Mayor Michael Coleman and City Council President Andrew Ginther announced the creation of a six-person advisory group that would provide the City of Columbus with guidance on energy aggregation. The committee is tasked with determining whether or not Columbus should create a local buying group for electricity and natural gas. The group will meet to study other communities who have participated in aggregation programs to learn from their experiences.
“I am excited to be part of the effort to identify the best options for Columbus energy consumers,” said Mark Shanahan, principal of New Morning Energy, and chair of the new committee. “It’s a critical part of the Get Green Columbus initiative.”
A large energy aggregator group would provide consumers the option of joining for better prices and rates than what individuals can acquire on their own. It also helps lower costs through consolidated billing, management and analysis efforts.
The Columbus Energy Review Committee will include:
- Regina Clemons, director of emergency assistance, Impact Community Action Agency
- Aparna Dial, director, Energy Services and Sustainability, Ohio State University
- Cindy Farson, director, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
- Tyrone Lawes, pastor, New Hope Baptist Church
- Cheryl Roberto, associate VP, Environmental Defense Fund, former Columbus Public Utilities director
- Jim Sweeney, executive Director, Franklinton Development Association