What is the Energy Challenge? 

In a speech to City Council on September 19, 2005, Mayor Hieftje issued his Green Energy Challenge, calling for Ann Arbor to use 20 percent green energy by 2010 for municipal operations and by 2015 for the whole city. After the Energy Commission reported to Council on a path to 30 percent green energy, Mayor Hieftje raised the goal for municipal operations to 30 percent by 2010. On May 1, 2006, City Council unanimously passed a resolution to formally adopt these goals.

Download a brochure (pdf) describing the Energy Challenge and how you can help.

Meeting the Challenge

The Energy Commission reported to City Council on ways to meet the 20 percent green energy goal at Council's February 13 working session. The Commission's presentation detailed a path to 30 percent (or more) green energy for municipal operations by 2010 and outlined strategies for energy conservation and green energy in the community.

The presentation slides are available for download as five PDF files:

0. Introduction
1. What's Wrong With Our Energy?
2. Where Do We Start?
3. What Are We Doing Locally?
4. So, Now What? (Recommendations)

So, Where are we today?

Ann Arbor currently uses 14.7% renewable energy in its municipal operations:

What Are Other Cities Doing?

• Chicago currently buys 10% renewable energy and plans to buy 20% by 2010.
• San Francisco voters approved a $100 million bond for renewable energy investments that pays for itself through energy savings.
• Portland, OR established a goal of using 100% renewable energy in city facilities by 2010.
• A consortium in Montgomery County, MD purchased 5% electricity from wind as part of plan to meet EPA air quality standards.

News Coverage

• From the Ground Up Article