Polar Bear Sustainable Energy Cooperative

Background: Polar Bear Sustainable Energy (PBSE) is a cooperative based in Highland Park, Michigan, serving members in Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck. Our primary mission is helping members become more energy efficient and energy independent through home efficiency retrofits, and electrification projects.

PBSE was incubated by Soulardarity to be a vehicle for equitable access to holistic energy services, and our founding members are committed to advancing racial and economic equity in the energy system. PBSE conducted extensive feasibility work which identified that residential energy efficiency was the most viable initial program for the cooperative, and secured funding for an initial pilot program. PBSE board members have identified community solar and rooftop solar bulk purchasing as key points of program development.