1.6 MW Solar Boosts MCE Renewables
- MCE has just added 1.6 MW of solar energy in California and is partnering with local developers to support its Feed-in Tariff program, creating quality jobs with family-sustaining wages and helping to meet California's 2045 carbon-free energy goal.
MCE, a local renewable energy portfolio provider, has just added 1.6 MW of solar energy in Contra Costa and Napa counties in California. In June, the 1-MW Byron Hot Springs Solar project in Contra Costa County was completed in partnership with Renewable Properties, and the 650-kW Napa Self Storage 2 project was completed with Shorebreak Energy Developers. Both projects were built with prevailing wage labor, and 50% of the labor hours came from within MCE’s service area. Mayor Shanelle Scales-Preston of the City of Pittsburg, California, and Chair of MCE’s Board of Directors, noted that an increased supply of renewable energy projects are needed to meet California’s 2045 goal of 100% carbon-free energy. MCE's Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program offers an above-market rate for local renewable energy projects, incentivizing their construction and providing quality jobs with family-sustaining wages. These two projects bring the total amount of FIT projects to 18. Aaron Halimi, president of Renewable Properties, commented on MCE’s strong partnership with his company and their collaboration in providing renewable energy to MCE’s residents.
What Benefits Have MCE's 18 FIT Projects Brought?
- By partnering with Renewable Properties and Shorebreak Energy Developers, MCE has created jobs that pay family-sustaining wages with prevailing local labor.
- The 18 FIT projects have created a total of 4.6 MW in renewable energy capacity to contribute to California’s goal of 100% carbon-free energy by 2045.
- The projects have also improved air quality in the local communities and reduced emission of greenhouse gases.
- The Byron Hot Springs Solar and Napa Self Storage 2 projects also bring more tax revenue to Contra Costa and Napa counties.
- MCE’s FIT program has enabled local developers to develop long-term power purchase agreements with MCE, creating a steady source of revenue.
- The partnership has also allowed MCE to provide affordable and reliable renewable energy to its customers.
