Lucy Hochschartner
@lucyhoch.bsky.social
Campaigns Director @publicgrids.org ⚡organizer, washed up skier, lover of snacks ❄️
Reposted by Lucy Hochschartner
Puerto Ricans have been fighting for energy democracy - the right to control their grid locally and build the clean energy future on the island - for decades. If you want to support an incredible effort, get plugged into the work led by Queremos Sol! queremossolpr.org
LO QUE TENEMOS
queremossolpr.org
February 9, 2026 at 2:32 AM
Puerto Ricans have been fighting for energy democracy - the right to control their grid locally and build the clean energy future on the island - for decades. If you want to support an incredible effort, get plugged into the work led by Queremos Sol! queremossolpr.org
Reposted by Lucy Hochschartner
This why all the energy justice nerds were freaking out
Next is "El Apagón" (the blackout) which I could write a whole thread about on its own
The song and its video (a mini documentary) are about a lot of things, including the problems with Puerto Rico's electrical grid, which have gotten worse since Hurricane Maria
The song and its video (a mini documentary) are about a lot of things, including the problems with Puerto Rico's electrical grid, which have gotten worse since Hurricane Maria
February 9, 2026 at 4:32 AM
This why all the energy justice nerds were freaking out
Reposted by Lucy Hochschartner
Some good news from our corner of the movement! We are so thrilled that @sylviachi.bsky.social has joined us to launch our new law and policy program, plus public power support is growing across the country in New York, Tucson, Ann Arbor, Santa Fe, and Willmar, Minnesota.
NEWS: New law and policy program, Overcharged report, public power advancing!
My name is Sylvia Chi, and I’m joining Public Grids as Senior Counsel. I’m excited to launch our new law and policy program this year to support the public power movement nationwide!
buttondown.com
February 3, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Some good news from our corner of the movement! We are so thrilled that @sylviachi.bsky.social has joined us to launch our new law and policy program, plus public power support is growing across the country in New York, Tucson, Ann Arbor, Santa Fe, and Willmar, Minnesota.
I live in Maine, which is currently the target of an ICE surge attack. In the past week, grassroots organizers have had unexpected costs to rapidly scale up their infrastructure. Can we raise $1000 to help cover those costs? www.zeffy.com/en-US/donati...
Only the People Save the People
Presente’s lifesaving work is being seriously threatened.Nearly half of the funding we applied for in 2025 was cancelled due to federal cuts, and the resulting strain on the philanthropic sector means...
www.zeffy.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:51 PM
I live in Maine, which is currently the target of an ICE surge attack. In the past week, grassroots organizers have had unexpected costs to rapidly scale up their infrastructure. Can we raise $1000 to help cover those costs? www.zeffy.com/en-US/donati...
Really phenomenal reporting from @nickbowlin.bsky.social at @harpers.bsky.social about the inherent contradictions in our energy system, the stakes for the climate, and the profits corporate utilities make at the expense of basically everyone and everything else. harpers.org/archive/2026...
Power Brokers, by Nick Bowlin
What’s really behind your soaring utility bills
harpers.org
December 18, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Really phenomenal reporting from @nickbowlin.bsky.social at @harpers.bsky.social about the inherent contradictions in our energy system, the stakes for the climate, and the profits corporate utilities make at the expense of basically everyone and everything else. harpers.org/archive/2026...
Reposted by Lucy Hochschartner
"High prices is not just about goods and services, but many things associated with economic (im)mobility and uncertainty about future prosperity in general."
A quote from another @gelliottmorris.com article to intro you to this one below. Really good. h/t @lucyhoch.bsky.social for sending my way.
A quote from another @gelliottmorris.com article to intro you to this one below. Really good. h/t @lucyhoch.bsky.social for sending my way.
The hidden axis: the left-right spectrum has a non-ideology problem
Most voters want a party that emphasizes cost of living issues and makes the world a better place. Few Americans think in solidly ideologically terms. "Moderates" are mostly non-ideological.
www.gelliottmorris.com
December 12, 2025 at 1:04 AM
"High prices is not just about goods and services, but many things associated with economic (im)mobility and uncertainty about future prosperity in general."
A quote from another @gelliottmorris.com article to intro you to this one below. Really good. h/t @lucyhoch.bsky.social for sending my way.
A quote from another @gelliottmorris.com article to intro you to this one below. Really good. h/t @lucyhoch.bsky.social for sending my way.
