Rukia Abdi: How Community Energy Futures Is Powering the Current Generation
Rukia Abdi
Q: What does Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF) do?
The center of CEF’s work is to give power back to the communities that are burdened with high energy bills and don’t think they have options other than their usual energy provider. CEF is redefining how low-income communities use energy — not just as consumers but as renewable energy providers and co-op members. They have a say in how the organization functions and who benefits from the energy system.
When I am in the community, I ask people what their relationship is with their current energy provider and what they would do to make it better. They often complain about how high their electricity cost has been. I tell them that CEF is a member organization that enables them to make their own clean energy and lower their energy bill. A lot of our focus is on low-income communities, because they face the greatest energy burden.
The biggest misconception I hear in the community is that people assume they have to be a homeowner to participate. That is not the case. CEF makes it possible for low-income community members who are renters, or live in low-income housing, to have access to clean and affordable energy.
Q: What are some of the wins and challenges in building energy democracy?
One of the challenges is the misconception about what solar or clean energy is and who can participate. Some are cautious because they are used to companies taking advantage of them.
Some of our wins lately have been in filling five community solar gardens. CEF works with local developers who hire and educate community members for our projects. We are building awareness of co-op ownership and values by collaborating with and amplifying the work of other cooperatives, including Paper Moon Childcare Cooperative and Minnesota Translator and Interpreter Cooperative, among others.
We have a presence at the state legislature by working closely with community organizers and organizations that share our values and mission. These include Minnesota Renewable Now, Phillips West Neighborhood Organization, Stevens Square Community Organization, Whittier Alliance, Ventura Village, and others.
Q: Are there plans to scale this model around Minnesota?
At the moment, we are limited to communities only on Xcel territory, which is a very large area covering the Twin Cities, as well as some areas in rural Minnesota. We are developing community solar gardens across the state and are actively doing more rural and suburban outreach. CEF is also helping people in other states build a model.
Action = Change
Sign up for the CEF newsletter, and join a wait list for community solar gardens. If you are an Xcel customer, learn about sustainable homes and affordable solar programs. People who are not able to participate in a solar projects can still be a member of the co-op.
To support our unique story sharing:
For 2025 coverage, Minnesota Women’s Press earned a community leadership award, three photography awards, and four editorial awards, including for coverage of social issues and for our Spring 2025 “Know Your Rights” special section supported by Unidos MN. Our publisher was named Journalist of the Year by Violence Free Minnesota for gender-based violence coverage.
