KMEA unveils solar project to address Gardner's future energy needs

The City of Gardner Council convened on November 18, 2024, to discuss current and future energy supply options, featuring a presentation from the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA) led by Neil Damien. The meeting focused on the city's energy portfolio and strategies to address potential capacity deficiencies in the coming years.

Damien began by outlining Gardner's existing energy resources, which include the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA), Dogwood combined cycle plant, Marshall Wind Farm, and federal hydro resources. He highlighted the city's peak energy demand, which reached 48.4 megawatts in mid-2023, and noted that this demand fluctuates significantly throughout the year.

A key point of discussion was the anticipated capacity shortfall projected for 2026, primarily due to the potential loss of GRDA resources. To mitigate this, Damien proposed several solutions, including a large-scale solar project by NextEra, which has been in development for over two years. This project aims to provide energy during peak demand periods without upfront costs, as the city would only pay for the energy produced.

Damien emphasized the benefits of the solar project, including its ability to cover a significant portion of Gardner's energy needs while also providing capacity credits. He explained that the project would allow the city to claim a portion of the solar capacity, which is crucial given the expected shortfall.

The council members expressed support for the solar initiative, particularly its alignment with high-demand summer months. However, questions arose regarding the potential reduction of GRDA resources, with members seeking clarity on the financial implications and the rationale behind this shift.

Overall, the meeting underscored Gardner's commitment to diversifying its energy supply while maintaining cost-effective rates for residents. The council plans to revisit these discussions in early 2025, focusing on finalizing agreements for the solar project and exploring options for extending GRDA contracts.