- Target: 100% renewable electricity community-wide by 2035, and 100% renewable energy for heating and transportation by 2050
- Status: In progress
- RES: Renewable energy sources to be determined
- Implementation: In 2019, the Athens-Clarke County (ACC) Commission voted to adopt a community wide goal of 100% clean and renewable electricity by 2035. It joins Atlanta, Augusta, and Clarkston in the transition away from pollutive energy sources that contribute to climate change. ACC aims to source 100% renewable energy sources for city-owned properties by 2035, and by 2050 it will generate 60% of its renewable energy locally. The broader community will obtain 100% of its electricity needs from clean and renewable sources by 2035. All other energy needs (transportation, etc.) will be met by 100% clean and renewable energy sources by 2050. The energy resolution aims for a just and equitable energy future. Analysis had shown that many households in the county spend an above average percentage of their monthly income on electricity. The organisation "100% Athens" is leading efforts to fund clean and renewable energy. The energy resolution kicked off an 18 month long process that sought input from stakeholders in and around ACC including regional utilities like Georgia Power and Walton EMC. 100% Athens has begun working in partnership with the County and helped incorporate more solar and efficiency in Georgia Power’s Integrated Resource Planning Process. By collaborating with the local community and receiving feedback, the Sustainability Office of ACC is building a map that will guide the County towards the most effective renewable policies and technologies that are best-suited for the community’s needs.
- Population: 127,315 (2020)
- Area: 306 km2
- Link: Clean and Renewable Energy Campaign
- © Richard Chambers