Reposted by Lucy Hochschartner
“Access to utilities and to heat and electricity is not a luxury, this is something that people need, and we all need to survive,” [NY Sen. Michelle Hinchey] said. “If people can’t afford it, that’s unconscionable.”
Get in losers, we're going to electricity for all in New York
Get in losers, we're going to electricity for all in New York
How to Fight Rising Utility Bills? Take Over the Company, Activists Say.
www.nytimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 11:07 PM
“Access to utilities and to heat and electricity is not a luxury, this is something that people need, and we all need to survive,” [NY Sen. Michelle Hinchey] said. “If people can’t afford it, that’s unconscionable.”
Get in losers, we're going to electricity for all in New York
Get in losers, we're going to electricity for all in New York
It's not every day that public power makes the NYT, but I have a feeling it's going to happen again and again. Corporate utilities pushed us apart & into crisis, and it's going to take something new to bring us back together & get us out.
Without public ownership, we won’t address energy affordability and we won’t get our aging grid to the 21st century. Our bill to replace Central Hudson Gas & Electric will start saving millions in Year 1!
Read about it in the NY Times.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/n...
Read about it in the NY Times.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/n...
How to Fight Rising Utility Bills? Take Over the Company, Activists Say.
www.nytimes.com
December 11, 2025 at 1:33 AM
It's not every day that public power makes the NYT, but I have a feeling it's going to happen again and again. Corporate utilities pushed us apart & into crisis, and it's going to take something new to bring us back together & get us out.
proud of all the rockstars in my home state 🥹
New York's organizing scene is second to none! So inspired by their deep organizing and by @sarahana.bsky.social herself. I got to meet her (finally!) in person last fall and she is 10,000% the real deal. Check out this awesome milestone for their public power campaign!
Public ownership of our energy utility, Central Hudson, is not an end, it’s the means—to keep rates low, empower workers, and get us a 21st century grid. A new study estimates it would also save us money immediately!
hudsonvalleypowerauthority.com/feasibility/
hudsonvalleypowerauthority.com/feasibility/
December 10, 2025 at 10:00 PM
proud of all the rockstars in my home state 🥹
Reposted by Lucy Hochschartner
🔔 GOOD NEWS today from a grassroots campaign in the Hudson Valley that's trying to permanently bring down the price of their light bills with public power! Check out the full details and get involved in this campaign with @sarahana.bsky.social and @mhvdsa.bsky.social
A new independent study estimates replacing Central Hudson with a publicly-owned utility will save $15.2 million in Year 1, and $210.5 million per year by Year 30! Read the full report here: hudsonvalleypowerauthority.com/feasibility/
Study: HVPA Will Save Money - Hudson Valley Power Authority
The Hudson Valley Power Authority Act is estimated to save $15.2 million in Year 1, and cumulatively $2.9 billion in the first 30 years through acquisition alone.
hudsonvalleypowerauthority.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:32 PM
🔔 GOOD NEWS today from a grassroots campaign in the Hudson Valley that's trying to permanently bring down the price of their light bills with public power! Check out the full details and get involved in this campaign with @sarahana.bsky.social and @mhvdsa.bsky.social
Reposted by Lucy Hochschartner
Public ownership of our energy utility, Central Hudson, is not an end, it’s the means—to keep rates low, empower workers, and get us a 21st century grid. A new study estimates it would also save us money immediately!
hudsonvalleypowerauthority.com/feasibility/
hudsonvalleypowerauthority.com/feasibility/
December 10, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Public ownership of our energy utility, Central Hudson, is not an end, it’s the means—to keep rates low, empower workers, and get us a 21st century grid. A new study estimates it would also save us money immediately!
hudsonvalleypowerauthority.com/feasibility/
hudsonvalleypowerauthority.com/feasibility/
It's been so fun to see Hudson Valley for Public Power at work. They understand the moral stakes of this moment. They're strategic. They're organized. And now, they've got the data — public power will save millions! Definitely worth digging into the whole report from NewGen.
