Today, the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) announced they have hired longtime President of AT&T Michigan Jim Murray as Midwest Regional Director. Based in Lansing, Jim will be charged with expanding access to clean, affordable energy for homeowners and businesses by opening new community solar markets in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and other Midwest states.
“Jim is one of the most widely respected and politically savvy policy advocates in the Midwest and we’re extremely excited to have someone of his caliber join the community solar industry,” said CCSA’s Executive Director Jeff Cramer. “With unemployment at historic highs and cities and towns across the Midwest preparing for historic budget shortfalls, community solar presents a unique opportunity to stimulate Midwest economies at no cost to taxpayers. There is significant pent up customer demand in the Midwest for clean, affordable solar energy and Jim will help Midwest states meet this demand and capitalize on the broad economic benefits community solar provides.
Murray previously served as Executive Director of the Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC) where he led operations. Before ACC Murray served as President of AT&T for the state of Michigan where he was responsible for regulatory, legislative, and external affairs, as well as community and industry relations throughout the state of Michigan. He also spent 14 years working in the Michigan State Legislature including as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Michigan Speaker of the House (Rick Johnson, R-102nd). In 2010, Crain’s Detroit Business named Mr. Murray as one of the magazine’s “Most Powerful People.”
“I look forward to working with legislators in Michigan and across the Midwest to increase access to affordable solar energy and unlock the myriad of benefits community solar can bring,” said Jim Murray. “Whether it’s upgrades to the electric grid, tax revenue to local municipalities, development opportunities for farmers, or electricity savings for consumers, each community solar project typically provides millions in economic benefits. At a time when Midwest economies are struggling with the impacts of COVID-19, community solar should be included in state economic recovery efforts.”
Community solar – which is the fastest-growing segment within the solar industry – refers to local solar facilities shared by multiple community subscribers who receive credits on their electricity bills for their share of the power produced. Community solar provides homeowners, renters, and businesses equal access to the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy generation regardless of the physical attributes or ownership of their home or business. Community solar expands access to solar for all, including low-to-moderate income customers, all while building a stronger, distributed, and more resilient electric grid.