Power a Clean Future Ohio

“This isn’t blue versus red. This isn’t farmer versus city resident. This is all of us, right? And that’s how change happens, when we start getting together.” – Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne https://bit.ly/3KgLQL1

At the first-ever Ashtabula County Sustainability Summit, local leaders joined community members and students at Kent State University to workshop practical solutions for a more sustainable future. Check it out!

Last week, PCFO was proud to join the City of Cincinnati in hosting its first-ever Sustainability Tour! Participants set out on a tour showcasing green infrastructure and community resilience projects across the city.

As costs rise, municipalities need options to reduce their energy costs and ensure resilience for the communities they serve. Green Energy Ohio is hosting an educational series to discuss how microgrids provide a solution. Learn more and RSVP: https://bit.ly/49l578m

At last week’s State of the City Address, Mayor Pureval outlined the steps Cincinnati is taking to address the energy affordability crisis — including the Center Hill Solar Project. This new solar array will turn 65 acres of unused brownfield into enough clean energy to power 1,200 homes each year!

Three Cuyahoga County school districts are getting solar panels Solar panels are being installed on the roofs of three area schools to help with energy savings and introduce students to future jobs in the sustainability industry.

ICYMI: "Although the exact cost savings for each district will depend on system size, Katz estimated the schools could save hundreds of thousands of dollars over the 25-year warranty period of the solar arrays." https://bit.ly/3XplcCF

Ohio's Clean Energy Future is Local, Affordable, and Already Here From small villages to big cities, together they’re building a brighter, cleaner future in their communities now.

“The clean energy economy is here to stay,” says Flarida. “Ohioans understand what’s at stake. Together, we’re building a brighter, cleaner future for everyone.” https://bit.ly/3WRIDVa

How to Get Tax Credits for Home Energy and Efficiency Upgrades Before They Expire - Consumer Reports The "big beautiful" law ended tax credits for solar panels, heat pumps, and other home energy projects after 2025. There's still time to qualify—if you act fast

Time is running out! "You have until the end of the year to take advantage of federal tax credits for clean-energy and energy-efficiency upgrades to your home, whether that’s by installing solar panels, upgrading your windows, or buying a heat pump." https://bit.ly/4oCxSlP

“The challenges that we are facing as a region are not challenges that Columbus can solve by itself.”

We sat down with Councilman Wyche to discuss the value of collaboration between local governments, experts, and residents.

Local leaders look to a sustainable future ASHTABULA — People from Northeast Ohio traveled to Kent State University Ashtabula Friday for the first-ever Ashtabula County Sustainability Summit.

"People from Northeast Ohio traveled to Kent State University Ashtabula Friday for the first-ever Ashtabula County Sustainability Summit." https://bit.ly/3Ldk42k

Bold leadership is happening at the local level! Last week, the City of Lima broke ground on a new floating solar array, which will use clean energy to save money for ratepayers and taxpayers.

The first-ever Ashtabula County Sustainability Summit was a big success! Congratulations to everyone involved in the event, and a special thank you to Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne for providing keynote remarks, as well as all the community members, advocates, and leaders who joined us!

"Caprella estimated the savings from the solar array to total $10 million over its lifetime, with around $200,000 in savings coming in its first year of operation." https://bit.ly/4htnB8N

Lima breaks ground on Twin Lakes floating solar array The city of Lima broke ground Thursday morning on the Twin Lakes Floating Solar Array, a multi-million-dollar renewable energy investment that’s been years in the making.

"This project ties directly into the city’s sustainability plan, but more importantly, this is going to help save money for ratepayers and taxpayers,” said Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith. https://bit.ly/4qsxyqS

Congratulations to the City of Lima for officially breaking ground on their floating solar array this morning! PCFO was thrilled to support the planning process, and we can't wait to see the completed project next year!

Time is running out to register for this Friday's Ashtabula County Sustainability Summit! RSVP for free to enjoy a day of insightful discussions, workshops, and networking: bit.ly/ashtabulasummit

The City of Maumee is officially PCFO’s 53rd member community!

"By providing much-needed data and assistance, PCFO will be a valuable ally in supporting and advancing our city’s efforts to create a more sustainable community.” - Maumee City Councilmember Margo Puffenberger https://bit.ly/3Jn1oMT

Athens, OU fuel green energy, strive for carbon neutrality The city of Athens is leading an initiative to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. The city has implemented various measures to increase renewable energy in municipal buildings and incentivize res...

"This year, Athens earned the SolSmart Platinum designation, an honor that highlights local governments for contributions to solar energy usage. Athens is the first community in Ohio to receive the platinum designation." https://bit.ly/4qdx08n

In Columbus, the city is using benchmarking to determine how much energy is being used by large buildings. This data helps businesses and the city save money and reduce emissions!

When Ohio communities invest in renewable energy, they are creating economic opportunity. From modernizing public buildings to expanding locally generated solar power, our Executive Director outlines the benefits of renewable energy and how PCFO can help you meet your goals.

Energy efficiency is a critical, cost-effective strategy for local governments and communities to cut emissions, lower energy bills, and ease the burden on families facing rising utility costs. Learn more from Nat Ziegler, our Director of Community Solutions, and Maggie Heiser, our Program Manager.

Solar array to meet 70% of Southern Ohio car dealership's electricity needs Mark Porter Auto Group in Southern Ohio recently celebrated the completion of a 196.7-kW solar array at its Pomeroy location. The system, designed and

“This solar array is a great example of how, in the face of increasing electricity costs, local businesses can benefit from proven, cost-saving technology.” https://bit.ly/4nE7Cqp

Homeowners in Dayton urged to upgrade for energy efficiency and save on taxes DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) -- If you give your home a makeover by the end of this year, you may qualify for a federal tax incentive.Through the end of 2025, homeowners

"Through the end of 2025, homeowners who make upgrades to their home to make it more energy efficient, could save upwards of $3,000 on their taxes." https://bit.ly/4q2pih5

In a Q&A with PCFO, the Ashtabula County Sustainability Summit Co-Chair, Jeff Griffiths, discussed the upcoming summit and more. The event will bring the community together for a full day of workshops, panels, and networking. https://bit.ly/42pncOo

We’re thrilled to support the first-ever Ashtabula County Sustainability Summit! RSVP for free to enjoy a day of insightful discussions, workshops, and networking! https://bit.ly/ashtabulasummit

Athens earns top solar designation, leads sustainability efforts The City of Athens has become the first in Ohio, and one of the first 10 in the nation, to earn the SolSmart Platinum designation, the highest recognition for local

"We're in the heart of rural Appalachian Ohio and really trying to create an atmosphere where we're very forward-thinking and environmentally conscious." - Mayor Patterson

Congratulations, Athens! https://bit.ly/4pRglHn

Akron reduces greenhouse gas emissions According to the report, there was a 29% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions community-wide

"The city said Casey Shevlin, the director of Sustainability and Resiliency, has worked with Power a Clean Future Ohio to develop the report. It shows a snapshot of the city's greenhouse emissions currently, along with progress over the last 15 years." https://bit.ly/46yR5hB

“There are a lot of eyes on cities right now, really looking at our local communities to lead, especially when it comes to climate and sustainability.” - Erin Beck, Sustainable Columbus

Are you ready to bring cost-effective clean energy solutions to your community? We're here to help you reach your sustainability goals through smart, economical, and equitable solutions every step of the way.

We’re looking forward to next month’s Ohio Energy Conference! Alyssa Johnson, PCFO’s Director of Programs and Partnerships, will be participating in a panel discussion about energy equity & affordability.

Use promo code COLLABORATE2025OEC for a discount: https://bit.ly/4nX11HE