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Fresno honored for multi‑site renewable energy project; city cites $120 million savings, 27+ MW capacity

Fresno City Council · December 4, 2025
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Summary

The Fresno City Council celebrated an APWA Central California award for a multi‑site solar and battery program at three water and wastewater facilities, which staff said will generate roughly 47 million kWh annually, prevent about 26,000 tons of CO2 per year, create ~120 local jobs and save an estimated $120 million for ratepayers over 20 years.

FRESNO — City leaders on Dec. 4 accepted recognition from the American Public Works Association Central California region for an environmental project of the year: more than 27 megawatts of combined on‑site solar and battery energy across three municipal water and wastewater facilities.

Mayor Jerry Dyer and public‑works leaders framed the project as both an environmental and fiscal win. Staff described expected annual production of roughly 47 million kilowatt‑hours, lifetime ratepayer savings projected at about $120 million over 20 years, annual avoided emissions of roughly 26,000 tons of carbon dioxide, and the creation of about 120 local jobs during construction and commissioning.

Paul Amico, the city’s newly appointed director of Public Utilities, credited the project to multi‑departmental staff and partners including Forefront Power and the city’s joint powers authority, SPUR. Public Works Director Scott Mosier said the project was largely executed with no additional out‑of‑pocket capital from the city and falls within a $25–$75 million project category recognized by APWA.

Councilmembers and the mayor said the work supports the city’s goal of keeping utility rates as low as possible while reducing greenhouse‑gas emissions and improving local energy resilience. Council President Mike Carvassi thanked staff and the private partners who facilitated financing, design and regulatory engagement.

City staff indicated the project will supply secured energy to city wastewater and water operations and emphasized the combined benefits of emissions reductions, resilience, and ratepayer savings.

No formal council vote was required to accept the recognition; the award announcement was part of ceremonial agenda items.