Community Choice Electricity Aggregation (CCA) Program Services For the City of Cleveland

The City of Cleveland is seeking proposals from certified Competitive Retail Electric Service (CRES) providers to deliver community choice electric aggregation program services. The City is pursuing re-certification as a government aggregator under Chapter 4928 of the Ohio Revised Code and will maintain its independent government aggregator certificate with an approved Plan of Operation & Governance (POG) separate from the chosen vendor.

The program encompasses approximately 50,000 residential and 5,000 small commercial customers of the Illuminating Company. Residential customers average 9,700 kWh in annual consumption, while commercial customers average 33,000 kWh. The City administered aggregation programs from 2000-2005, 2010-2023, and 2023-2026, with SOPEC providing services from June 2023 through 2026. The new program is expected to commence July 2026 for a period of 24 to 36 months.

The City's primary goals are: (1) providing hassle-free, lower, transparent, and stable electricity costs for residents and small businesses; (2) ensuring quality, reliable, and first-rate customer service; and (3) supporting renewable energy growth through 100% certified Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and promoting new local/regional renewable energy generation. The program directly supports Cleveland's Climate Action Plan objective to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 63.3% below 2018 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The City prefers turnkey aggregation program providers who deliver all requested services and encourages creative and innovative approaches with clear program structure and vendor roles. Respondents are requested to submit a single proposal that includes all alternatives they wish the City to consider. Key dates include: Pre-Proposal meeting on February 17, 2026 at 15:00 (3:00 PM); Questions & Answers deadline on February 18, 2026 at 22:00 (10:00 PM); and Proposal submission deadline on February 27, 2026 at 22:00 (10:00 PM).