News Release
For immediate release: August 25, 2021
Portsmouth residents will vote on energy choice this November
PORTSMOUTH, Ohio – Portsmouth residents will have a choice on energy this November. The Portsmouth community choice aggregation initiative is on the ballot and gives residents the power to purchase electricity from an electricity supplier as a group, instead of as an individual. “Yes For Clean Energy Choice” will allow the combined buying power of Portsmouth residents and small businesses providing customers a choice in their energy.
“As a resident of Portsmouth, I’m excited that our community has the opportunity to make our voice heard on clean energy choice,” said Abby Spears, Coalitions Organizer for Portsmouth Citizens For Energy Choice. “The combined buying power of Portsmouth residents and businesses will help drive down the overall cost of electricity while supporting clean energy and energy efficiency goals.”
In spring 2021, Portsmouth City Council passed legislation that will move the city toward becoming a more energy-efficient and sustainable community, demonstrating a commitment to clean energy, clean air and economic growth in innovative jobs. Community choice aggregation allows Portsmouth to secure competitive prices for clean energy that can save residents money, grow the economy, and improve air quality.
“In November, with community choice aggregation on the ballot, Portsmouth residents will make the next step toward a clean energy future for all by saying Yes for Clean Energy Choice,” said Sean Dunne, Portsmouth City Councilman. “Portsmouth can obtain low bulk purchase rates for electricity, cut emissions and continue to build our forward-thinking reputation as a green city that can develop and embrace our clean energy potential and add to the opportunities ahead of us.”
Portsmouth life-long resident Jerald Gordon, a solar panel installer shared his experience with clean energy technology and installing solar panels in locations outside of southern Ohio.
“Aggregation with clean energy in Portsmouth and other cities across Ohio will give me the opportunity to work in my community instead of out of state,” said Gordon. “Forward-minded citizens and new businesses have breathed life into Portsmouth, and I want to see that growth continue. It’s a new way of creating a clean energy future that provides for our community.”
Community Action Organization, which manages several residential energy initiatives from weatherization to energy efficiency to save money on electricity and utility prices shared his perspective.
“A yes for clean energy choice will not impact residents who participate in the percentage of income payment plan (PIPP),” said Steve Sturgill, Executive Director, Community Action Organization of Scioto County, Inc. “Moving in this direction moves Portsmouth forward.”
Jeremy Burnside, a local attorney and business owner, backs community choice aggregation that eventually uses Ohio-based clean energy generation to help grow the local economy and has the potential to provide career opportunities, increased revenue and business investments for the city, state and region.
“Community choice aggregation will allow residents and small businesses to have a choice in their energy,” Burnside said. “Providing energy choice shows our community, customers, and businesses that we are open to helping businesses grow and expand in today’s changing environment. Additionally, this could save residents money on their electric bills by allowing Portsmouth to purchase clean energy in bulk.”
If you missed the "Yes For Clean Energy Choice" press conference held today, August 25, you can view the livestream here.
About:
Portsmouth Citizens for Energy Choice supports the community choice aggregation initiative on the November ballot to enable citizens to choose to buy electricity from a power generator as a group, instead of as an individual. “Yes For Clean Energy Choice” will allow the combined buying power of Portsmouth residents and businesses to help drive down the overall cost of electricity while supporting clean energy and energy efficiency goals. Learn more at powerportsmouth.org.
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