Colorado PUC Reverses Earlier Decision & Approves Community Solar Gardens

According to SEIA, having access to such a local renewable electricity power center benefits numerous participants.

“Shared renewable energy arrangements allow several energy customers to share the benefits of one local renewable energy power plant. When the power is supplied strictly by solar energy, it is sometimes called “community solar.” The shared renewables project pools investments from multiple members of a community and provides power and/or financial benefits in return.”

Following a hearing 1 June and the submission of further evidence, the PUC reversed its initial ruling, finding that the parties had demonstrated to a sufficient degree that the proposal was in the public interest. The Commission found that the scheme would in particular benefit low-income individuals and businesses that wished to promote solar energy.

Xcel now has approval to go ahead with its plan to develop 29.5 MW of power from the community solar gardens as part of the RES compliance plan. The projects will be built by SunShare, Clean Energy Collective and Community Solar Energy – the three winners of Xcel’s 2015 tender.

Prior to the decision reversal, all projects under the compliance plan had ground to a halt, prompting the companies to file a settlement agreement with the PUC. In it they attempted to amend certain issues that caused the Commission to question the scheme and rule that the proposed modifications were not sufficient to make the scheme in the public interest.

Images via Shutterstock & DORA

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