Council rejects Good Energy's community-solar pitch but approves authorization to secure natural-gas rates

Georgetown alderpersons voted March 2 to reject a community-solar partnership proposed by Good Energy but approved a separate step to explore locking a natural-gas supplier rate for 36 months.

Jerod McMorris, representing Good Energy, described a community-solar program he said could save participating customers 15–20% on their electric bills but noted that subscribers would receive a separate billing arrangement: the electric utility bill minus the solar credit, then a second bill for the solar charge. Some alderpersons said the two-bill arrangement could confuse residents and cited past complaints about solar-related marketing and other third-party suppliers. Alder Robert Weaver and Alder Curt Gordon joined Alder Michelle Brooks in voting against the partnership; the motion to partner with Good Energy failed 3–2.

During debate, Alder Dennis Davidson urged the council to weigh customer protections and clear marketing to avoid confusion; Alder Robert Weaver expressed concern that solar fields could replace local cropland. After denying the proposal, the council turned to natural-gas pricing. On a separate motion, the council authorized the mayor or the city clerk to sign a 36-month natural-gas supplier contract once rates are presented; the minutes record the authorization as passing unanimously. The minutes do not record the proposed gas rates.

The meeting also recorded routine approvals and departmental reports. The council entered executive session under the personnel statute and later approved hiring Charlie Penry for Streets & Alleys. The council adjourned at 8:51 p.m.

The minutes do not include contract terms or a timetable for when natural-gas rates will be presented; council authorization allows staff to execute the contract once terms are available.