City of Houston - Green Power Purchasing

August 27, 2021

Summary

As of July 2021, The City of Houston was ranked number one on the EPA Green Power Partnership Top 30 Local Government list.

The City of Houston has signed an agreement with Reliant Energy to purchase 100% of total annual expected electricity consumption (1,034,399 MWh) from renewable power for 2020-2027. Houston will power all municipal operations with renewable energy and realize $65 million in savings over the seven-year contract. For more information on Houston's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy read their climate plan. On February 22,2017, Mayor Sylvester Turner and City Council agreed to purchase an additional 20 megawatts (MW) – for a total of 50 MW of solar power. The electricity agreement solidified Houston as the nation's top municipal green power purchaser.

Economic benefits to the city include:

Minimized exposure to electricity market price volatility
Realized budget certainty and energy price stability with a guaranteed electricity rate
Long term savings
Improved air quality in Houston and Texas

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	Local
Category:	Regulatory Policy
State:	Texas
Incentive Type:	Green Power Purchasing
Web Site:	https://www.houstontx.gov/mayor/press/2020/100-percent-renewable-energy.html
Administrator:
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Wind (All)
Renewables % or Amount:	100% for Municipal Operations
Source:	Wind, Solar

Contact

Name:	Public Information
Address:	City of Houston Houston TX 77251
Phone:	(713) 837-0311

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.