Forefront says Livingston wastewater solar system exceeded performance guarantees, saving the city $300,000 in two years

Forefront Power told the Livingston City Council that the solar arrays at the city’s wastewater treatment plant have outperformed expectations, producing roughly 2,600 megawatt‑hours and lowering the facility’s electricity costs.

“Over a 2 year span, this 642 kilowatt project has delivered 56% of energy offset and has exceeded the performance guarantee,” Forefront On‑site Generation Senior Director Sam Zantzinger said, noting the system operated on the Net Energy Metering 2 program. He told the council the project delivered more than $170,000 in savings in year one and nearly $150,000 in year two, which together represent more than $300,000 in avoided utility costs.

The presentation explained the project is structured as a 20‑year power‑purchase agreement in which Forefront financed, designed, built and now operates the system in exchange for a fixed flat rate. Zantzinger said operation and maintenance are included and that a federal tax credit at project inception helped yield the favorable rate.

Councilmembers questioned whether new panel technology could make replacements worthwhile within the 20‑year contract. Zantzinger said the system used leading technology at installation and that staff and Forefront would evaluate any compelling technology changes going forward, but he characterized likely efficiency gains as incremental.

City staff thanked Forefront and acknowledged multiple years of staff work to bring the project online. No public comments were raised during the presentation and council concluded the item with no further action required.