Columbus Targets Community Choice Aggregation for 100% Clean, Renewable Energy

After years of community organizing, City Council introduced a ballot measure to reach 100% renewable energy through Community Choice Aggregation by 2022

COLUMBUS, OH -- On Monday, Columbus City Council approved a ballot measure to set up a Community Choice Aggregation program, which would allow the city to be powered by 100 percent clean, renewable energy by 2022. 

The initiative will be the city’s ballot in November, allowing voters to decide whether Columbus should pursue Community Choice Aggregation, a program that allows local governments to negotiate for and purchase energy on behalf of their residents. 

Of special importance to Ordinance 1642-2020, passed unanimously by the seven-member Columbus City Council, is the city’s stated intent to fulfill the aggregation contract with 100% renewable energy to power the entire community and a preference to meet that goal through building out local renewable energy generation rather than only buying Renewable Energy Certificates. 

This stipulation in the request for proposals from utility providers has the potential to result in hundreds of millions of dollars in investments in the local community, creating good-paying jobs for Central Ohio residents in a burgeoning renewable energy industry. Columbus aims to use aggregation as a workforce development tool to jumpstart a clean energy economy across the region. 

During Council hearings on the aggregation initiative, witnesses repeatedly stressed the importance of designing a contract with equity in mind. In the RFP for the aggregation contract, Columbus asked bidders to outline how they would use energy efficiency and renewable energy to support residents in eight opportunity neighborhoods. 

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther announced his intent to seek Community Choice Aggregation for 100 percent renewable energy at his State of the City address on February 13. The city hired Trebel LLC to develop the program and communications plan in May, then issued the RFP for a preferred electric supplier in June. Voters will decide whether to pursue aggregation during the general election on November 3. 

Last year, voters in the Central Ohio city of Worthington passed aggregation for 100 percent renewable energy by 75 percent. The aggregation initiative in Columbus is opt-out, meaning residents will automatically be enrolled in the program unless they choose not to participate. 

In response, Cathy Cowan Becker, chair of the Ready for 100 campaign in Ohio, issued the following statement:

“Cities are responsible for 70 percent of carbon emissions, and Columbus is the 14th largest city in the country, located in the 6th highest-emitting state. If voters approve Community Choice Aggregation for 100% renewable energy by 2022, Columbus will measurably reduce its emissions, help clean the statewide grid, and jump-start a renewable energy economy right here in Central Ohio. This could be a win-win-win for workers, businesses and the environment.”

Rachel Wagner, Volunteer with Ready for 100 Columbus, issued the following:

“Using Community Choice Aggregation to kickstart investment in renewable energy is the kind of commitment that makes a difference in the fight against climate change. Columbus is already using energy efficiency programs to lower emissions, and now is announcing the intention to prioritize clean energy development in the region. When there is a firm commitment to renewable sources and local jobs, Community Choice Aggregation is a smart first step to get toward a future that is environmentally and economically healthy.”

Andrew Keller, Volunteer with Ready for 100 Columbus, issued the following:

“I’m excited about the clean energy benefits that aggregation will bring, and I’m thrilled to hear that Columbus is making energy equity a priority outcome of this initiative. Climate change is a regressive challenge, meaning that it hurts those most who are least able to bear its burden. That’s why justice of all forms – racial, economic, social – needs to be a priority in addressing this challenge. Part of the aggregation contract will include more energy efficiency and renewable energy for low-income neighborhoods and communities of color in Columbus, critical steps to building the sustainable city we all need.”  

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