Media contact(s):
Mary Louise Madigan: (216) 698-2521; mlmadigan@cuyahogacounty.us

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH — Cuyahoga County was met with a tremendous response after the release of a request for information (RFI) seeking information regarding the technical, commercial, and contractual frameworks that would support the development of a municipal electric utility and multiple microgrids throughout Cuyahoga County.

The County received 37 responses to the RFI from across the country, with information on how to make Northeast Ohio’s energy grid more resilient, cleaner, and cost effective for residents, industries, and commercial businesses.

The goal of the RFI is to help identify feasible models and timelines for the County Electric utility and the technical capabilities needed for local microgrid districts

“It’s clear from the large number of quality responses we received to this RFI that the country understands the value microgrids can bring to our region,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “This innovative energy program will bring jobs to the region, provide protection for large companies that they can’t get on the main network, and promote our climate change mitigation efforts. I look forward to seeing how these responses inform our work moving forward.”

The County expects to begin interviews with respondents in August. Following those interviews the County plans to release a request for qualifications (RFQ) for a utility operator in September, and an RFQ for qualified developers shortly following.

“The quality and quantity of responses we received to our RFI is really heartening. Some of the largest and well-known energy companies in the world weighed in with opinions and advice on how to proceed. We know we need to get this right, but what our County Utility is doing can be cutting edge in terms of clean energy development, climate resilience and capital investment into the region,” said Cuyahoga County Sustainability Director Mike Foley.