Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solar Incentives topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
BPU denies two CSI waiver petitions, grants Harmony Plains extension to 2029
Summary
On Jan. 28 the Board denied waivers for Amaresco Inc. and Green Power Developers to participate in the third Competitive Solar Incentive solicitation, finding both projects failed prequalification requirements, and granted a two-year commercial operation extension for Harmony Plains Solar 1 from May 23, 2027, to May 23, 2029.
The Board of Public Utilities on Jan. 28 denied two waiver petitions seeking eligibility in the third Competitive Solar Incentive (CSI) solicitation and granted a two-year extension for Harmony Plains Solar 1 LLC.
Dr. Watson (board staff) described Amaresco Inc.'s petition for an 8.75-megawatt net-metered project at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and recommended denial under NJAC 14:8-11.4(i) because staff found the project commenced construction prior to conditional registration and was therefore ineligible. "Staff recommends that the board deny the petition and not consider the petitioner's bid," Dr. Watson said. The board voted to deny the petition and to return the bidder's fee.
Green Power Developers LLC sought a waiver under NJAC 14:8-11.4(d) for a 12.9-megawatt Holmdel project, arguing federal ITC timing and a conceptual 2024 load study justified participation; staff said prequalification criteria and maturity requirements ensure incentives go to projects with a clear path to completion and recommended denial. The board denied the petition.
Separately, Harmony Plains Solar 1 LLC requested a two-year extension of its commercial operation deadline (COD) and related EPC deadlines for a 95-megawatt solar facility paired with 80 megawatt-hours of storage. Staff recommended waiving timing rules and extending the COD from May 23, 2027, to May 23, 2029, citing permitting and interconnection delays outside the developer's control; the board approved the extension and directed additional BPU oversight.
All motions passed by roll call vote.
