Council directs law director to draft legislation on Bright Mountain solar participation

Council members spent an extended portion of the meeting discussing a proposed power purchase agreement (PPA) to buy up to 3 megawatts of power from the Bright Mountain solar project in Kentucky and directed the law director to draft legislation to bring the matter to first reading.

Lori, the electric committee representative, described the project as an opportunity for the city to add green energy to its portfolio after wind generation was decommissioned in Bowling Green, saying, "It would be a source of green energy for the city." Staff reported the recommended allocation for Napoleon is 3 MW and that amount would contribute roughly 4% of the city's annual energy needs.

City staff cautioned the council about term length and contract details. Kevin summarized operational and financial points, including that the agreement is a power purchase agreement rather than ownership, that "if it doesn't produce power, we don't buy that power," and that the project could be used for summertime peak shaving. Council members pressed for clarity about any out clauses, decommissioning responsibilities, REC (renewable energy certificate) sales, and comparative price impacts. Staff said a detailed pricing breakdown and participation list appear in the packet and can be provided at first reading; members suggested inviting an AMP representative for additional explanation.

Despite questions, councilors voted to direct the law director to draft the proposed resolution and to proceed to first reading at a later meeting. Several members said they wanted more detailed cost structure information before final passage; staff acknowledged further material and a possible deadline that might require suspension at future readings.

Provenance: Discussion and roll call on the Bright Mountain project and the directive to draft legislation are drawn from the meeting record.