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Council hears first readings on AMP Fremont Energy Center share and local solar PPAs
Summary
City staff presented first readings on (1) joining a 35‑year (take‑or‑pay) share assignment at the AMP Fremont Energy Center for about 15 MW and (2) up to 10 MW of local, behind‑the‑meter solar power purchase agreements with Clean Energy Ventures at prices not to exceed $0.08/kWh; both items returned for later readings.
City staff presented two related energy items during first readings: a proposed fixed share assignment in the American Municipal Power (AMP) Fremont Energy Center and a set of 20‑year power purchase agreements (PPAs) for local, behind‑the‑meter solar projects provided by Clean Energy Ventures.
Mr. Monicelli, city staff, described the AMP Fremont Energy Center as a combined‑cycle natural gas plant with 685 megawatts of nameplate capacity. He said the city is being offered a fixed share assignment of roughly 15 megawatts (about 3% of the plant) as part of AMP's portfolio and called it an “intermediate resource” that runs roughly weekdays and daytime hours. The contract form is a take‑or‑pay arrangement, meaning the city would be responsible for its assigned share of the plant whether or not the plant is producing. Monicelli said the contract offers capacity credits and long‑term price stability that can hedge rising capacity costs in regional markets; the item was presented as a first reading and will return for two more readings before a council vote.
On local solar, Monicelli (presenting on behalf of staff) described a proposed series of 20‑year PPAs with Clean Energy Ventures to place solar panels on Westerville facilities, including roof‑ballasted arrays at the Westerville Community Center and carport arrays near the senior center and police facilities. Staff sought authorization for PPAs covering up to 10 megawatts of behind‑the‑meter solar; the agreements would cost no more than $0.08 per kilowatt‑hour. Because the systems are behind the municipality's meter, staff said they expect value from capacity and transmission reductions that staff estimated could reduce the effective cost by several cents per kilowatt‑hour in certain peak scenarios. The PPAs are structured so the city pays only for energy actually produced by the arrays (no capital outlay required).
Council members who visited the Fremont Energy Center said the facility tour was informative. Members also asked about carport coverage, police department needs, and whether private businesses could participate; staff said the agreements are flexible and additional contract forms could accommodate third‑party participation with council approval.
Both measures were introduced at first reading; council will receive the items for additional readings (two more readings are required) before any formal approval.
