Columbus Expands $75M Power Deal with AEP to Include Renewable Energy Credits

Columbus City Council's Public Utilities and Sustainability Committee advanced a $75 million ordinance on April 13 that would modify and increase the city's existing power supply agreement with American Electric Power Energy Partners, Inc.

The updated deal, Ordinance 0976-2026, adds renewable energy credits to the agreement for the first time — a meaningful step for a city that has publicly committed to sustainability goals. The funds would come from the Electricity Operating Fund.

AEP Energy Partners is the competitive subsidiary of American Electric Power, one of the nation's largest electric utilities. Columbus's Division of Power manages the city's municipal electric system, which serves roughly 7,000 customers across city-owned facilities.

The ordinance was on its second reading as of April 13 and was declared an emergency, suggesting it is expected to pass and take effect quickly. The modification represents a significant increase from the prior contract value, though the exact prior contract amount was not specified in the legislation.