electric bill will take advantage of community solar. It will save you money every month, and that’s better for the whole community.”
Brian Buzby, Community Partnerships Executive at Ampion, also expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying, "We are proud to partner with Gloversville to help New York reach its sustainability goals. This partnership not only supports clean energy but also provides a tangible benefit to Gloversville residents who need energy savings the most."

Ampion subscribers can benefit from clean energy produced by more than five upcoming solar projects located in Fonda, Frankfort, Whitehall, Dix, New Hartford and other towns. Residents interested in learning more about Community Solar and how they can enroll can visit [ampion.net/gloversville](https://ampion.net/gloversville).

Read more in the [Gloversville Leader-Herald](https://leaderherald.com/gloversville-local-news-johnstown-local-news/local-news/2023/05/solar-program-prioritizes-government-assisted-subscribers-in-gloversville/)!

**About Ampion:**
Ampion offers the easiest way to join the clean energy movement while saving money through Community Solar. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Ampion believes in giving people the power to make homes, businesses and communities more sustainable and prosperous. By connecting residents and businesses to local solar farms, Ampion boosts sustainability in communities and supports local economies. Learn more at ampion.net. 


Gloversville Community Solar Partnership to Benefit Low-to-Moderate Income Residents

Earth Month is a time to celebrate the planet, reflect on our impact and take action to protect it. While there are many challenges facing the environment today, there is also reason to be hopeful. In this blog post, we'll explore five pieces of good climate news from 2022 and 2023 that give us reason to be optimistic about the future. 

## 1. The growth of renewable energy

In 2022 continuing into 2023, we saw a significant increase in the use of renewable energy. Solar and wind power are now cheaper than coal and gas in many parts of the world. Plus, more countries are setting ambitious targets for transitioning to renewable energy. Globally, we saw a [25% increase in renewable energy capacity](https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/d6a7300d-7919-4136-b73a-3541c33f8bd7/RenewableEnergyMarketUpdate2022.pdf) additions from 2021 to 2022; solar accounted for the greatest amount of new renewable energy installations. The U.S. set a goal of reaching [80% renewable energy](https://www.npr.org/2023/02/02/1148370220/biden-renewable-energy-goals#:~:text=The%20White%20House%20set%20out,billions%20of%20dollars%20in%20investments.) generation by 2030 and 100% renewable energy in 2035 – and our country is making progress! Since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed in August 2022, the U.S. has invested $150 billion in utility scale clean energy. This shift away from fossil fuels is a positive step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change.

## 2. Renewable energy is more accessible than ever

On August 16th, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, the greatest leap forward in climate action in U.S. history. The IRA is slated to [cut U.S. carbon emissions 40% by 2030](https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/08/why-the-u-s-inflation-reduction-act-is-an-important-step-in-the-transition-to-clean-energy/), increase incentives to solar developers, and incentivize U.S. solar panel production. The act will also help bring clean energy to low-to-moderate (LMI) communities and environmental justice communities that have historically been underrepresented in the clean energy market. The Inflation Reduction Act also allocated $7 billion in federal funding towards [Community Solar farms](https://ampion.net/explore-community-solar/how-community-solar-works). Community Solar is a critical component in increasing U.S. solar adoption as it lets anyone participate in solar energy – especially those who cannot put solar on their roofs.

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1682604315-manny-becerra-ngdhrwax0j8-unsplash-edited.png)

## 3. The emergence of climate-smart agriculture

Climate-smart agriculture is a new approach to farming that focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving soil health, and increasing resilience to climate change. We’ve seen more farmers adopting this approach, using techniques like no-till farming, cover cropping, and agroforestry to maximize their yields and reduce their impact on the environment. Earlier this month, the [U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced](https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/04/06/usda-awards-innovations-climate-smart-agriculture-soil-health-and) that it will be investing $40 million for 31 new climate-smart agricultural projects through its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. This exemplifies a strong commitment to making our agricultural system more sustainable.

