As AI and data centers leave many people feeling that the future is happening to them, Homegrown Energy offers a way for communities to reclaim some control over the thing tech companies need most: power. Watch Founder and CEO Ari Matusiak make the case for directing this historic surge in energy investment into homes; lowering household bills, strengthening the grid, and creating a better deal where both growing energy users and the communities that host them can benefit.
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What is Homegrown Energy?
How it works
A data center or other large energy user needs new power. Homegrown Energy says: what if some of the money spent to meet that demand went into homes instead?
That could mean heat pumps, batteries, rooftop solar, smart appliances, weatherization, and other upgrades that lower demand or support the grid. New technology makes it possible to think of homes as energy infrastructure, just like power plants and wires, opening up a new way to pay for upgrades and make them affordable for more families.
This isn’t just a community-benefits package; the upgrades themselves provide real energy value. Buying them at scale can lower costs, cut household bills, and create steady local work for electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and other skilled workers. And it’s still just one part of a bigger deal that needs strong rules to protect ratepayers and communities as energy demand grows.
Who benefits?
Every household in the community benefits from this investment. Not first-come, first-served. Not who negotiates hardest. Families who need the most help get the steepest discount. Nobody pays full price. And nobody's doing this alone. You and your neighbors are in this together.
When implemented by policymakers, industry leaders, and communities, Homegrown Energy can future-proof our grid at the speed and scale needed, while lowering energy prices for all.
Learn more
Looking for a deeper dive? Explore our reports:
Homegrown Energy: A policy blueprint for energy affordability
Take action today
Ready to shout about Homegrown Energy from the solar-paneled rooftops? Below are three clear actions you can take to bring Homegrown Energy into your communities and beyond. A single conversation with a neighbor might just be the spark they need to get on board.
Speak up
You don’t actually need to shout from a rooftop. Speaking up can start small, like sharing Ari’s TED talk on your social platforms or sending an email to your network. High energy bills are top of mind for a lot of families, so a solution that lowers those costs might just be the ice breaker you need to start the conversation.
Rally your community
Your community might mean a whole city block, or a smaller subset like your local school board. Start in the spaces you know well and then widen your reach. If you need some inspiration, sign up for our mailing list and we’ll send you our Community Action Guide with helpful scripts for different types of outreach.
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An Electric Coach alum presenting to her community.
Keep the momentum going
We could all use a little help from our electrically-enthusiastic friends. You’re not in this work alone — far from it! If you’re looking to expand your electric knowledge or strengthen your advocacy communication chops, our Electric Coaches Certification program might be for you. From book club presentations to heat pump-themed block parties, our Electric Coaches know how to spark interest and build momentum.
Homegrown Energy in the news
From California to New Jersey, Homegrown Energy is already in motion in communities across the country.
