Marshfield utility commission votes to advance four behind-the-meter solar projects

The Marshfield Utility Commission voted unanimously to advance four behind-the-meter solar projects proposed for land owned by Marshfield Utilities, staff said. The projects were described in a previous presentation by Stanley Mnook of 1 Energy Renewables, and will be owned by 1 Energy Renewables; the utility does not anticipate capital approvals today but expects future job orders related to interconnection and distribution upgrades.

Staff asked the commission to authorize due-diligence work, permitting and pursuit of necessary approvals so that any final lease or interconnection agreements can be brought back to the commission for formal approval. Commissioner motioned to advance all four sites and the motion was seconded; commissioners voted in favor with no opposing votes.

During discussion commissioners asked whether any prior agreements or talks had been made with third parties such as Melanie Galvin; staff said no formal agreements exist at this stage and that such matters would be addressed as the projects progress. Commissioners also raised contract-protection concerns, including what would happen if the developer failed or declared bankruptcy; staff said those protections would be handled in future contract language.

The commission did not adopt a final contract or job order at the meeting; staff noted future job orders could be needed to cover interconnection costs and distribution system rebuilds if and when permits and approvals are obtained. The commission will consider any final agreements at a subsequent meeting.