## 4. The rise of electric vehicles

![electric vehicle](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1682605418-juice-yx-bmnafcje-unsplash-edited.png)

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, with more and more models becoming available and more car manufacturers entering into the EV or hybrid space. In 2022, we saw record sales of electric vehicles, particularly in countries like China and Europe. [According to Cleantechnica](https://cleantechnica.com/2023/02/25/us-electric-car-sales-increased-65-in-2022/), electric vehicle sales in the U.S. rose by a whopping 65% from 2021 to 2022. What’s more, electric vehicle prices are coming down, making them more accessible. Chevrolet, Nissan, Hyundai and Tesla have [lowered their prices](https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-are-becoming-less-expensive-a6548270716/). Government incentives are making it even more appealing to own an electric vehicle. The Inflation Reduction Act [extended the light-duty EV tax credit](https://electrificationcoalition.org/work/federal-ev-policy/inflation-reduction-act/) of up to $7,500 through 2032, and included up to $4,000 for used car sales. This shift away from fossil fuel-powered cars indicates progress towards reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

> Thinking about buying an electric vehicle? [Here are 6 things to consider.](https://ampion.net/about/blog/are-you-thinking-about-buying-an-electric-vehicle)

## 5. The commitment of major corporations

Many major corporations are now committing to ambitious climate targets. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Walmart pledge to become carbon neutral or reach net-zero emissions by 2040 or earlier. In fact, Ampion has a number of Fortune 500 companies signed up for Community Solar–and we get more and more interest from large corporations each year. Ampion provides ESG and GHG emission reduction programs like Community Solar to [large commercial subscribers](https://ampion.net/business/enterprise) and franchises looking to make themselves more sustainable. This is how we’ve been able to help [Just Salad](https://ampion.net/about/blog/just-salad-partners-with-ampion-community-solar) and [Earth Friendly Products (ECOS)](https://ampion.net/about/blog/ecos-moves-to-100-renewable-energy-with-community-solar) meet their sustainability goals.

![corporations](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1682604911-adrian-sulyok-c_4eagrdsvu-unsplash-edited.png)

There you have it – five bits of positive climate news for Earth Month 2023 that show remarkable progress. Climate change is a significant issue that requires bold action from leaders of all kinds, as well as smaller actions and cooperation from us all. All of us at Ampion have never been more optimistic about a sustainable future. Happy Earth Month!

Earth Month 2023

Positive Climate News As of Earth Month 2023

*Local Theater Brings Clean Energy to Its  Community with Ampion Community Solar*

**ELLSWORTH, MAINE, February 1, 2023** – The Grand is putting sustainability first by signing up for Community Solar with [Ampion Renewable Energy](https://ampion.net/utm_source=pr&utm_campaign=thegrand&utm_content=release). The historic, 85-year-old theater will support the generation of clean energy from a solar farm in Howland, Maine. The Grand will save up to 15% on its annual electricity costs with Community Solar. The theater is partnering with Ampion to extend the benefits of Community Solar to its community. Versant utility customers who enroll in Community Solar at [ampion.net/thegrand](https://ampion.net/thegrand?utm_source=pr&utm_campaign=thegrand&utm_content=release) will receive a $100 gift card to The Grand and Ampion will make a $100 donation to The Grand on their behalf. 

“Sustainability is one of The Grand’s values, so we’re thrilled to be able to support clean energy in Maine and make our theater more sustainable.” said Nick Turner, Executive Director at The Grand. “Installing solar panels was not an option for us, so we’re glad we found out about Community Solar. We encourage all members of our community to take advantage of this offer and support your Grand.”*

[Community Solar](https://ampion.net/where-is-community-solar/maine?utm_source=pr&utm_campaign=thegrand&utm_content=release) is a state-sponsored program enabling Versant and Central Maine Power customers to support clean energy without purchasing or installing solar panels. Through Community Solar, these utility customers subscribe to a share of clean energy generated from an offsite solar farm. Ideally, that energy completely offsets the energy generation charges on their utility bills each month. Furthermore, the program provides customers with discounted energy and annual savings on electric costs. In Maine, the subscriber receives a discount of up to 15% on their monthly electric costs.


Ampion is helping residential and commercial utility customers subscribe to clean energy from the 105 W Solar Farm in Howland, Maine, which will accommodate approximately 8,200 kWh of The Grand’s electrical load. 8,200 kWh of clean energy production is equivalent to 3,925 pounds of coal not burned or planting 4.2 acres of U.S. forest.* 


“Ampion is thrilled to connect Ellsworth-area residents and businesses to clean energy and savings,” said Katie Rooney, Community Partnerships Executive at Ampion. “Through Ampion, The Grand will save on their annual electricity costs and enable access to large amounts of clean energy produced right here in Maine.”


*These equivalencies are derived from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.

**See this press release in [The Ellsworth American](https://www.ellsworthamerican.com/news/environment/grand-signs-up-for-community-solar-program/article_6f69b0d6-a240-11ed-8d2b-933315c6f266.html).**

###
 
**About The Grand:**
The Grand is an iconic Art Deco theater in Ellsworth, Maine that fosters social interaction and growth in artists and audiences through the arts, entertainment, and education. Built in 1938, The Grand aims to be the anchor cultural organization for Downeast and Eastern Maine by presenting exciting and diverse visual and performing arts and education programs of the highest quality. Learn more at [grandonline.org](https://www.grandonline.org/). 


