In a recent government meeting, Mesa's Energy Resources Program Manager, Anthony Cadorn, presented significant developments regarding the city's renewable energy initiatives, particularly focusing on the Pinal Solar Project in collaboration with the Arizona Electric Power Cooperative (EPCO). This project aims to harness 400 megawatts of solar energy, with Mesa seeking to secure 25 megawatts of that capacity, alongside 20 megawatts of battery storage. The anticipated start date for this project is June 1, 2026, and it is projected to fulfill approximately 21% of Mesa's annual energy requirements.

Cadorn highlighted a notable decline in renewable energy costs over the past decade, with prices for solar power dropping from $60-$100 per megawatt hour in 2011 to as low as $20 in recent years. However, challenges remain, including the need for large-scale projects to achieve competitive pricing and the complexities of delivering power from remote locations. The Pinal Solar Project is seen as a viable solution to these challenges, particularly with the support of federal programs aimed at reducing carbon emissions for cooperatives.

The meeting also addressed the city's ongoing efforts to negotiate new electric power supply contracts. Deborah Ferraro, the energy resources coordinator, detailed the results of a recent Request for Proposals (RFP) that yielded pricing approximately 20% lower for base products and up to 42% lower for summer peak products compared to current contracts. This pricing trend is expected to lead to significant savings for Mesa's customers, with indicative pricing for base supply ranging from $60.70 to $71.21 per megawatt hour.

The council discussed the importance of diversifying contracts to avoid simultaneous expirations and maximize savings. The strategy includes staggered contract lengths and exploring various delivery points to enhance reliability and cost-effectiveness. The city aims to achieve a renewable energy portfolio that could reach 57% by the project's completion, aligning with the Mesa Climate Action Plan's goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050.

Overall, the discussions underscored Mesa's commitment to expanding its renewable energy resources while ensuring cost savings for its residents, amidst a backdrop of fluctuating energy markets and regulatory challenges. The council is expected to authorize negotiations for the Pinal Solar Project and the new power supply contracts in the coming weeks.