A rapidly changing energy environment prompted the City of Huntsville, Ala., and Huntsville Utilities, the city’s public power utility, to establish a task force to develop a forward-looking approach to energy planning, the city said on Dec. 5.
Working with consulting engineering firm Black & Veatch, a 12-member Energy Task Force will create a Community Energy Resource Plan to guide the City’s energy strategy into the future.
“As our community grows, we must proactively address our energy needs,” said Wes Kelly, CEO of Huntsville Utilities. “This task force will explore every option and approach to ensure a sustainable and resilient energy future for our customers and the City of Huntsville.”
The Energy Task Force will look at future power needs and increased demand, identify potential changes and opportunities and examine how Huntsville Utilities is structured and works within the TVA system.
A City Council resolution establishing the task force cited conversations with the Tennessee Valley Authority encouraging its partners to explore contractual opportunities that will further increase flexibility and support diversified energy options.
The resolution noted the rapid rise of peak-period energy needs, which demands more investment in critical infrastructure to sustain the growth and vitality of the Huntsville community, the city said in a news release.
Key topics the task force and consultants will address include:
- Huntsville Utilities/TVA Fundamentals and the Changing Energy Landscape
- Economic Development and Community Growth
- Demand Response and Energy Efficiency Programs
- Transmission and Distribution Smart Grid Solutions
- Local Generation Options
- Legal and Governance Implications
The task force is expected to conclude its work by the end of summer 2025 when it will present the Community Energy Resource Plan document to Huntsville Utilities’ boards and City Council. The entity will sunset at the end of 2025.
