Good News in Georgia: AME Church Announces Microgrid Installation Goal
ecoAmerica is proud to convey this announcement from our Blessed Tomorrow partner, The African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) Sixth District in Atlanta, GA is leading the way on clean energy with a goal of installing 6 microgrids across the state by 2026. They are well on the way having completed 13 feasibility studies with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light with a goal of 70 studies by the end of 2025. This follows the passage of a Climate Change resolution at the 50th General Conference in Philadelphia outlining the biblical principles of creation care. It is no coincidence Georgia is leading the way after Hurricane Helene left some AME members without power for up to 3 weeks and utility bills continue to rise across the state.
Bishop Michael Leon Mitchell, Presiding Prelate of the AME Church Sixth District said, “Microgrids provide an opportunity to solve so many problems all at once, including strengthening our communities to better face adversity, saving money on utility bills, and reducing pollution. By embracing clean energy technologies, we’re reducing our environmental impact and bringing cutting-edge solutions to African American communities through the church.”
Creating climate resilient churches will allow AME to serve as a hub for community needs in times of disaster. AME is partnering with Capital Good Fund (a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and a federal grantee under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All program). Alicia Brown, Director of the Georgia Solar for All program said, “Churches are critical partners in the clean energy transition. When the community has a need or a disaster strikes, they are often the first organizations to step up and offer help.”
These goals go hand in hand with current environmental projects by the AME Church, including encouraging members to plant trees, create community gardens, purchase climate-friendly appliances, recycle, compost, and choose eco-friendly event options. The Sixth District isn’t stopping with their goal of 6 microgrids by 2026 but ultimately wants to create microgrids at as many of the 482 AME locations across Georgia as possible. Read more…
About the Author:
Kate Summers, Faith + Climate Associate, Blessed Tomorrow
Additional Resources:
Watch the American Climate Leadership Awards 2025
Join the Campaign: One Home One Future
Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Children and Youth Report 2023