A new independent study estimates replacing Central Hudson with a publicly-owned utility will save $15.2 million in Year 1, and $210.5 million per year by Year 30! Read the full report here: hudsonvalleypowerauthority.com/feasibility/
Study: HVPA Will Save Money - Hudson Valley Power Authority
The Hudson Valley Power Authority Act is estimated to save $15.2 million in Year 1, and cumulatively $2.9 billion in the first 30 years through acquisition alone.
hudsonvalleypowerauthority.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:19 PM
It's been so fun to see Hudson Valley for Public Power at work. They understand the moral stakes of this moment. They're strategic. They're organized. And now, they've got the data — public power will save millions! Definitely worth digging into the whole report from NewGen.
Reposted by Lucy Hochschartner
James was generous enough to mention the report @publicgrids.org put out with @cplusc.bsky.social earlier this fall. If you want to dig into the extremely wonky details about how regulation of utilities is constantly re-constructed to protect corporations' economic and political power, check it out!
In this new report from me & @rhymeswithocean.bsky.social for @cplusc.bsky.social & @publicgrids.org, we argue the current electricity affordability crisis is caused by the rules of private ownership. To solve the crisis, we recommend banning shutoffs now and using many tools to expand public power!
Overcharged: The Rules Of The Electricity Affordability Crisis
Nearly a quarter of adults in the US—or over 52 million people—cannot pay their power bills.
climateandcommunity.org
December 3, 2025 at 4:59 PM
James was generous enough to mention the report @publicgrids.org put out with @cplusc.bsky.social earlier this fall. If you want to dig into the extremely wonky details about how regulation of utilities is constantly re-constructed to protect corporations' economic and political power, check it out!
Reposted by Lucy Hochschartner
“The electricity system connects all of us to one another in the country, no matter who you are or where you live, which makes it an incredible site for building back our relationships and our social fabric"
Had a great time talking with James for this story and getting to talk about public power!
Had a great time talking with James for this story and getting to talk about public power!
We've got 2 great stories today in our series about drivers of the affordability crisis.
First up by James Baratta: Electricity rates are set by public utility commissions. But that process has become captured, with corporate utilities pushing through rate hikes and extracting profits.
First up by James Baratta: Electricity rates are set by public utility commissions. But that process has become captured, with corporate utilities pushing through rate hikes and extracting profits.
Lightning in a Bottle - The American Prospect
Regulatory capture is at the root of the affordability crisis in electricity. Public power could offer a way out.
prospect.org
December 3, 2025 at 4:46 PM
“The electricity system connects all of us to one another in the country, no matter who you are or where you live, which makes it an incredible site for building back our relationships and our social fabric"
Had a great time talking with James for this story and getting to talk about public power!
Had a great time talking with James for this story and getting to talk about public power!
At a time when prices are skyrocketing, climate commitments are getting rolled back, and assistance programs are threatened — I hope you'll read about the public utility that almost was and the lessons we learned along the way, so you can win next. climateandcommunity.org/research/end...
End Point or Setback? A Retrospective of the Maine Public Power Ballot Initiative
CCI polling revealed that even following the vote, twice as many Mainers prefer public ownership of energy resources than private ownership.
climateandcommunity.org
November 20, 2025 at 10:04 PM
At a time when prices are skyrocketing, climate commitments are getting rolled back, and assistance programs are threatened — I hope you'll read about the public utility that almost was and the lessons we learned along the way, so you can win next. climateandcommunity.org/research/end...
Reposted by Lucy Hochschartner
What lessons can utility justice and public power advocates draw from this campaign? Read the full report and recommendations to learn more: climateandcommunity.org/research/end...
November 20, 2025 at 3:54 PM
What lessons can utility justice and public power advocates draw from this campaign? Read the full report and recommendations to learn more: climateandcommunity.org/research/end...
Reposted by Lucy Hochschartner
With climate disasters and skyrocketing utility bills, people are looking for ways to exert public control over energy as an essential good. Campaigns like these should be learned from and viewed as stepping stones—and that's why they are growing across the country.
November 20, 2025 at 3:54 PM
With climate disasters and skyrocketing utility bills, people are looking for ways to exert public control over energy as an essential good. Campaigns like these should be learned from and viewed as stepping stones—and that's why they are growing across the country.
Reposted by Lucy Hochschartner
2 years ago, a ballot initiative to build public power in Maine was defeated. But our new research shows that even after the vote, public support for public power stayed strong. substack.com/home/post/p-...
Despite a Blow at the Ballot Box, Voters Still Want Public Power
Lessons from the Maine Public Power Campaign
substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:54 PM
2 years ago, a ballot initiative to build public power in Maine was defeated. But our new research shows that even after the vote, public support for public power stayed strong. substack.com/home/post/p-...
