The Huntsville Energy Task Force has completed the city’s first Community Energy Resource Plan, outlining a long-term strategy aimed at strengthening energy reliability, affordability and sustainability as Huntsville continues to grow.
The task force, appointed by Mayor Tommy Battle, the Huntsville City Council and the Huntsville Utilities Board, spent several months working with local leaders, energy experts and community stakeholders to address the region’s rapidly changing energy needs.
Huntsville Utilities President and CEO Wes Kelley said the plan provides a roadmap for navigating future challenges while maintaining the service residents and businesses expect.
“This plan positions Huntsville to meet the challenges of tomorrow while strengthening the reliability and affordability our residents and businesses expect,” Kelley said. “Through strategic planning and forward-thinking solutions, we can support a thriving community powered by innovation.”
The Community Energy Resource Plan focuses on preparing the city for both near-term and long-term changes in energy supply and demand. Among its key recommendations are investments in grid infrastructure and advanced technologies designed to improve reliability and support continued population and economic growth.
The plan also calls for closer collaboration with the Tennessee Valley Authority to explore new local generation options through a future wholesale power contract, which could allow Huntsville to supplement TVA’s energy supply.
Another major focus is expanding existing demand response programs and developing new ones to encourage customers to reduce electricity use during peak demand periods, helping lower overall power costs.
In addition, the task force recommends modernizing utility governance by consolidating Huntsville Utilities into a single legal entity overseen by a unified utility board, a move intended to streamline operations and strengthen oversight.
Kelley said the completed plan gives city leaders and utility officials a clear framework for managing growth while maintaining affordability and reliability.
“The committee’s work gives Huntsville a roadmap for improving reliability, managing costs and supporting growth,” he said. “It is an important step toward a more resilient and forward-looking energy system.”
The task force’s final report is available here and is intended to guide future energy-related decisions as Huntsville adapts to an increasingly complex energy landscape.
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