Energy projects can bring a wide range of benefits to communities when they are planned and implemented in close partnership with local stakeholders. The process of alleviating community opposition reduces project risk and increases success for project developers. In addition, ensuring benefits align with community needs increases the likelihood that strong partnerships are formed. Whether you’re developing a new project, shaping a community benefits plan, or engaging with residents and organizations, strong relationships and clear processes are key to achieving the best results.

The resources below are designed to support utilities, developers, and communities as they work together to define local priorities, design benefits, and deliver successful projects.

These Resources Offer:

• Guidance on effective engagement: Explore approaches for building trust, strengthening collaboration, and creating durable partnerships.

• Community benefits planning tools: Explore real-life examples, templates, and frameworks for identifying and delivering meaningful benefits.

• Measurement strategies: Learn how to define and evaluate both the quality of engagement and the effectiveness of benefits over time.

• Risk reduction insights: Understand how robust community engagement can help address concerns early, reduce delays, and improve project viability.

Explore Our Resources

A step-by-step guide for effective initial engagement with rural communities to support long-term collaboration for project development, with a focus on preparation, initial outreach, and collaboration on preferred engagement structure.

A library of benefit ideas and examples, organized to help communities and clean energy project developers understand the possible benefits of energy projects.

Key considerations for ensuring energy projects reflect and respond to community interests and needs.

Guidance on how to use clear metrics to strengthen engagement processes and benefit outcomes.

Insights into how well-designed Community Benefit Plans can improve alignment, reduce friction, and support smooth implementation.