Most renewable energy projects have focused on four aspects of development: regulatory, studies, construction and operations. Developers have assumed the fifth focus — community — would be pleased with the idea.
It has become very clear in recent public meetings the extreme importance of involving the community sooner than later in all projects. Communities clearly want to be more involved in renewable energy development.
Community engagement can make or break the success of a new renewable energy development. A community’s response to new development will impact landowner negotiations, the quality of REA submissions, the ease of obtaining local permits, and overall construction and ongoing operations.
Taking the time to understand a community – its values, needs, social and economic backgrounds – is a long-term business strategy for RE development projects. Knowing a community and having trusted relationships with elected, business, and volunteer leaders will bring predictability to project development, saving time and money.
Pearl Street Communications and Bedford Consulting & Associates have developed a community engagement framework that is based on leading community engagement practices and standards. This framework aligns and strengthens your existing REA requirements.
Community engagement is a time consuming process that requires skills, tools, and experiences to be effectively executed. The team at Pearl Street Communications has the expertise and passion necessary to help developers build positive relationships with local communities.