Council authorizes Decatur Utilities to pursue solar power purchase agreement
Summary
Council introduced a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a power purchase agreement between Decatur Utilities and TAI for solar generation near the Mazda‑Toyota site in Limestone County; Decatur Utilities said the agreement leverages an option to supply up to 5% of system energy from non‑TVA generation.
Decatur City Council on Jan. 5 introduced Resolution 26002 to approve and authorize the mayor to execute a power purchase agreement between Decatur Utilities and TAI. Lehi Bullis of Decatur Utilities explained the contract will let Decatur Utilities, as a TVA distributor, purchase solar energy developed near the Mazda‑Toyota facility in Limestone County.
Bullis said distributors and TVA recently agreed to allow each distributor to generate or purchase up to 5% of normal system energy requirements, and this PPA is the step to purchase power from a solar development built by TAI. He described the agreement as Decatur Utilities moving to the “next step in that process” and noted the project location is in Limestone County.
No detailed financial terms were read into the record during the Jan. 5 discussion. The resolution was introduced for council consideration and staff invited questions. Council did not record a roll‑call vote in the transcript excerpt provided; the item was presented for approval and council discussion.
