Bedford Town Buys 3 Megawatts of Power Amid Rising Costs

Town council approves long-term electricity contract to address growing energy needs.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:45am

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A vibrant abstract composition of overlapping triangles and rectangles in shades of blue, red, and yellow, conceptually representing a town's long-term electricity purchase agreement.Bedford's strategic electricity contract aims to provide budget certainty and power reliability for the growing community.Bedford Today

The Bedford Town Council has voted to purchase up to 3 megawatts of electricity for the next 15 years, responding to rising energy costs and increased power demands in the community. The deal was recently offered by American Municipal Power, a regional electricity supplier.

Why it matters

As energy prices continue to climb, small towns like Bedford are being forced to find creative solutions to ensure reliable and affordable power for residents and businesses. This long-term contract represents an effort by local leaders to take proactive steps to secure the town's energy future.

The details

Under the terms of the agreement, Bedford will purchase the electricity at a fixed rate over the 15-year period, providing more budget certainty compared to volatile spot market prices. The additional 3 megawatts of capacity is intended to meet growing demand from new residential and commercial developments in the area.

  • The Bedford Town Council voted on the electricity contract on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • The 15-year power purchase agreement will begin on June 1, 2026.

The players

Bedford Town Council

The governing body of the town of Bedford, Virginia, responsible for making decisions on municipal affairs, including energy and infrastructure.

American Municipal Power

A regional electricity supplier that provides power and other services to public utilities across several states, including Virginia.

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What they’re saying

“This long-term contract will help us manage rising energy costs and ensure we have the power capacity to support our growing community.”

— Jill Stein, Bedford Town Manager

What’s next

The town will finalize the contract details with American Municipal Power in the coming weeks, with the new power supply expected to come online by June 1, 2026.

The takeaway

Bedford's proactive approach to securing long-term, fixed-rate electricity demonstrates how small municipalities are adapting to the challenges of rising energy costs and growing power demands. This deal could serve as a model for other towns looking to take control of their energy future.