Nebraska Public Power District extends community solar shares to Scottsbluff
Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is building a second community solar project in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, following the positive reception of its first creation.
That first construction sold out immediately, leading NPPD to make the new offer to residents via a 4.375 MW solar farm. The newest farm is scheduled to begin operation in spring, but registrations for shares from both residents and businesses will open on Jan. 2, 2020.
“NPPD will purchase 100 percent of the output, selling all shares to interested businesses and residents for them to add to their electric mix,” Tim Arlt, NPPD General Manager of Retail, said. “It is estimated the solar project will provide $2 million to $2.5 million in savings in energy costs over the 25-year agreement period for the city of Scottsbluff. We have seen a lot of interest across the entire state when it comes to our community solar program.”
This second round will see a bit of a shakeup in terms of sign-ups, however. Customers of the first program paid for around 150 KW per share at a higher premium than the second community solar project will demand. Yet Arlt noted that all subscribers to this project will see a bill credit for their community solar shares, blending share prices together to make a production cost savings for all.
“The community solar projects are not subsidized in any form or fashion,” Arlt pointed out. “Communities that choose not to participate in a community solar project do not pay any costs associated with facilities in participating communities. In fact, NPPD working with its partner communities established clear guidelines that prohibited cost shifts or subsidies.”
NPPD has promised that the community solar project will not affect the bills of existing, non-participating customers.
