5 US cities setting 100% clean energy targets for 2026
Across the United States, local leaders and communities are pushing forward ambitious clean energy goals. Driven by growing concerns around climate change, rising demand for renewable energy, and local policy momentum, more than 200 US cities and counties have committed to or already achieved 100 percent clean electricity goals. These commitments reflect a broader national trend of cities taking the lead on energy transformation at a time when state and federal policy landscapes continue to evolve. Approximately one in three Americans now lives in a city or state with a 100 percent clean energy commitment, underlining the rising influence of local action in shaping the nation’s energy future.
The following profiles highlight five cities at the forefront of this movement either by setting urgent targets near 2026 or by demonstrating leadership that sets a model for other communities nationwide.
1. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen stands out as one of the early adopters of fully renewable city energy. The city adopted its first climate action plan in 2007, which included a commitment to transition its municipal electric system to 100 percent renewable energy. Through a combination of hydroelectric resources, wind energy contracts, and strategic energy planning, Aspen’s municipal utility achieved this goal in 2015 and has maintained it ever since.
While Aspen’s target year was in the past, its experience offers a playbook for other cities now aiming for 2026. The transition has shown that strategic partnerships, long-term planning, and community engagement can make a complete renewable energy supply economically viable without compromising grid reliability. Aspen’s success demonstrates that renewable energy integration at scale is feasible even in challenging geographic and climatic contexts.
2. Georgetown, Texas
Georgetown, Texas has become one of the largest US cities powered entirely by clean energy. The city’s renewable energy commitment began about a decade ago and was formalized through contracts with wind and solar energy providers. By securing long-term agreements with regional renewable generators, Georgetown now meets all of its electricity demand with renewable energy.
This transition delivered benefits that extend beyond emissions reduction. The city’s renewable energy strategy has provided price stability and economic predictability for local residents and businesses. As Georgetown continues to refine its sustainability goals, it serves as a key example of how medium-sized cities in the interior of the country can lead in renewable energy deployment without relying solely on coastal or densely populated markets.
3. Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont was the first major US city to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity. This milestone was reached through a diverse mix of local hydroelectric generation, wind power, and renewable contracts. The city’s approach involved careful investment in renewable infrastructure and policy alignment across municipal departments to ensure that energy supply and sustainability planning were integrated.
Burlington’s achievement illustrates the dual potential of clean energy planning: it can significantly reduce emissions and reshape local economic development. The city’s renewable energy mix has provided both environmental and fiscal benefits, reinforcing the notion that sustainability and economic resilience are complementary objectives.
4. Denton, Texas
Denton has set a strong benchmark in Texas by powering all residences and businesses with 100 percent renewable electricity. The city achieved this status through a blend of solar and wind energy generation, fully covering its local electricity demand.
Denton’s achievement underscores how city-level leadership can drive renewable energy deployment even in regions historically dominated by fossil fuel production. With one of the highest wind energy capacities per capita among US cities, Denton’s clean energy model highlights the strategic advantage of leveraging local renewable resources to achieve citywide energy goals.
5. East Hampton, New York
East Hampton has developed ambitious clean energy plans that go beyond electricity to include heating and community energy systems. While exact target years vary by sector, the city’s comprehensive approach to clean energy planning places it among the leaders in the northeastern US This includes collaboration with state programs and local stakeholders to align clean energy objectives with broader sustainability and economic goals.
By integrating clean energy targets into local policy frameworks, East Hampton demonstrates how smaller cities can catalyze significant shifts in energy sourcing and community engagement. This kind of planning ensures that clean energy commitments are rooted in practical, achievable strategies tailored to local needs.
Shaping the energy future from the ground up
The push toward 100 percent clean energy in US cities represents a fundamental shift in how communities approach energy planning and climate response. From early successes in Aspen and Burlington to recent achievements in Georgetown and Denton, these cities exemplify the diverse paths that local governments can take to advance renewable energy goals. With more than 200 cities already committed to or having achieved 100 percent clean electricity, the trend is clear: cities are increasingly setting and reaching ambitious clean energy targets long before national energy transitions occur. As more communities set their sights on 2026 and beyond, these examples offer actionable insights and motivation for the next wave of local clean energy leadership.