Commissioners say renegotiation of regional solar power purchase agreement is under review
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Summary
A developer has sought to renegotiate a multi‑jurisdictional solar power purchase agreement; Centre County officials said they negotiated in good faith and will await details before considering contract changes, noting the county's goal was to lock in long‑term fixed pricing to stabilize energy costs.
A question from the press prompted discussion about a regional solar power purchase agreement after a developer — identified as 'Prospect 14' in the meeting — initiated renegotiations that may affect project financeability.
Jacob asked whether the county would pull out of the agreement if renegotiations fail. The chair said the county joined an intergovernmental group primarily to obtain better pricing by pooling demand. "Our goal the entire time is to save money on the county's electric bill," the chair said, noting earlier projects had produced substantial lifetime savings.
One commissioner emphasized the county entered the agreement to secure a fixed‑price supply and said, "a deal is a deal," adding that any proposed structural changes would have to be demonstrated as necessary before the county would consider altering terms. Another commissioner said the board negotiated in good faith and that if the current deal becomes unworkable the county should pursue alternative, longer‑term energy resources.
County staff said consultant Greg Shively will continue negotiations with the developer to seek a cost‑effective agreement for the county. Commissioners did not take further formal action at the meeting but said they would await the consultant’s report and the developer’s proposed figures before deciding whether to alter the county’s participation.
