HUNTSVILLE – “We’ve got to go out and start moving on this now. Huntsville is growing, North Alabama is growing,” said Wes Kelley, president and CEO of Huntsville Utilities.
That focus on preparing for the future has led to the creation of the North Alabama Public Energy District, a cooperative between Huntsville, Athens, and Scottsboro. Approved by all three city councils this summer, the district will chart a long-term energy plan for the region, with an eye toward securing reliable natural gas supplies for decades to come.
A regional approach to energy needs
The Huntsville City Council passed its resolution July 25, formally joining the district and appointing Kelley to its board of directors. Similar actions were also taken by Athens and Scottsboro.
According to the resolution, the district will serve as a regional planning effort to evaluate energy infrastructure needs, pursue funding, and prepare for growth. It also establishes a formal structure for cooperation among cities that often face shared challenges when it comes to utility services.
“Forming the district is step one, allowing us to explore what’s needed collaboratively,” Kelley said. “Infrastructure isn’t merely a local issue; it’s regional, so we need a regional approach.”
Planning for the next century
Kelley said the first priority will be evaluating whether a new natural gas transmission pipeline is needed across the northern tier of Alabama, a project that could eventually support homes, businesses, and future power plants.
“We need to be preparing the infrastructure for 2050, even 100 years into the future,” he said. “If we don’t do it, it won’t be there when it’s needed.”
Kelley said the district has completed its initial due diligence and is reaching out to state and federal officials for input and support. The next steps include seeking grants to cover engineering costs and, eventually, turning to the bond market to finance construction.
Strong partnerships
Though the district is starting with three cities, Kelley expects it to expand to include other utilities across North Alabama.
“Right now it’s Athens, Scottsboro, Huntsville, but we anticipate adding other utilities to the mix as well,” said Kelley. “We’re getting started because we’re three of the larger cities that are impacted, but we’re going to add other gas utilities as we go.”
He noted that cooperation with TVA and state and federal partners has been positive.
“We’ve had great discussions with our friends at TVA and with state and federal officials,” Kelley said. “We’ve also had strong partnerships across the board between the cities involved.
“That gives us confidence moving forward.”
For now, the district represents a proactive step, one Kelley said is necessary if North Alabama wants to maintain its economic momentum while avoiding energy shortfalls.
“If you wait, you lose control,” he said. “This is about making sure the infrastructure is there when North Alabama needs it most.”
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
