Just as more and more companies are procuring renewable electricity for their operations, many US cities are now assessing their options for going renewable. Companies and cities alike are purchasing certified Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) that prove electricity was produced with renewable energy, going even further to sign contracts called Power Purchase Agreements to buy new renewable electricity, and even beginning to produce their own renewable energy.
Most recently on the city front, the city of Cleveland completed a 'municipal aggregation,' providing 100% Renewable Electricity for 65,000 Cleveland residents. The program covers residents and small businesses that are serviced by Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company. The city is procuring 30% Ohio wind, 20% out of state wind, and 50% hydropower by purchasing RECs. The innovative program saves rate payers money by leveraging the group buying power of residents and small businesses.
Community Choice Aggregation programs for renewable energy also exist in Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, and Normal, IL. It is also under consideration in San Francisco and many other cities and counties in states where aggregation is allowed-- CA, IL, OH, NJ, and MA.
-- Keya Chatterjee is Director for Renewable Energy and Footprint Outreach at World Wildlife Fund & she was thrilled to accompany the panda for his first visit to Cleveland