Pittsburgh City Council
City renews energy contract to keep costs below national average.
Written by Amy Whipple
The Department of Public Works (DPW) wants a cheaper way to keep the lights on.
Representatives from DPW requested council’s approval for a six-year contract with Enel X Advisory Services.
According to DPW finance manager Don Mudrick at the March 11 committee meeting, Enel X watches the market and advises when to buy energy units. He said that, year over year, using the service along with other communities has allowed the city to pay less than the national average.
The city’s current contract with the company expires March 31.
The city is part of the Western Pennsylvania Energy Consortium (WPEC), which consists of the city, county and 23 other municipalities and large nonprofits. WPEC negotiates better energy prices because of its size. Members share the costs of using Enel X, proportionate to usage, even though they sign individual contracts.
The request before council said that it would be with no additional cost to the city. The 2026 budget allots $8 million for electric bills.
Pittsburgh joined WPEC in 2020. Planning Manager Matt Mahoney said that membership allows the city to acquire 50% of its energy from renewable sources, including 30% from a wind-generating farm in Ohio. He also said that participation allows for better cost stability during volatile markets.
Council voted to move forward with the request.
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- Pittsburgh City Council
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- City Council · March 10, 2026
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