Renewable Energy

Our Energy Breakdown

Our goal is to achieve 100% of electrical energy use from renewable sources by 2025. Of the electricity we use, 34% comes from renewable energy sources. In 2018, our renewable energy came from multiple sources:

We purchase 16.6 million kWh each year from Consumers Energy as part of the Green Generations Program. The electricity generated for this program is made up of roughly 70% wind and 30% biomass. These purchases are considered Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).

In Michigan, the Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy Act, ensures that a certain percentage of the statewide electricity produced is renewable energy. Under the Renewable Portfolio Standard, electric providers must supply 12.5% of their electricity from renewable energy in 2019. This requirement will increase to 15% in 2021. This means when we purchase electricity from Consumers Energy, a portion is already guaranteed to come from renewable sources.

Oak Industrial Solar Array

In 2012, the City installed a solar array of 429 solar panels on our water building at Oak Industrial Drive. In 2018, the array produced 119,728 kWh. Explore the real time energy generated by our array by following the link below!

Oak Industrial Solar Dashboard

SolSmart

The City participates in SolSmart, a program that designates our city as a solar friendly community. This program allows us to remove barriers to solar installations in Grand Rapids. SolSmart is also helping the City achieve our municipal goal of 100% renewable energy by 2025.

In 2017, the City broke ground on a biodigester system at our Water Resource Recover Facility (WRRF). The biodigester will produce electricity to power and heat WRRF buildings and operations. 

Contact Us

Email

sustainability@grcity.us

Location

City Hall
300 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids
49503
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