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Somersworth to consider amendments with Ameresco affiliate to adjust development timeline and power allocations for landfill solar project
Summary
The council received a first reading of a resolution authorizing the city manager to sign amendments to agreements with Blackwater Road Solar LLC (an Ameresco affiliate) to extend development timelines and modify power allocation/payment structure for the planned solar array on the closed Blackwater Road landfill; item remains in first reading
The Somersworth City Council on May 5 read a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute negotiated amendments to agreements with Blackwater Road Solar LLC, an affiliate of Ameresco Inc., for a community solar project planned on the closed Somersworth Sanitary Landfill on Blackwater Road.
City staff said development had been delayed by land restrictions tied to a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant and that Blackwater Road Solar LLC requested an extension of the development period. The company also proposed amendments to the purchase power agreement (PPA) to reduce the allocation of bill credits to the city and to allow direct payment from the utility instead of bill-credit allocations.
Why it matters: The project uses RSA 362‑A group net metering provisions (as cited in the resolution) and could affect the city’s allocation of generated power and the timing of construction at a city-owned landfill site that is also a Superfund property. City staff and counsel have negotiated redlines and continued technical review.
Next steps: The resolution (Res. 55-25) had a first reading and will remain in first reading until the next regular meeting; staff indicated final fine-tuning of one clause was forthcoming after discussions with Ameresco and project managers. No final amendments were executed at the May 5 meeting.
Ending: Councilors sponsoring the resolution included Councilor Witham, Councilor Pepin and Councilor Berry; staff will return with finalized amendment language for council consideration.
