Energy Democracy in a Capitalist System:
How can Ann Arbor achieve energy democracy in a way that is both feasible and equitable?
In our fast-paced and hyper-connected world, electricity feels almost as essential as water. So why is so expensive and unreliable?
In Ann Arbor, Michigan, the majority of residents get their electricity from DTE, an investor-owned utility company (IOU). For many years, but especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, residents have questioned the increases in their already high energy bills and expressed frustration over frequent power outages. Coupled with DTE's lack of renewable energy sourcing and near-zero accountability to the public, some residents believe it is time to replace the capital-driven utility with a more democratic system.
This module will explore the principles and goals of energy democracy in the context of two campaigns in Ann Arbor: the city's Sustainable Energy Utility plan and Ann Arbor for Public Power's municipalization plan. Though these campaigns have many similarities, their differences highlight key challenges in the fight for energy democracy as well as barriers to public power - both the electric and social-political kind - within a capitalist society. This content is geared towards those living in Ann Arbor, but its insights are open to everyone. As you read through each chapter, consider your own relationship with energy and utilities: is the system you live in democratic? Is it equitable? What would it take to become so?
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