How two mountain towns are embracing clean energy: “Renewables are not only environmentally but economically beneficial”

Making the transition to clean energy isn’t just a survival strategy for mountain towns facing the impacts of a warming climate – but it also offers a significant economic opportunity.

In a discussion at the Mountain Towns 2030 Climate Solutions Summit in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, leaders from two mountain towns – Park City, Utah and Ridgway, Colorado – provided a playbook for other communities looking to make the transition.

The conversation, moderated by Volts podcast host david roberts , featured Park City Sustainability Manager Luke Cartin and Terence (Terry) Schuyler , Town Council Member of Ridgway, Colorado and co-op energy specialist speaking to dozens of leaders from mountain towns across America.

The panel delved into the complexities and opportunities of greening electrical grids in small towns and rural areas, exploring the balance between local initiatives and broader systemic limitations.

David Roberts opened the session by emphasizing the central role of electricity in achieving sustainability and decarbonization goals. He noted the unique challenges faced by small towns reliant on larger utility-controlled grids, which often prioritize urban and high-demand areas.

“Electricity is at the heart of sustainability,” he said. “Addressing grid infrastructure and energy sources is key to meeting climate goals.”

Small towns must find innovative ways to modernize their systems, navigate political barriers, and influence utility decisions—no small feat for communities with limited resources.

Luke Cartin showcased Park City’s journey as a renewable energy leader within the larger Rocky Mountain Power utility service area. Despite the constraints of being part of a large grid, the town achieved significant milestones by building strategic partnerships and forming coalitions.

“Collaboration is key,” Cartin said. “By uniting rural and urban communities, we’ve proven that renewables are not only environmentally but economically beneficial.”?

Here’s how they they did it:?

• Building a Coalition: Park City joined forces with Summit County and Salt Lake City to form the Utah Community Renewable Energy Program, representing nearly 30% of Rocky Mountain Power’s Utah sales.
• Passing Legislation: The coalition supported Utah’s House Bill 411, empowering communities to choose renewable energy through opt-in programs.
• Innovative Procurement: Park City procured an 80-megawatt solar farm on a superfund site, demonstrating the economic viability of renewable projects.

Terry Schuyler brought a contrasting perspective from Ridgway, Colorado, where the town operates within a member-owned cooperative utility framework. Schuyler highlighted how co-ops can serve as powerful tools for advancing local renewable energy goals.

“Our co-op model allows us to align renewable energy goals with community needs, making progress that’s tangible and locally relevant,” Schuyler said.

Some of the strategies Ridgway used include:

• Community Solar Gardens: Ridgway developed solar gardens that maximize its co-op’s 5% cap on self-generated power.
• Totally Green Program: Residents and municipalities can purchase renewable energy credits for a nominal premium, enabling Ridgway’s municipal operations to run entirely on renewable energy.
• Sustainability Park: A six-acre site is being transformed into a model for sustainable development, featuring solar-powered EV chargers, educational centers, and microgrid infrastructure.

Both Cartin and Schuyler addressed the challenges of advancing clean energy in politically conservative and rural regions. Cartin shared how Park City framed renewable energy as a tool for local control and economic stability to overcome skepticism. Meanwhile, Schuyler described using transparent dialogue and persistent outreach to win over critics.

“Local control and economic benefits resonate deeply. Framing renewables as tools for independence can help overcome barriers,” Cartin suggested.

The discussion emphasized the importance of resilience as rural towns face increasing threats from climate change and natural disasters. Both Park City and Ridgway are investing in microgrids to improve energy independence and reliability.

In Ridgway, a $2.5 million grant is funding a town-wide microgrid with solar systems feeding into a decentralized energy network.

And in Park City, efforts are focused on isolating critical infrastructure, like hospitals, from the larger grid through localized renewables and underground distribution lines.

“Resilience isn’t just about surviving disasters—it’s about thriving in the face of them,” Roberts said.?

The session concluded with a lively Q&A addressing misinformation about renewables. The panelists underscored the importance of community education and transparent storytelling.

“The truth won’t tell itself,” Roberts argued. “Proactively sharing accurate, compelling narratives about renewables is essential to their success.”?

Key takeaways for success??

1. Build Coalitions: Collaboration among towns amplifies influence and enables large-scale renewable energy projects.

1. Leverage Local Control: Frame renewables as tools for independence and economic stability to gain community buy-in.
2. Invest in Resilience: Microgrids and distributed energy systems enhance energy reliability and disaster preparedness.
3. Engage and Educate: Transparent communication and persistent outreach are essential to overcoming opposition and skepticism.

The panel underscored the transformative potential of small towns in driving the clean energy transition. Through coalitions, co-op collaboration, and innovative resilience projects, communities like Park City and Ridgway are proving that sustainable progress is not only possible but economically and socially beneficial.

Mountain Towns 2030 is a non-profit organization empowering a movement of mountain towns committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. If you’d like to learn more or support MT2030’s work, click here.

Full Video Here: