City Explores Virtual Power Purchase Agreements for Clean Energy with Northern Arizona University

The Sedona City Council meeting on August 27, 2025, focused on the potential for virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) as a strategy for achieving municipal and community clean energy goals. The session aimed to raise awareness about VPPAs, discuss their benefits and challenges, and explore collaboration opportunities with Northern Arizona University (NAU).

The meeting began with an overview of the regional energy grid, highlighting its structure and functionality. The speaker explained that the U.S. energy grid is divided into interconnect areas, including the Western Interconnect, which Sedona is part of. This grid allows for energy sharing between regions, helping to balance supply and demand during peak times.

While no specific project was up for review, the finalized intergovernmental agreement (IGA) regarding VPPAs is expected to be presented to the council in late September or early October. The speaker emphasized the importance of gathering feedback from council members to address any questions before the agreement is finalized.

Additionally, the council plans to conduct a deeper analysis of emissions inventories by the end of the year, with a follow-up meeting scheduled to discuss the findings. This initiative reflects Sedona's commitment to enhancing its clean energy strategies and collaborating with educational institutions to further these goals.