Dive Brief:
- Cincinnati has entered a contract with Dynegy to purchase 100% renewable energy for most of its municipal facilities, starting next month and running through at least 2021. The green energy will power police and fire stations, health clinics, recreations centers and most administrative buildings including city hall.
- Using green energy will cut the city's greenhouse gas emissions by more than 9% and its utility rates by more than $100,000 annually.
- This deal will bring the city closer to its goal of running on 100% renewable energy by 2035.
Dive Insight:
The green energy deal furthers Cincinnati's environmental commitment, for which the city's leaders have made a huge push this year. Over the summer, leaders announced that the Greater Cincinnati Water Works would end its use of coal power and switch to solar. That plan involves installing what leaders say is the largest municipal solar array in the country, covering up to 150 acres of city property. Construction is expected to begin in 2019.
Cincinnati also has an electric aggregation program that provides green energy for about 80,000 households. Last year the program reportedly saved residents $1.5 million on electricity and $2 million on natural gas. The city boasts of having the first aggregation program in the country to provide 100% carbon-free energy for both electricity and natural gas.
The fact that Cincinnati managed to make a deal to operate on renewable energy for less than it currently pays is a win. Transitioning to green energy often comes with high costs that deter cities or individuals from pursuing those options.
