The Ithaca Times reports that after years of development and delays, Ithaca’s Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program, branded as Tompkins Green Energy Network (TGEN), is scheduled to begin enrolling customers by the end of the year.
For those unfamiliar with the program, Ithaca Sustainability Director Rebecca Evans describes TGEN as “the Costco of energy” designed to bulk purchase renewable energy in order to lower energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for Ithaca residents.
How it Works
TGEN will consolidate the most eligible energy accounts from the City and Town of Ithaca into a single purchasing pool. Energy suppliers then bid to offer rates designed to “meet or beat” NYSEG’s default rates.
Limitations & Future Goals
While TGEN could mitigate increases in energy supply rates, delivery rate hikes tied to NYSEG’s infrastructure costs would still apply. However, Evans emphasized that the program will not launch unless prices remain competitive with NYSEG rates.
Furthermore, the program will initially provide renewable electricity and natural gas options, with a long-term goal of phasing out natural gas in alignment with Ithaca’s Green New Deal targets.
The city also plans to collaborate with large energy users, such as Cornell University and Ithaca College, to include them in the program. Although these institutions fall under different utility customer groups, the goal is to enable them to purchase renewable energy through TGEN and strengthen the collective purchasing power.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
In addition to cost savings, TGEN is expected to deliver significant environmental benefits by immediately reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% to 30% of the city’s total emissions. The program also offers increased transparency around renewable energy credits, addressing common concerns about the legitimacy of “green” energy portfolios.
With TGEN, Ithaca is taking a significant step toward its climate goals while delivering meaningful cost savings and environmental benefits to its residents.
Read the full article by Matt Dougherty of the Ithaca Times here: https://www.ithaca.com/news/ithaca/ithaca-to-launch-community-choice-aggregation-following-delays/article_1bab095a-d8e8-11ef-af97-df848c06ad4e.html
