Tribal Energy Alternatives (TEA), formerly the GRID Alternatives National Tribal Program, proudly announces its official launch as an independent entity dedicated to expanding clean energy access and solutions in Tribal communities nationwide. TEA is GRID Alternative's first Native-led affiliate, creating energy sovereignty through grant funding, workforce training, policy support, and construction services. This community-centric approach brings long-term solutions to Indian Country and empowers future Native generations to maintain clean energy independence and advance economic development. Please see this video featuring our Co-Executive Directors of Tribal Energy Alternatives, Tanksi Clairmont and Talia Martin to hear more about this launch.
With a mission to empower tribal nations through renewable energy, workforce development, and energy sovereignty initiatives, TEA builds on the impactful legacy of its predecessor. The organization 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.
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.
"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."
Tribal Energy Alternatives remains committed to increasing energy resilience through culturally relevant and community-driven solutions. 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.
For more information about Tribal Energy Alternatives, visit www.tribalalternatives.org or contact John Teller at jteller@gridalternatives.org.
About Tribal Energy Alternatives
Tribal Energy Alternatives is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities in achieving energy sovereignty through renewable energy solutions, workforce development, and policy advocacy. Formerly known as the GRID Alternatives National Tribal Program, the organization has helped install over 8 megawatts of solar energy and trained hundreds of tribal members in clean energy careers.
Media Contact:
John Teller
Tribal Communications and Outreach Director
510-731-1186
jteller@gridalternatives.org
www.tribalalternatives.org
About Tribal Energy Alternatives
Tribal Energy Alternatives is the first Indigenous-led affiliate of GRID Alternatives. We partner with Tribal Nations to build energy sovereignty through grantmaking, workforce training, construction, and policy work. Rooted in Indigenous values and led by Native professionals, we are creating opportunities for communities to lead the clean energy revolution on their terms.
About GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives is an international, U.S.-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that builds community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy. GRID works in the U.S., Mexico, Nepal, and Nicaragua and has installed solar photovoltaic systems on more than 29,500 homes and affordable housing developments in underserved communities while providing more than 33,200 individuals with workforce development training. GRID also provides clean mobility solutions and battery storage and is a leading voice in low-income solar policy development in the U.S. Installation Basics Training (IBT), a competency-based certificate program designed to develop the skills most relevant to entry-level solar installation jobs and related construction employment fields. Trainees learn solar installation skills, OSHA 10 safety standards, first aid and CPR, and soft skills, including interpersonal communication and dependability, to help job trainees obtain and sustain employment.
Contact:
Wanda Heard, Sr. Public Relations and Advocacy Manager
GRID Alternatives
wheard@gridalternatives.org
510. 877.5795
