New Rules for Connecting Large Energy Facilities to Cleveland Public Power

August 2, 2026

Cleveland is updating how large-scale energy providers and commercial customers connect to the city's electric grid. City Council has passed emergency ordinance 621-2026, which creates a new section in the city's official code to manage how "qualifying facilities" and large industrial or commercial customers link into the Division of Cleveland Public Power’s electric system.

What's in the file

The ordinance enacts Section 523.252 of the Codified Ordinances of Cleveland to establish a formal process for interconnection requests. According to the 621-2026 -Legislative Summary-PURPA Interconnection, the legislation was prompted by federal requirements under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), which mandates that Cleveland Public Power (CPP) respond to interconnection requests from qualifying facilities.

The new rules include the following provisions:

Authorizes CPP to define a response process for interconnection requests from qualifying facilities, eligible large commercial customers, and eligible large industrial customers.
Grants the Director of Public Utilities the authority to determine eligibility for Preliminary Interconnection agreements, Interconnection Plans, and Interconnection Agreements.
Designates the "Interconnector" as responsible for the payment of all costs associated with the interconnection, including reimbursement for CPP’s studies, equipment, and materials.
Prohibits Interconnectors from delivering electric service within Cleveland’s municipal boundaries.
Allows the Director of Public Utilities to invoice Interconnectors, including in advance, and enter into agreements necessary for studying and implementing the interconnection.

Who may be affected

Division of Cleveland Public Power: Tasked with managing the interconnection process and responding to federal requirements.
Qualifying Facilities: Entities requesting connection under PURPA federal guidelines.
Eligible Large Commercial and Industrial Customers: Large-scale users seeking to link to the municipal electric system.
Department of Public Utilities: The department responsible for overseeing the implementation and cost recovery of these connections.

Status and timeline

The ordinance has officially passed.

May 8, 2026: Ordinance 621-2026 was introduced.
July 15, 2026: The emergency ordinance passed.

Residents can verify the details of this legislation by reviewing the official record through the City of Cleveland City Council website.

Key facts

New Ordinance Section: 523.252
Ordinance Type: Emergency Ordinance

Source record

File: 621-2026
Type: Emergency Ordinance
Status: Passed
Committee: City Council
Introduced: May 7, 2026

View on Cleveland Legistar