Hartford committee recommends council approve NRES solar credits tied to Losey Road array

The Public Works Parks Recreation Environment Committee voted July 23 to send a favorable recommendation to the full Hartford City Council for a resolution authorizing the City of Hartford to receive credits from the state Non-Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (NRES) program tied to a proposed solar array at Losey Road (location described in the meeting as in Willington/Wellington, Connecticut).

City officials said the agreement would be a financial arrangement rather than a direct delivery of electricity to Hartford. "The total savings from this agreement could amount to approximately $760,000 over a 20 year period. That's approximately $38,000 a year," said Julia Jack, director of capital projects and operations, describing the estimate Bridge Energy provided.

The nut of the proposal is that a developer builds and operates a remote array, sells the power to the grid, and the City receives renewable-energy credits tied to that production. "So ultimately, there's there's absolutely 0 risk to the city," said Joey, an energy consultant with Bridge Energy, referring to the financial structure and the citys lack of required capital investment. Presenters said the developer for this site is Verigee.

Officials said the NRES program awards bidding preference to projects that partner with state, agricultural or municipal entities; Hartford's designation on the Connecticut "distressed municipalities" list gives a 20% bid preference that can increase the incentive revenue developers receive. That extra incentive is the mechanism by which the city receives a share of value from projects that are not physically located on city property but are inside the same utility territory (Eversource).

Committee members asked for clarification on the mechanics and risks. Julia Jack and Bridge Energy staff said the power produced is delivered to the regional grid rather than directly to Hartford meters; the city receives credits based on metered production. Bridge Energy estimated no required city expenditure, and that if a system underperforms the city simply would not receive the associated credits rather than owing money.

Committee members and staff reviewed the city's broader portfolio of remote and on-site projects. Officials said Hartford previously approved seven projects with a different developer, Lodestar, which together are estimated to bring about $210,000 per year. Two existing projects in an earlier Connecticut program (referred to in the meeting as the VNM program) were described as producing roughly $50,000 per year each. Bridge Energy said the first credits for several projects already under agreement are expected to begin flowing in the first quarter of 2026; staff estimated that, once the current pipeline (excluding landfill projects) is complete, annual credits to the city could total about $550,000.

Councilman John Gale, who moved the committee recommendation, said he did not fully follow all program mechanics but supported proceeding: "I'm certainly gonna vote for it." The motion to send the item to the full council with a favorable recommendation carried on a voice vote. The mover identified himself as Councilman John Gale; the meeting record does not name the second. The chair called for those in favor; members responded "Aye," and the chair declared the motion passed.

Staff said they will provide periodic updates to the council and that a fuller accounting of credits received will become available once the developer begins sending the first credits and Eversource completes its administrative steps. Bridge Energy told the committee it will continue to solicit and evaluate projects for the city on a developer-agnostic basis and provide reporting as credits begin to flow.

The committee action moves the resolution to the full Hartford City Council for final consideration. Meeting presenters and committee members noted the NRES program has limited remaining term and encouraged pursuing available opportunities while the program continues.