McNamara seeking jump-start of energy panel Toledo Blade
Councilman Joe McNamara called on city leaders yesterday to revive a committee that Toledo had 20 years ago to help lower electric rates but could now also develop a comprehensive energy plan for the city."The city of Toledo has invested millions of dollars in renewable energy generating assets such as a co-generation facility, a solar field, and a wind turbine," he said. "These assets could potentially generate more power than the city can use at the generating sites but there is currently no plan for what to do with the excess energy."
The Electric Franchise Review Committee stopped meeting before electric deregulation occurred in 2001 because it was assumed that deregulation would lower rates, Mr. McNamara said.
"But even after deregulation, electric rates in Toledo are among the highest in the state," he said. "However, unlike 20 years ago, the city of Toledo now owns millions of dollars in renewable energy generating assets, has municipal electric authority, and hosts a university