**About Ampion:**
Founded in Bar Harbor, ME in 2014, Ampion offers the easiest way to join the clean energy movement while saving money through Community Solar. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Ampion believes in giving people the power to make homes, businesses and communities more sustainable and prosperous. By connecting residents and businesses to local solar farms, Ampion boosts sustainability in communities and supports local economies. Learn more at [ampion.net](https://ampion.net/). 



The Grand Becomes More Sustainable Through Community Solar Partnership 

When it comes to reducing your business’ electric bill – and emissions – it may seem like there’s nothing you can do. Sure, there are ways to be more energy efficient and limit your electricity usage, but your organization can’t simply turn off the lights or decrease production. Thankfully, Mainers can make a choice that saves them **up to 10 or 12% on their annual electric spend** and help facilitate a clean energy transition: subscribing to a local fuel cell project! 

Read on to learn how fuel cells help Mainers save money, phase out dirty fossil fuels, reduce emissions and provide support during outages.

## But first, what is a fuel cell?

A fuel cell is a device that takes a small amount of fuel (typically natural gas) and converts it directly into electricity without combustion. Air and fuel pass through the fuel cell and create a powerful chemical reaction that generates electricity.

![fuel_cell_how_it_works](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1666876286-fuelcellprocess.png)

Fuel cells are completely safe, efficient, and much smaller in size than solar farms, wind turbines and hydro-electric power. Fuel cell technology was spurred from two NASA colleagues who decided they should bring this ‘out of this world’ technology to Maine!

## Benefits of Fuel Cells for Businesses

You’ve probably heard and seen a lot of buzz about energy costs in the news, in conversation, or even in communications from your utility company. Indeed, supply rates are going up again in Maine in 2023 – by as much as 50% for CMP customers and 20% for Versant Power customers. Residents and businesses alike will be impacted by yet another dramatic rate hike. 

[Subscribing to a fuel cell project in Maine](https://ampion.net/fuelcells?utm_source=website&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=fuelcells) ensures that your business or organization receives a fixed discount on electricity costs. Once the fuel cell project “turns on,” or starts producing electricity, Versant Power customers can expect up to 12% savings on their electricity costs and CMP customers can expect up to 10%. These savings make fuel cells an attractive option for businesses looking to lower their energy costs.

**How does it work?**
1. You get in touch with us! Visit [ampion.net/fuelcells](https://ampion.net/fuelcells?utm_source=website&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=fuelcells ) and fill out your email and zip code at the top of the page.
2. You, or someone from your business or organization, will provide Ampion with a monthly electric bill that helps us determine your average monthly energy usage. 
3. Using that information, Ampion assigns a portion of the fuel cell project’s energy output to your organization’s meter(s).
4. Once the fuel cell project turns on, renewable energy credits will appear on your Versant Power or CMP bill, significantly reducing what you owe to the utility. These credits represent the amount of energy produced by your assigned share of the fuel cell project.
5. You will receive an invoice from Ampion for the energy produced by your share of the fuel cell project. You will always receive a fixed discount for the energy production (12% or 10%, depending on your utility). That’s $0.88 or $0.90 per dollar!

![fuel_cell_bill_credits](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1666719340-bill-credits.png)

### Helping Maine Meet Its Sustainability Goals

Maine has set some pretty [admirable sustainability goals](https://climatecouncil.maine.gov/future/sites/maine.gov.future/files/inline-files/MaineWontWait_December2020.pdf). In 2020, the state committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. As stated in the four-year climate action plan implemented by Governor Janet Mills: “This transition must be managed effectively to ensure affordability and reliability.” Enter: Net Energy Billing.

Supported by the state of Maine, this subscription-based model is made possible by Net Energy Billing legislation that passed on both sides of the aisle in 2019. Maine’s Net Energy Billing (NEB) program is intended to help utility customers support the generation of renewable energy sources and diversify Maine’s electricity sources, making the grid more resilient while contributing to the state’s sustainability goals. Under NEB legislation, utilities are required to accept electricity from Community Energy projects like fuel cells and solar through grid interconnections, and assign solar credits to subscribers based on the energy generated.

### Faster Development Time

The truth is, if we’re going to stop the catastrophic dangers of climate change, we need to displace as much combustion-based fossil fuel energy as we can – as soon as possible. One of the main benefits of fuel cell projects is that they are quick to develop, and therefore quick to turn on. Fuel cell projects can be constructed in as little as three months, whereas solar farms can take over a year. 

