City staff told Gahanna City Council on Aug. 25 they are seeking authorization to enter an electric supply agreement for about 67 municipal electric accounts, including municipal buildings, parks, street lights and lift stations, and that they intend to pursue a 12‑month contract with an option for 100% renewable energy if market pricing holds.

Senior Deputy Director Weibensinger said the city engaged Tradition Energy, via the Omnia Partners cooperative, to run market analyses and solicit offers. The administration expects to solicit final pricing on Sept. 3 and receive indicative pricing that morning; if presented terms are acceptable, staff will need authority to sign quickly to lock rates.

The nut graf: Staff recommended a 12‑month term (December 2025–December 2026) rather than a longer lock because the market appears to have “flattened out,” and staff said a 12‑month procurement preserves flexibility while capturing current favorable pricing.

Staff reported indicative pricing near 7¢ per kilowatt‑hour and said the delta between brown and 100% renewable options is projected at about $9,600 over the contract term for roughly 4,000,000 kWh of usage — a cost staff described as “cost effective” if the final numbers match indications. The administration’s intent, provided the market offer is favorable, is to procure 100% renewable energy for the city’s bundled accounts for a 12‑month term.

Council members asked about follow‑up transparency. Councilmember Renner asked whether staff will provide contract terms to council; Weibensinger said a signed agreement will be provided to council within 10 days and will include terms, conditions and rates. Councilmember McGregor confirmed the staff’s $9,600 figure is based on the city’s projected consumption of just over 4 million kilowatt‑hours.

Weibensinger said the city will not be forced to accept an offer if Sept. 3 pricing is unfavorable; staff can delay procurement if better options appear. The administration said using Tradition Energy’s broker services allows the city to leverage aggregated buying power and receive more competitive bids.

Next steps: staff requested a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into an electric supply agreement following Tradition Energy’s recommendation; council asked that the item be placed on the regular agenda for formal consideration rather than consent. If the council approves the resolution, Tradition Energy will go to market on Sept. 3 and staff will return the signed agreement and pricing details to council within 10 days of execution.