Clinton City Council approves sale of excess power capacity

Clinton City Council voted unanimously Monday to sell 4 megawatts of excess electrical capacity through the Piedmont Municipal Power Authority, a move city officials said is aimed at controlling future utility costs.

The council took up the contractual matter during a special called meeting on Aug. 24.

Mayor Randall said the agreement could prove an important step in managing utility rates, particularly electricity rates, from 2028 through 2035.

Council member Anita Williams voiced reservations before the vote.

“I hope that we are making the right decision for the next generation, and not just for us,” Williams said.

The motion passed unanimously despite Williams’ concerns.

Clinton is one of 10 municipalities that own and operate electric systems through PMPA, which supplies wholesale power to its member cities. Selling capacity the city does not expect to need allows Clinton to recover costs it is already obligated to pay under its PMPA agreements.

City officials said the sale is expected to give Clinton additional flexibility as it plans for future electricity needs and utility costs.