For this reason, fuel cell implementation will help Maine slash its carbon emissions quicker and enable the state to meet its climate goals. Faster project development also means that your business or organization will start saving on your energy costs *sooner*! 

### Small Footprint

While fuel cells might not be an entirely fossil fuel-free energy source, they are highly efficient and produce less emissions than traditional power sources like coal, oil and natural gas plants. According to the Environmental Protection Agency ([EPA](https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2015/11/f27/fcto_fuel_cells_fact_sheet.pdf)), a traditional, combustion-based power plant is only about 33 to 35% efficient, meaning only 33 to 35% of the fuel consumed by the power plant is turned into electricity. Meanwhile, fuel cells operate at 60% [efficiency](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/fuel-cell-efficiency) or higher. Therefore, fuel cells are able to better maximize the output of the energy-producing reaction so that a greater percentage of the energy produced goes to the grid.

Fuel cells can also use clean hydrogen as a fuel source instead of natural gas. Because Maine joined the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs initiative, the state will receive funds to make hydrogen more readily available. Maine is slated to receive 6 billion dollars in funding from the federal government that will enable hydrogen-powered fuel cells in the near future. 

Additionally, fuel cells take up less space than other power options like solar panels. While solar is a true clean energy source, the panels take up ~125 times more space in terms of output per square meter. Fuel cells are most commonly developed on industrial property or pre-existing concrete lots, so construction and environmental impact are minimal. Fuel cell projects take up an estimated 2,000 square feet on average, which make parking lots great hosts for these projects.

Lastly, [fuel cells](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/fuel-cell-efficiency) become significantly cleaner when [carbon accounting](https://https://normative.io/insight/carbon-accounting-explained/#:~:text=Carbon%20accounting%20measures%20an%20organization's,based%20and%20activity%2Dbased%20methods.) is considered (i.e. the total emissions from end-to-end). When you take into account all of the possible emitters including transportation, manufacturing, etc., in addition to the emissions output of the energy source itself, fuel cells displace significantly more carbon than zero-emission energy sources.

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1671636775-keio-university-newv2.jpg)

### Helps on the Margin

Fuel cells make Maine’s grid more resilient by reducing the load on traditional electricity sources during peak times, and carrying critical load during outages. Fuel cells are one of the most reliable forms of electricity and have the capacity to power entire communities. Additionally, whenever a fuel cell project is connected to the grid – or any new, cleaner energy project for that matter – it reduces the need for “peaker plants” to be used. Almost always fossil fuel plants, peaker plants are energy sources that are reserved for when demand is high. And since the demand for electricity continues to increase and temperatures are fluctuating more and more, the need for these types of cleaner energy alternatives becomes critical. Additionally, [fuel cells can operate 24/7/365](https://www.bloomenergy.com/resource/bloom-energy-server/) because, unlike solar and wind power, fuel cells are not weather dependent. They consistently produce high volumes of electricity all year round. 

The output, or capacity factor, of a fuel cell is **more than six times greater than that of a typical solar farm**. This means fuel cells generate more electricity – and more credits for subscribers – for each megawatt of capacity that is deployed. For example, a 1 MW fuel cell project produces more electricity than a 1 MW Community Solar project. 

That high-capacity factor means fuel cells generate electricity during those peak times when the grid needs it the most (e.g. from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM when demand is highest), so fuel cells create more value by reducing peak loads on the system.

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1671637321-sigmund-r9pexdcjyew-unsplash-edited.png)

Fuel cells offer many advantages over traditional combustion-based power plants — not the least of which is their ability to save businesses and organizations money! But they're also more environmentally-friendly and way more efficient. Fuel cells take up less space than most other forms of energy and account for [fewer total, end-to-end emissions](https://www.bloomenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/bloom-energy-whitepaper-how-fuel-cells-reduce-carbon-emissions-as-effectively-as-renewables-new.pdf) than even the cleanest energy sources. Not only are they key to Maine meeting its clean energy goals and improving its resiliency to outages, but businesses and electric bill payers in Maine stand to benefit greatly from their implementation. If you're looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint, lower your electric bill and support Maine's clean energy goals, visit [ampion.net/fuelcells](https://https://ampion.net/fuelcells?utm_source=website&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=fuelcells ) today.

Fuel cells

Fuel Cells: Saving You Money and Moving Maine to a Cleaner Grid

Fuel Cells

Yes, electricity rates are on the rise. But Community Solar helps people save money in the short-term while addressing the long-term issue of our over-reliance on fossil fuels. 

