Cincinnati signs deal to power itself with 100% renewable energy

Despite a lack of support at the state level for a clean energy economy, Cincinnati is moving forward.

December 8, 2017 Frank Andorka

Cincinnati's City Hall, along with the majority of other municipal buildings, will be powered by green energy starting on January 1, under an agreement the city signed with Dynegy this week.

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The government of the Queen City will be powered by 100% renewable energy through at least 2021, thanks to a new contract the city has signed with Dynegy. Starting on January 1, nearly all the city’s municipal buildings will be powered by renewable energy, which is expected to save the city more than $100,000 per year.

“We ran the numbers and worked with our supplier to determine we could go green without raising electricity costs to the City,” said Mayor John Cranley. “This is a deal that not only makes financial sense for the city but also makes a long-term investment in our community and our environment.”

According to Cranley, the city has always been aggressive in its pursuit of renewable energy options, particularly since it implemented its Cincinnati Electric Aggregation Program, which has provided 100% green electricity for 80,000 homes – and solar will play a significant role.

Cranley has committed to building 25 MW of solar across the city as part of his effort to power the entire city to 100% renewable energy by 2035. Installation of the new solar panels is expected to begin in 2019.

Although the deal represents a significant step forward for the city, it does not currently include Metropolitan Sewer District, Greater Cincinnati Water Works facilities or its streetlights.

Cincinnati’s announcement follows a decision by the U.S. Conference of Mayors to endorse a 100% renewable energy by 2035 goal for all its members. It is also part of a group of 31 cities that have already pledged to reach that goal.

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