The term “100% clean energy” is used in different ways, and in the cities we have worked with—Traverse City and Petoskey—the term means 100% of the cities’ electricity will be provided by renewable carbon-free sources, like solar and wind. Essential next stages will eliminate fossil fuels in heating homes and powering cars by electrifying them and powering them with clean, renewable energy.

With Groundwork’s support, Traverse City became the first city in Michigan to commit to 100% clean energy for its electrical supply, with a goal of making the transition by 2040. Petoskey has also committed to 100% clean electricity and chose a completion date of 2035. A group in Leelanau County has been working toward making the entire county 100% clean energy for electrical supply.

Groundwork was an important partner in helping both Traverse City and Petoskey to see feasible ways of reaching their 100% goals, which helped give city commissioners in both towns the confidence they needed to vote for this important and visionary goal. Groundwork is providing ongoing technical support to Petoskey as the city evaluates sites for a utility-scale solar field.

For more information about our 100% Clean Energy Communities program, please contact Groundwork Director of Program Strategy, Jim Lively.