Reposted by Lucy Hochschartner
Happy Election Day, y'all! You're invited to join our debrief on the 2025 elections on Nov 10 @ 6 pm ET! We'll talk this year's results and what's on our radar for 2026. www.mobilize.us/leadlocally/...
2025 Election Debrief: Climate on the Ballot · Lead Locally
Join Lead Locally for a conversation with activists and newly elected climate champions to celebrate, discuss the results of our most recent state & municipal elections, and consider what victories ar...
www.mobilize.us
November 4, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Happy Election Day, y'all! You're invited to join our debrief on the 2025 elections on Nov 10 @ 6 pm ET! We'll talk this year's results and what's on our radar for 2026. www.mobilize.us/leadlocally/...
I get to work with such brilliant people who have a new report out 🥹 @sevier.io @publicgrids.org @cplusc.bsky.social Corporate utilities are good at one thing... making a profit. climateandcommunity.org/research/ove...
Overcharged: The Rules Of The Electricity Affordability Crisis
Nearly a quarter of adults in the US—or over 52 million people—cannot pay their power bills.
climateandcommunity.org
October 23, 2025 at 5:53 PM
I get to work with such brilliant people who have a new report out 🥹 @sevier.io @publicgrids.org @cplusc.bsky.social Corporate utilities are good at one thing... making a profit. climateandcommunity.org/research/ove...
Reposted by Lucy Hochschartner
In this issue we've packed three different ways that you can do something to get involved in the public power movement right now!
The power to make a difference is in your hands
With just a few minutes, using this organizing guide, you can join others and organize locally to protect your neighbors. The guide contains information about the status of protections against shutoff...
buttondown.com
October 8, 2025 at 4:41 AM
In this issue we've packed three different ways that you can do something to get involved in the public power movement right now!
I didn't understand electricity until I talked to people who didn't have it. We all deserve the power we need to thrive — it's that simple. Thank you so much to Kate and @sevier.io and everyone who helped to make this guide! We @publicgrids.org hope you'll use and share it.
Here's your guide to fighting utility shutoffs this winter. W/o the gov't open, few to no states will have funds for emergency bill payment program LIHEAP. This doc has scripts, state context, contact info for governors & commissions, everything you need. Please call! docs.google.com/document/d/1...
NO UTILITY SHUTOFFS scripts by state
🚨 WE NEED AN EMERGENCY BAN ON UTILITY SHUTOFFS DUE TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN 🚨 TAKE ACTION: ONE E-MAIL OR PHONE CALL! ⚡ Hello! Welcome to our crowdsourced effort to campaign for ending util...
docs.google.com
October 8, 2025 at 5:25 AM
I didn't understand electricity until I talked to people who didn't have it. We all deserve the power we need to thrive — it's that simple. Thank you so much to Kate and @sevier.io and everyone who helped to make this guide! We @publicgrids.org hope you'll use and share it.
Reposted by Lucy Hochschartner
been running so fast i didn't realize it but we're just a week away from kicking off a half week of movement building for public power! all thanks to some incredible, genius, amazing, beautiful people i'm gonna shout out here. if you're anywhere near portland, come join us for the community portion👇
join us if you're gonna be in portland oregon on october 10th events.humanitix.com/rumble-publi...
Portland's Future: It's in Our Hands
An evening of music and ideas for building a Portland that provides and cares for everyone with new public investment in public goods.
events.humanitix.com
September 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM
been running so fast i didn't realize it but we're just a week away from kicking off a half week of movement building for public power! all thanks to some incredible, genius, amazing, beautiful people i'm gonna shout out here. if you're anywhere near portland, come join us for the community portion👇
What if we treated defeating fascism like training for the Olympics? We need skilled organizers who can grow this movement, and I realized I needed a weekly training plan to be at my best to meet this moment. Maybe you do too! open.substack.com/pub/nottoyie...
To Strive, To Seek, To Find, and Not to Yield.
On Tennyson, Trump, and training plans for a new era
open.substack.com
March 26, 2025 at 12:52 AM
What if we treated defeating fascism like training for the Olympics? We need skilled organizers who can grow this movement, and I realized I needed a weekly training plan to be at my best to meet this moment. Maybe you do too! open.substack.com/pub/nottoyie...