Columbus takes the next step for energy aggregation.
Last week, Columbus City Council passed an ordinance to enter into contract with Trebel LLC, which will help the city in developing the Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program. “This contract with Trebel LLC is just the first step in the process that will take place over the next six months, and beyond the November election,” said Councilmember Rob Dorans. “Later this summer, when we are able to safely convene a public meeting, the Public Utilities and Environment Committees will host a joint public hearing on the topic before placing the initiative on the ballot.”
As highlighted in a previous newsletter, Cincinnati took the step to approve CCA in 2012, which ensured lower bills for residents and a number of benefits to the local economy, most notably in the form of locally built renewable energy projects. “This is all about putting power in the hands of Columbus residents,” said Dorans. “We have a choice to make about how we want to get our energy –- we can continue to play by the same old rules, or we can take a bold step forward as a community and seek to lower energy costs and move towards a more sustainable energy supply for our residents. I’m excited that our residents will have an opportunity to make this decision at the ballot box come November.”
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PCFO City Spotlight: Dayton
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City:
Dayton
Mayor:
Nan Whaley
Population:
140,640 (approx.)
Southwest Ohio’s birthplace of aviation, Dayton, has been using their history of ingenuity to build a greener city. Mayor Nan Whaley has been instrumental in promoting many climate change solutions that simultaneously build economic, social, and environmental development for the city. These solutions include a strong recycling program, rigorous water quality testing to protect drinking water, and expanding on the 34 miles of bike paths and 18 parks within the Five Rivers MetroParks system. Link Dayton Bike Share has made it possible for residents to get around using city bikes, a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Dayton also has a vibrant community solar co-op that is gaining traction with the help of Solar United Neighbors, who help homeowners go solar by purchasing with bulk discounts. This co-op is open to residents and small businesses in Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Warren counties.
In March, the city announced that the electric supplier for municipal buildings will be transitioning to 100% renewable energy sources. This change to clean energy will result in a reduction of greenhouse gases equivalent to 45 million miles of driving by an average passenger vehicle. Mayor Whaley said, “This agreement is a critical first step in a series of moves aimed to remake Dayton into a more sustainable and resilient community.” The Mayor has been a strong advocate for climate action calling the issue one of the most urgent challenges our planet faces. The city’s Sustainability Manager Mark Charles signaled that there is much more to come in the form of a comprehensive sustainability strategy with as many as 70 projects in the plan. We at Power a Clean Future Ohio are looking forward to partnering with Dayton on this work to ensure the city is successful and continues to be a leader on climate action!
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PCFO Partner Spotlight: Ohio Consumers Power Alliance
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Who is Ohio Consumers Power Alliance?
Ohio Consumers Power Alliance is a project of Ohio Citizen Action Education Fund designed to highlight the consumer voice in Ohio's energy debate.
Why is it important for Ohio Consumers Power Alliance to be involved in PCFO?
Consumers have tremendous power to influence energy markets and drive trends that can address climate change. PCFO allows them to focus on local leaders, who are often more accessible and responsive to their members.
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Utility Shutoffs during COVID-19
Shutoffs highlight the pressing need for equitable energy policy in Ohio.
While all Ohioans continue to feel impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, some in our communities are struggling to address the public health and economic challenges that come from meeting the most basic of needs. Access to water, power and internet is essential to families trying to survive a 21st Century global pandemic, and that has been made even clearer by how our day-to-day lives have been reshaped and forced many Ohioans to stay at home.
In efforts to influence this equitable energy policy for Ohio, local communities are coming together to lead the way.
A statewide coalition organized by Ohio Citizen Action and the End Poverty Now Coalition is demanding that changes to the current utility system be made now and that these improvements be maintained beyond the state of emergency, ensuring long-term energy affordability and spurring economic recovery during a pandemic that is far from over. Although many regulated utilities have taken steps to reconnect households in response to the crisis, most of those steps have been voluntary and unenforceable. Most regulated utilities are only deferring reconnection fees, rather than waiving such penalties entirely.
Utility shutoffs, reconnection fees, and penalty payments are tangible examples of why an equitable, long-term energy policy informed by lessons learned during this time of crisis is so important. Now, the voices of those most impacted in our local communities are calling for inclusive policies that put people back to work, reduce harmful emissions, and help speed our economic recovery in their own backyards.
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Our Mission: Power A Clean Future Ohio is building momentum now for a clean, prosperous future by equipping local leaders for community-driven carbon reductions in Ohio.
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