The mission-driven REP model was developed and piloted by Powered for Good, a research initiative funded by the US Department of Energy.
The mission-driven REP model envisions a more equitable clean energy ecosystem that engages and meets needs of residents of all income levels. The model enhances core functions of a Retail Electric Provider (REP) through strategic alignment with solar + storage developers, investors, and community leaders to innovate how low income communities across Texas can participate in and benefit from solar + storage.
The following outlines the different roles that help to make this model possible:
1. Clean Energy Developers - Through alignment with retail electricity providers, energy developers can reduce barriers to successful project development by increasing efficiencies and reducing costs around origination. Key contributions of developers include:
- project development experience,
- community engagement, and
- project financing relationships.
2. Investor Partner - Financing is key to the success of the mission-driven REP model and must be used strategically to reduce burdens on community members. Targeted investments can be made via impact investment capital, an Opportunity Zone investment, a strategic investment, or a market rate investment. Key contributions of investors could include:
- Providing initial funds that achieve necessary credit enhancement to reduce perceived risk and leverage increased private investment, or
- Providing the later bulk of support required while granting a return.
3. Community Leaders - Community leaders can help champion, steward, or support a mission-driven REP. Key contributions of Community leaders include:
- Promoting community needs,
- Building trust and educating community members, and
- Garnering support for 100% clean energy products.
Powered for Good developed several resources to help you to determine whether the mission-driven REP model can meet your community's needs, beginning with a one page User Guide for Community Leaders.
Supporting a mission-driven REP in your community could enable the following benefits:
- Build community wealth and reduce energy burden.
- Bring low-cost, 100% clean energy to residents.
- Give low-income households a chance to own a business they use.
- Give communities an authentic way to learn about and guide renewable energy and storage choices.
- Open job opportunities to community members.
If you are interested in learning more about connecting with other organizations about the mission-driven REP model, please reach out to tepri@tepri.org.
