LRSD gets update on off-site solar array, expects in-service date in March; electric bus fleet running
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Summary
Officials told the board the district’s off-site solar array in Marvell is mostly built but awaiting medium-voltage switchgear and utility work; equipment delivery now expected in February with commercial operations in March. The district’s 25 electric buses have logged roughly 60,000 miles so far.
District staff presented an update Nov. 20 on the district’s solar-service agreement and accompanying projects.
Parker Higgs of Integrity Partners told the board that utility studies completed in February identified the need for medium-voltage switchgear that has a long lead time; that equipment is currently expected to be delivered in February, with utility work by Entergy expected to be finished in December. If that timeline holds, staff currently anticipate placing the off-site array into service in March. The project, sited near Marvell, Arkansas, was constructed under a solar service agreement that required no upfront capital from the district; the district will purchase power at a stated rate with Entergy credits applied to district accounts.
Financials and savings: early estimates presented at the meeting show roughly $400,000 in annual savings for the district in initial years; depending on future utility rate changes and account classifications, staff said projected net savings could drop toward the $150,000 range in later years under some scenarios. Board members asked about training and bill audits so staff can verify and apply Entergy credits to the correct accounts.
Electric buses and generator: staff said all 25 electric school buses are now in service and have run more than 60,000 miles this school year; fuel-savings estimates of approximately $130,000 annually remain on track. The board heard staff are still finalizing a backup generator at the bus charging facility pending a gas-main upgrade by the local gas utility.
Next steps: staff will monitor equipment delivery and utility coordination, provide training on bill review and crediting, and provide updates to the board (and to student groups interested in STEM demonstrations) as project milestones are reached.