Okay, bad news first: electricity rates are going up…again. We doubt this is news to you. In general, Americans have already been experiencing higher electricity bills over the past year. Last winter, you may have noticed that your energy bills were above average. (Especially if you live in Maine, where customers of the two largest utilities saw an [83% and 88% increase in their supply charges](https://ampion.net/about/blog/community-solar-maine-utility-rate-hikes) in January 2022!)

But this winter, electricity supply rates are expected to be even higher. The typical customer in Massachusetts, for example, is expected to see a [64% increase in monthly electricity bills](https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/national-grid-says-electricity-prices-to-skyrocket) starting in November 2022. 

However, there is good news! Electricity customers who join Community Solar can save real money on their electricity bills, often up to 10% or 15% depending on the state.  And they can even help the environment by initiating a clean energy transition along the way. 

## But first, why *are* electricity prices going up so much?

Before you go pointing fingers at your utility, there are some important factors to consider. 

The main driver of those climbing electric bills is rising natural gas prices. Since natural gas is the primary fuel source for the Northeast, the price of it largely dictates the supply rate. 

But it’s not just the Northeast – or the United States, for that matter. Globally, the demand for natural gas is currently greater than our supply. This is due to multiple factors, not the least of which is the war in Ukraine. If you remember what your high school economics teacher told you about supply and demand, you know that low supply and high demand are a recipe for **skyrocketing prices.**

It’s important to note that the supply charges on your bill are the part that accounts for your energy consumption – measured in kilowatt hours (kWh) – multiplied by the supply rate. In most cases, the supply rate is the part of your bill that you can expect to go up. See below for an example: 

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1666293027-sample-bill.jpg)

In this example (using National Grid’s new electricity supply rate for Massachusetts customers in November 2022), you would owe $297 to your utility in supply charges. That’s not including the additional costs of transmission, distribution, and service charges, which cover maintenance for electrical wires, telephone poles, tree pruning, power plant maintenance, etc.

The truth is, your supply charges have always been somewhat in your control without Community Solar. You can take measures to improve your home’s energy efficiency, unplug appliances after use, or simply use less energy. But energy efficiency implementations are expensive and require upfront investment, which not everyone can afford (i.e. re-doing your home’s insulation, investing in more energy-efficient, newer appliances, etc.). In today’s modern world, we all need energy to live. And if we can help it, no one wants to sacrifice keeping warm this winter. 

Luckily, there’s an easier way to save with Community Solar. 

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1666299803-community-solar-helps-rising-costs.jpg)

## How Community Solar Helps

Natural gas price volatility only reinforces the need for alternative energy sources like solar, wind, hydro and fuel cells. In particular, Community Solar can act as a hedge against rising energy costs due to the fixed savings on solar credits. Enrolling in Community Solar is the easiest clean energy solution with the lowest risk. Signing up means that you’re taking action over your electric bill, locking in energy savings in the short term, and helping to support cleaner and cheaper energy generation in the long-term.

Unlike homeowners with rooftop solar, Community Solar subscribers can support the generation of clean, renewable energy from local solar farms ***without investing or installing anything.*** Community Solar is available to homeowners, businesses, renters – anyone who pays an electric bill!

Community Solar is a program that is backed by your state that typically yields ***up to 10 to 15% savings on your annual electricity spend.*** It not only helps mitigate cost increases in the short-term, but also helps your community transition away from costly, nonrenewable fuel sources like natural gas. 

Participating in Community Solar directly contributes to the growth and development of solar projects in your state, and is directly linked to increased levels of local renewable energy generation and usage. [Look here to see if it’s available in your state.](https://ampion.net/where-is-community-solar) 

Further, you can [sign up for Community Solar](https://ampion.net/join) even if you get your electricity from a retail energy supplier instead of the utility company, so your savings could be augmented. While many retail energy suppliers offer savings, ***Community Solar is the only option that guarantees a fixed discount on the clean energy produced on your behalf.*** This guaranteed savings on your solar credits come from state programs designed to increase the amount of renewable energy generated so as to meet your state’s climate goals.

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1666294166-electrical-meters.jpg)

While electricity costs are inevitably rising, that doesn’t mean there’s no hope. And taking your electric bill down a notch doesn’t mean you have to keep the lights off or shiver in the cold. 

Instead, it can be as simple as doing a little reading (like this blog post!) and joining your state’s Community Solar program. 

There has never been a better time to be a Community Solar subscriber. Electric bill savings and a cleaner energy grid are right around the corner. In fact, you can sign up in as little as [10 minutes with your electric bill in hand.](https://http://ampion.net/join) 


News & Updates

Eliot, Maine: A Community Solar Success Story