John Farrell

John Farrell is co-director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and the director of its Energy Democracy Initiative. He is best known for his illustrations of the economic and environmental benefits of local ownership of decentralized renewable energy. He also hosts the Local Energy Rules podcast.

The Latest from John Farrell

Guest essay

Electricity is too expensive. Here are three ways to fix that.

Lawmakers nationwide can lower power bills by cutting utility profits, rewarding the companies for boosting efficiency, and unleashing solar and storage.

By John Farrell . 14 November 2025
Guest essay

We need distributed solar and energy storage, not utility monopolies

Xcel wants to build 800 MW of distributed energy in Minnesota, but makes it hard for its customers to own their own solar and batteries. That’s bad for ratepayers, and for the climate.

By John Farrell . 24 October 2024
ENN

Commentary: Following John Oliver’s takedown, here's how to hold utilities accountable

These four strategies would hold utilities accountable based on their unique role as monopoly companies, writes guest commentator John Farrell.

By John Farrell . 23 May 2022

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John Farrell

The Latest from John Farrell

Electricity is too expensive. Here are three ways to fix that.

We need distributed solar and energy storage, not utility monopolies

Commentary: Following John Oliver’s takedown, here's how to hold utilities accountable