July 22, 2025
Coalition Releases Blueprint to Transform Cleveland Public Power Into a National Model for Affordable, Reliable, Clean Energy
For Immediate Release:
July 23, 2025
Contact:
Karlena Wallace, Communications Director
media@theoec.org or 614-487-7506
Coalition Releases Blueprint to Transform Cleveland Public Power Into a National Model for Affordable, Reliable, Clean Energy
Policy platform outlines path for municipally-owned utility to lower bills, create jobs, and lead on climate
Cleveland, OH – A coalition of environmental and community organizations today released a policy platform calling on Cleveland’s elected officials to transform Cleveland Public Power (CPP) into a utility that works for the people and planet. The platform outlines actionable steps needed for CPP to deliver affordable, reliable, clean energy to Cleveland, achieving both community benefits and environmental progress.
Released by Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund and a new grassroots group, Our CPP, the platform – Our Power, Our Future: A Blueprint for Cleveland Public Power Reform – centers on four principles for CPP’s future:
- Affordable: CPP should enable residents and businesses to meet their other needs while keeping the lights on
- Clean and Green: CPP should lead Cleveland’s transition to clean, renewable energy and good jobs, meeting 100% clean energy supply by 2050
- Community-Led: CPP should listen to residents, plan with them, and work with them
- Reliable: CPP should invest in a modern, resilient distribution system and capable staff so Cleveland always has power when needed
Cleveland Public Power is a municipally owned utility, directly controlled by the people of Cleveland through the Mayor and City Council. This municipal ownership provides a unique lever that many cities don’t have to address affordability, equity, and climate goals.
Today, CPP faces significant challenges. Current power purchase contracts are a significant burden on ratepayers and the environment. CPP faces a substantial maintenance backlog, which threatens grid reliability and increases costs. More transparency and flexibility are needed to better serve customers and the community.
“Because it is owned by the people of Cleveland, CPP has an opportunity to be more responsive to and connected with the community,” said Brittney Madison, an organizer with Our CPP, a group of Cleveland Public Power ratepayers and local nonprofits such as Cleveland Owns, Power Up Local, and Policy Matters Ohio. “Listening to, planning with, and working for the community should be core operating principles for CPP. The platform details specific action steps for CPP to fulfill its obligations as a municipality-owned utility.”
“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transition to affordable clean energy while empowering traditionally underserved communities. With the right reforms, Cleveland Public Power can become a powerful tool for making Cleveland more economically and environmentally resilient, and creating a utility that is responsive to the needs of Cleveland ratepayers, not far-away corporate interests,” said Brian Siggers, Cleveland Metro Advocacy Director for the OEC Action Fund.
The proposals detailed in the platform are designed to be attainable and actionable, falling within the authority of Cleveland’s elected leaders to legislate and influence CPP operations. Coalition leaders identified the four key areas above where city officials and CPP can act quickly to begin making changes.
To learn more about Our CPP, contact Jonathan Welle, jonathan@clevelandowns.coop
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The OEC Action Fund seeks to protect the environment and health of all Ohio communities by electing climate champions, holding public officials accountable, and advancing environmental justice policies.
