We all use energy to live, work, learn, and travel around.
This page provides insight into the energy used by the City of Grand Rapids for our facilities, fleet, and services.
Municipal energy is needed for:
City-owned buildings, schools, libraries
In 2019, 97% of all Grand Rapids community-wide GHGs were generated from the generation, distribution and consumption of fossil fuel-based energy – gasoline, coal, natural gas, etc. Transitioning our energy system away from fossil fuels and toward clean and renewable sources is key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Increasing on-site energy generation, investing in energy storage, and reducing energy consumption are all strategies to slow down climate change.
The City of Grand Rapids purchases fuels and electricity for its municipal energy needs. With a portion of on-site renewable energy and biogas generated and sold to Consumers Energy and DTE energy, respectively.
City of Grand Rapids Energy Portfolio
27%
Expected Job Growth
450k
Population
#3
In Tech Jobs
#1
Place to live
Statewide Renewable Portfolio Standard
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.
SolSmart Silver Certification
In 2019, the City partnered with SolSmart, a program that designates cities as solar-friendly communities. SolSmart reviewed local zoning codes and identified restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar development. A solar panel guide was created by the Development Center to increase transparency and assist residents with planning their solar installation.
SolSmart also assisted the City in achieving our municipal goal of 100% renewable energy by 2025.
Lake Michigan Filtration Plant Solar Array
In 2022, the City completed construction of a nearly 1 MW solar array at the Lake Michigan Filtration Plant that will generate net savings of approximately $1.55 million over 24 years and increase City's renewable energy performance.
Community Archives & Research Center Solar Array
In 2025, the City completed construction of a X MW solar array at the Community Archives & Research Center that will provide clean energy for the climate-control systems.
Butterworth Solar Array
In 2026, the City entered a power-purchase agreement (PPA) with Enerlogics Networks, Inc. to install a nearly 2 MW solar array on the former Butterworth Landfill.
In 2017, the City started construction of an $85 million biodigester at the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), which includes the largest membrane system in the country and is the first to combine several elements:
- phosphorus extraction
- biodigestion of solid waste
- capture of renewable natural gas (AKA methane)
The biodigester will reduce carbon emissions for the WRRF by 3,330 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, which is a 32% reduction from business as usual.
The biodigester generates 125,000 MMBtu’s of renewable natural gas (CH4). In 2022, the City Commission approved an agreement between the City, The Rapid, and DTE to supply renewable natural gas from the WRRF biodigester to fuel The Rapid’s buses and City fleet vehicles.
City of Grand Rapids Fleet
46%
Low/Zero Emission Vehicles in Service
27
Electric Vehicles in Service
90
Hybrid Vehicles in Service
60
City-owned EV Charging Stations
Fleet
In 2025, the City installed 36 EV charging stations at the new Public Service Center (PCS) at 1500 Scribner Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI. The PCS is the permanent garage for the City's 27 full EVs & 90 hybrid vehicles.
Streetlights
In 2025, the City completed the multi-year conversion of 18,000 City streetlights to low-power LED lighting that began in 2021 which will result in $350,000 in annual energy savings while reducing emissions and increasing safety.
City of Grand Rapids Facilities
35
City-owned Buildings
60%
Utilize automation systems
32%
Utilize occupancy-sensors
10
Buildings connected to Vicinity's steam district
Facilities
Automation Systems, Occupancy Sensors, Local HVAC zones allow for flexible energy use for staff, Steam Boiler, Window film at CH to reflect insolation.
