Duke Energy issued the following announcement on April 15.
- Palmer Solar will provide clean energy to customers of Colorado Springs Utilities
- Project is largest solar facility contracted by Colorado Springs Utilities
Duke Energy Renewables, a commercial business unit of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), and Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities) today announced the start of operation for a new solar energy generating facility, the Palmer Solar project.
Containing more than 220,000 solar panels on about 700 acres southeast of Colorado Springs, Colo., Palmer Solar will provide 60 megawatts of electricity to Springs Utilities' customers. That is enough electricity to power approximately 22,000 homes per year. This is the largest solar project contracted by Springs Utilities to date and the first solar project to interconnect with its transmission system.
Under a 20-year agreement, Springs Utilities will purchase the electricity Palmer Solar generates from Duke Energy Renewables. The project was acquired by Duke Energy Renewables from juwi Americas in May 2019. With this addition, Duke Energy Renewables has two solar projects in Colorado totaling more than 70 megawatts.
The project can be seen in this video.
"We're pleased to continue expanding our solar footprint in Colorado," said Rob Caldwell, president of Duke Energy Renewables. "The Palmer Solar project will support the renewable energy goals of Colorado Springs Utilities and allow them to reduce energy costs for their customers while lowering carbon emissions for the state."
"In light of our present challenges associated with COVID-19, our work continues to support our Energy Vision. We are steadfast in our mission to provide reliable and environmentally sustainable energy that reduces our carbon footprint," said Aram Benyamin, Springs Utilities CEO. "The Palmer Solar project is the latest example of how we are partnering with entities to change the way we power Colorado Springs, taking advantage of the economics and environmental benefits of solar power."
During peak construction, the Palmer Solar project employed as many as 200 individuals. It will also deliver property tax revenues of approximately $5.2 million throughout the life of the project to El Paso County.
Duke Energy is one of the nation's top renewable energy providers and owns, operates and contracts more than 8,000 megawatts of capacity.
Springs Utilities has increased its renewable resources from 19 megawatts to 114 megawatts in the past six months.
Duke Energy Renewables
Duke Energy Renewables, a nonregulated unit of Duke Energy, operates wind and solar generation facilities across the U.S., with a total electric capacity of 3,000 megawatts. The power is sold to electric utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and commercial and industrial customers. The unit also operates energy storage and microgrid projects. Visit Duke Energy Renewables for more information.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 30,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, in addition to Duke Energy Renewables' capacity.
Duke Energy is transforming its customers' experience, modernizing the energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves.
Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2020 "World's Most Admired Companies" list, and Forbes' 2019 "America's Best Employers" list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues.
Colorado Springs Utilities
For generations, Colorado Springs Utilities has provided electricity, natural gas, water and wastewater services to the Pikes Peak region. As a community-owned utility, its customers enjoy competitive prices, exceptional hometown service, quality service and reliability and a voice in how their utility operates. Colorado Springs Utilities looks to expand its renewable energy portfolio to more than 260 megawatts and add a 25-megawatt energy storage facility by 2024.
Original source can be found here.
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