Lisa Cohn

I focus on the West Coast and Midwest. Email me at [email protected]

I’ve been writing about energy for more than 20 years, and my stories have appeared in EnergyBiz, SNL Financial, Mother Earth News, Natural Home Magazine, Horizon Air Magazine, Oregon Business, Open Spaces, the Portland Tribune, The Oregonian, Renewable Energy World, Windpower Monthly and other publications. I’m also a former stringer for the Platts/McGraw-Hill energy publications. I began my career covering energy and environment for The Cape Cod Times, where Elisa Wood also was a reporter. I’ve received numerous writing awards from national, regional and local organizations, including Pacific Northwest Writers Association, Willamette Writers, Associated Oregon Industries, and the Voice of Youth Advocates. I first became interested in energy as a student at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, where I helped design and build a solar house.

Twitter: @LisaECohn

Linkedin: LisaEllenCohn

Facebook: Energy Efficiency Markets

Overdrive Energy Solutions provided 12 kW, 240 volt systems with 50 kWh of battery storage and 12 kW of solar for firefighter sleeping trailers during the L.A. fires. Image credit Overdrive

Replacing “Stinky Diesel Generators” with Mobile Microgrids for Concerts, Live Events, Festivals and Firefighting

March 18, 2025
Off-grid power needs are “astronomical” for events such as the Coachella Music and Arts Festival, usually powered by diesel. More and more, portable microgrids, solar and batteries...
Image credit Chris Boeres
gizmo_photo_chris_boeres

Why Can’t Solar and Microgrids Be Plugged in Just Like Hairdryers and Toasters?

March 10, 2025
Can mobile solar systems and microgrids just plug in like typical appliances? A number of policy and utility regulations stand in the way, but these “appliances” could help renters...