GRID Alternatives
In 2009, the Wells Fargo Foundation was invested in the mission of GRID Alternatives to empower communities by providing renewable energy and energy efficiency services, equipment and training. Still in its early years, GRID had just launched a $108 million program with the California Public Utilities Commission to install solar electric systems in affordable homes across the state. The Foundation asked OAS to take its direction on the scope of the assessment from GRID. Operating with a belief that economic and environmental sustainability should be linked, GRID welcomed the OAS assessment to help consider ways to strengthen the organization’s infrastructure to manage the rapid growth it would undergo. Now GRID Alternatives operates 7 regional offices and has installed over 2,600 solar electric systems in partnership with low-income families throughout California. They recently partnered with Wells Fargo Environmental Affairs to launch a national expansion effort starting in Colorado.