By Ellen Foreman, Member, Moshannon Group
After several years of research, development work, and intense negotiations, ten governmental entities in Centre County have officially entered into a 15-year contract to supply their operations with renewable energy from a nearby solar project. It is believed that this cooperative solar purchase agreement is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania.
Peter Buck, a longtime Sierra Club member, is Chair of the Centre County Solar Working Group. He pointed out that not only does the agreement address the climate crisis but will save taxpayers on the order of $4.4 million in energy costs by locking in energy rates for the next 15 years. Power is expected to become available in the Fall of 2026.
The Sierra Club Moshannon Group has been an unwavering advocate for this project since its inception in 2019. Progress was delayed first by COVID and then by some last-minute controversy generated by project detractors.
“The Sierra Club Moshannon Group’s support was ongoing and came in at critical times. They hosted a gathering where people learned more deeply about the power purchase agreement, members spoke at numerous public meetings across the ten local governments, and they wrote letters to the editor. Their commitment to climate action and sustainability made a difference,” Buck said.
The ten entities include the county government for Centre County, the Centre Region Council of Governments, the townships of College, Ferguson, Harris, and Patton, State College Borough, the State College Borough Water Authority and College Township Water Authority, and the State College Area School District. The solar array supplying the energy will be built by Prospect14 and located in Walker Township, Centre County. It is expected to supply upwards of 80% of the electricity usage needed by the participants, approximately 22 megawatts.
The Moshannon Group recently ran this ad in the local newspaper and online:
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