Candidates split on local clean energy: support for SEU, caution on municipal takeover costs

Energy policy was a notable point of contention in the Ward 1 forum. Both candidates expressed support for local clean energy, but they differed sharply on whether Ann Arbor should pursue a full municipal electric utility that would replace DTE.

Incumbent Cynthia Harrison said the city’s opt‑in Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU), approved by voters in 2024, is already delivering local solar and battery systems and described it as a pragmatic, nationally noticed model. She summarized consultant estimates for a municipal purchase of DTE infrastructure, saying acquisition costs start around $281 million, could rise toward $400 million and that a high-end estimate reaches $1.3 billion — a scale she warned could "potentially bankrupt the city." Harrison also cautioned that estimates did not include upgrades, additional renewables, maintenance or litigation costs.

Challenger Rebecca Erenss said she supports local clean energy and reducing dependence on large utilities, but she objected to fiscal choices in the recent city budget and said she would not support a municipal takeover without transparent pro formas, clear debt‑exposure figures and plain-English governance explanations. Erenss urged that basic city services — roads, water, safety and staffing — be ensured before taking on major new infrastructure debt.

Both candidates said they favor renewable energy goals but emphasized different risk tolerances; Harrison emphasized incremental SEU rollout and local deployments, while Erenss demanded clearer fiscal and governance safeguards before endorsing municipalization.

Next steps: a petition drive to place a municipal electric-utility proposal on the November 2026 ballot was discussed but not decided in the forum; candidates said more analysis and transparent modeling would be necessary before supporting a full takeover.