Sourcing Renewables  -  September 8, 2020

Chicago seeks supplier for $200M renewable energy contract

Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago announced Sept. 2 that the city issued a $200 million Request for Proposals to procure renewable energy that will power city-owned buildings, streetlights and other facilities beginning in 2022.

Chicago previously committed to powering all city-owned buildings and operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025, and this contract will supply at least 50% of the city’s electricity supply by 2025. This new renewable energy supply contract will help the city stabilize energy costs, stimulate the local green economy, create high-quality green jobs, improve air quality across the region and reinforce its commitment to addressing climate change.

“Chicago is at the forefront of large cities leading the way to mitigate climate change, and a shift to renewable energy for the City is another exemplary step in our efforts,” Mayor Lightfoot said in a statement. “It is crucial for local municipalities to take their own measures in combatting climate change especially at a time when the federal government chooses to ignore the very real impacts it causes.” 

It is estimated that the current cost of powering city-owned buildings is around $40 million annually, resulting in an estimated supply contract of $200 million for the vendor. The Chicago Department of Assets, Information and Services has also purchased 95,000 Green-e Certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to help the city transition to renewable energy. The initial order of RECs will secure a renewable energy supply for 180 municipal buildings and facilities, including City Hall, the Chicago Cultural Center and Harold Washington Library. 

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