Affordability Strategies

Reducing costs for electricity and internet through community-based infrastructure investments.

Making Frederick County More Affordable

Every family in Frederick County deserves access to affordable electricity and reliable, fast internet. These are not luxuries -- they are the foundation of modern life, from doing homework to running a business to staying connected with loved ones.

Sam Newhouse is committed to two concrete strategies that have proven track records of lowering costs and increasing reliability: community solar energy and community fiber internet. Both put control back in the hands of the people they serve, rather than distant corporate shareholders.

Sam Newhouse for Frederick County Council

Two Pillars of Affordability

Community-owned infrastructure that pays for itself and serves the people.

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Community Solar

"Investing in energy generation has an immediate return on investment, immediately increases electricity affordability, and sets the county up for prosperity in the future."

Community solar programs allow residents to benefit from solar energy even if they cannot install panels on their own rooftops. By investing in shared solar arrays, Frederick County can generate clean energy at scale, lower electricity bills for participating households, and create local jobs in the growing renewable energy sector. The return on investment begins immediately and compounds over time as energy costs continue to rise nationally.

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Community Fiber Internet

"Community and municipal fiber internet has been shown worldwide to be more affordable and reliable to the people it serves."

Municipalities and communities across the world -- from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Stockholm, Sweden -- have proven that publicly owned fiber internet delivers faster speeds at lower prices than private monopolies. Community fiber eliminates the profit motive that keeps prices high and service unreliable. Frederick County residents deserve internet infrastructure that prioritizes their needs over corporate earnings reports.

The Vision

Rising costs for basic utilities squeeze family budgets and force impossible choices. When electricity and internet bills eat into grocery money or childcare funds, the whole community suffers. Community-based infrastructure breaks this cycle by putting essential services under local control, where decisions are made by and for the people who rely on them.

"We do not have to accept the status quo of rising utility costs controlled by distant corporations. Frederick County can invest in its own future -- and that investment pays dividends from day one."
-- Sam Newhouse

These are not radical ideas. They are proven, practical solutions that communities across the country have already implemented successfully. What they require is leadership willing to champion them. Sam Newhouse is ready to be that leader on the Frederick County Council.

Help Build an Affordable Frederick County

Join Sam's campaign to bring community-owned energy and internet to every corner of our county.

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