Scott County approves two Pivot Energy community solar permits after divided votes

The Scott County Board of Supervisors approved special-use permits for two Pivot Energy community solar projects near Nicholsville following separate public hearings that drew supporters and opponents and two 4–3 roll-call votes.

Pivot Energy manager Georgia DeCruz told the board the larger Copper Ridge 1 project is planned as a 5-megawatt fixed-tilt shared-solar site off Twin Springs Road and Copper Ridge Substation, and the developer has conducted soils, wildlife and cultural-resource studies and paid for Appalachian Power interconnection studies. DeCruz said the company expects to pay for any utility-side upgrades required by Appalachian Power and that Pivot will “be owning the project for the life of the project.” She also described a $5,000-per-megawatt community donation plan (a one‑time contribution), native-grass planting, and sheep grazing to manage vegetation.

Supporters said the projects would bring revenue and monthly energy savings for local subscribers. A Pivot representative presented a tax analysis showing an increased machinery-and-tools tax could generate about $12,000 a year for the county from the…