Public Power Progress Updates

Then:
2004-2005 – Rate shock hits Syracuse ratepayers.
2005 – Public Power becomes a big issue in the mayoral race.
2006 – Citizen groups and the Common Council’s Public Works Committee hold well-attended meetings about public power. The Central New York Public Power Coalition forms to organize for public power.
2007 – In May, the Common Council adds $150,000 to the 2007-2008 city budget for a feasibility of public power. The Mayor accepts the amendment to the budget. The city is now preparing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to engineering firms to do the feasibility study.

Now:
At the end of May 2008, Mayor Driscoll released a Request for Proposals from qualified engineering firms to complete a Public Power Feasibility study. The RFP is fully supported by the Public Power Coalition and to our knowledge many bids have been coming in. At the end of June the Mayor will choose one of the bidders to begin the feasibility study. Public Power is moving forward!

Next:
2007-2008 – Feasibility study conducted.
2008 or 2009 – Referendum of city voters to authorize public power in Syracuse.
2009-2011 – Election of governing board of the public power authority and detailed planning of the Syracuse public power system. Permitting, bonding, acquisition, construction, and take over of operations.