Tribal Energy Alternatives explains ‘energy sovereignty’ mission
Tribal Energy Alternatives (TEA), formerly the GRID Alternatives National Tribal Program, announced its official launch as an independent entity dedicated to expanding clean energy access and solutions in Tribal communities nationwide. Co-Executive Directors of Tribal Energy Alternatives, Tanksi Clairmont and Talia Martin talk about the launch:
TEA is GRID Alternative’s first Native-led affiliate, and it works to create energy sovereignty through grant funding, workforce training, policy support, and construction services. The organization will work with tribes to design and implement solar energy installations, provide workforce training programs, and advocate for policies that support Tribal energy sovereignty.
Tribal Energy Alternatives
TEA will continue to provide tailored solar energy projects, hands-on training opportunities, and policy advocacy to help tribes reduce energy costs, create local jobs, and foster long-term sustainability.
Energy sovereignty means more than just installing new systems. Tribal Energy Alternatives operates on a community-centric approach to bring longer term solutions to Indian Country and empowers future Native generations to maintain clean energy independence and advance economic development.
“Our transition to Tribal Energy Alternatives marks an exciting new chapter in our commitment to Tribal-led solutions for clean energy,” said Tanksi Clairmont, Co-Executive Director of Tribal Energy Alternatives. “By operating as an independent entity, we are better positioned to deepen our partnerships with tribal communities and develop programs that reflect their unique energy needs and visions for the future.”
GRID’s National Tribal Program
Since 2010, GRID’s National Tribal Program has worked to help tribal communities coast-to-coast achieve their renewable energy goals through several projects. GRID has made immense strides to localize energy resources, which keeps local economies well-fed and improves long-term economic and environmental development. Other projects include installing local electric systems for tribal members and community facilities. These installations typically reduce household energy bills by 75-90%.
Additionally, GRID provides solar installation training by partnering with local tribal colleges and workforce development programs to give the students hands-on solar training and connections to local employers, workshops, and clean mobility education to tribal members, and works with K-12 schools to introduce students to renewable energy.
