Board hears community solar briefing that could cut district electric costs by about 20%
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Summary
Administrators presented an informational community solar option that could lower the district’s electric costs by roughly 20% (potentially up to $250,000 in savings including transmission and peak demand effects); the board gave consensus to continue investigation and route any contracts to legal review.
Aurora East USD 131 staff presented an informational overview Dec. 15 on potential participation in a third-party community solar project that could reduce the district’s electric bills by roughly 20 percent.
Dr. Michael Engel described how developers seek large partners and offer rebates tied to future energy spend; he said the district uses approximately 16,000,000 kilowatt-hours annually and currently pays roughly $5,856,000 for electricity (at about 5.3 cents per kWh under the district’s current rate). Engel said a community solar partnership could reduce district energy costs by about 20% and — when including transmission charges and peak-demand adjustments — could save “up to a quarter million dollars a year.” He emphasized there would be no upfront investment from the district and that typical contract terms run 10 years with options to extend.
Board members asked clarifying questions about guarantees relative to ComEd rates, contract term lengths, and legal review. Staff said they will continue investigating options, go through a competitive RFP process where appropriate, and submit any proposed contract to the district attorney’s office for review prior to execution.
The board expressed general consensus to continue exploring community solar partnerships and to return with proposed contractual language and cost-benefit analyses.
Next steps: administration to pursue proposals, conduct RFP or cooperative procurement as needed, and present contract terms and legal review to the board before any commitment.