With MEGA's Help the City of Ithaca Signs 100% Renewable Energy Agreement

December 28th, 2011

This week, the City of Ithaca signed an agreement with Integrys Energy Services of New York, Inc. to purchase 100% of its electricity consumption from renewable energy sources.

Beginning in January 2012, the City will be purchasing Green-e Energy certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) - one of the leading renewable energy certification standards in the nation - for all its electricity. These RECs will offset about 4,896 metric tons of CO2 emissions (annually) from conventional electricity production by displacing traditional fossil fuel sources from the grid. The environmental benefit can be compared to not driving 12,000,000 miles in a car, or planting 1,460 acres of trees.

Beyond these environmental benefits, RECs help build and strengthen the market for renewable electricity (or "green power"), increase energy diversity and security, reduce dependence on foreign energy sources, support domestic economies, and create U.S. jobs.

Ithaca has been buying energy from wind power to provide 5% of its electricity since 2006. This marked increase in the purchase of renewable energy represents a significant step forward in the City's commitment to sustainable energy practices and its goal of reducing fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Mayor Carolyn Peterson said, "I am pleased that the City was able to make this additional significant commitment to our many methods of reducing our carbon footprint. This will help us reach our Local Action Plan's ultimate reduction target (20% below 2001 levels by 2016) and ensures that the City continues to set an example nationwide toward energy independence".

The contract was made possible through MEGA (Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance, Inc.) - a power aggregation alliance, of which the City of Ithaca is a member, as well as the recent reduction in renewable energy prices. MEGA is a non-profit organization that uses its collective bargaining power to find the most competitive energy prices for its members.

"MEGA was pleased to learn that the City has covered its entire electric load with RECs procured through the MEGA program. Ithaca has always been a leader in responsible energy choices, joining the Town of Caroline in taking advantage of the affordable RECs pricing resulting from our September bid process" said Barbara Blanchard, MEGA's Executive Director and former member of the Tompkins Co. Legislature