Decarbonizing Electricity
While the electric sector has made major strides towards renewables, the generation of electricity is still one of the leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Local governments have a role to play in decarbonizing electricity — particularly when they own or control their community’s electric provider.
Municipally Owned/Controlled Electricity
Municipalities that directly own and/or control the electric utility serving their community have greater ability to accelerate the transition to 100% renewable energy. The pursuit of decarbonization and electrification strategies is also easier for these communities than communities served by private utilities. In many states, communities served by private utilities have the ability to municipalize — replacing their private electric utility with a publicly owned electric utility.
Resources
American Public Power Association 2016 Report on the Benefits of Municipalization
Examples
Burlington, VT
Rochester, MN
Green Island, NY
100% Renewable Electricity
Municipalities — particularly those that own or control the electric utility serving their community — should work to ensure that the electrical power supplied by the utility is 100% renewable. If municipalization is not a feasible option, municipalities can consider community choice aggregation (see below).
Resources
Electric Municipal Utilities and the Transition to a Clean Energy Future (Climate Cabinet Education, 2022)
100% Renewables Cities and Regions Roadmap Framework (ICLEI, 2021)
Examples
Burlington, VT
Aspen, CO
Greensburg, KS
Community Choice Aggregation
In states where it is allowed (listed at EPA webpage below), community choice aggregation allows municipalities to purchase electricity from a different supplier than the private utility serving their community. The municipality still receives electricity from the existing infrastructure. Municipalities can purchase this electricity on behalf of the entire community (allowing opt-outs for those who wish to remain with the existing utility). Through this pathway, communities can achieve a much greater share of renewable electricity – in some cases 100% — without needing to municipalize.
Resources
EPA Community Choice Aggregation Resource Webpage
How Community Choice Aggregation Works (LEAN Energy)
Examples
Columbus, OH
Lake Barrington, IL
Municipal Purchase/Development/Hosting of Renewable Energy
Municipalities are large electricity consumers and also have substantial purchasing power. They also often own substantial property, including large rooftops and fields that are suitable for renewable energy. Many municipalities have taken the step of directly developing and/or purchasing on-site renewable energy generating systems such as solar arrays.
Resources
100% Renewable Energy Building Blocks (ICLEI, 2022)
American Cities Climate Challenge Local Gov’t Renewables Action Tracker
Examples
Houston, TX
Ann Arbor/Pittsfield, MI
Atlanta, GA
Blue Lake Rancheria
San Antonio, TX