Ithaca Updates Renewable Energy Plans with CCA and DER Programs to Reduce Carbon Emissions
Ithaca, NY, is revising its energy purchasing strategy to lower greenhouse gas emissions by updating its Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program and introducing a Distributed Energy Resources (DER) program. The CCA, established in 2022, enables bulk purchasing of renewable energy like solar and hydro.
The DER program will allow residents to collaborate on and invest in local renewable energy projects. The city aims for community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030 as part of its Ithaca Green New Deal (IGND).
However, current plans indicate continued reliance on natural gas for heating. The proposed DER initiative will enable participation from other municipalities in Tompkins County through the Tompkins Green Energy Network.
Final approval for the DER plan is scheduled for February 4, with both programs launching in September. Town halls are planned to inform residents about these initiatives.
