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Ephrata Council authorizes energy agreements, SREC purchases after solar inverter failure
Summary
Ephrata Borough Council approved purchasing replacement solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) to offset lost generation from a failed central inverter at the borough solar site, authorized an updated NYPA hydroelectric agreement through April 30, 2032, and approved participation parameters for AMP PPAs for Bright Mountain Solar and Potomac Energy Center.
Ephrata Borough Council on April 13 approved a package of electric-enterprise actions aimed at stabilizing supply and mitigating lost solar production after a central inverter failure at the borough solar site. The Council approved the consultant (GDS) strategy to purchase replacement Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) to offset ongoing lost production.
Borough Electric Division Manager Bruce Haws outlined the need to replace SRECs while the solar site remains under repair. Haws also presented an updated Agreement for Electric Service between Allegheny Electric Cooperative, Inc. and the Borough of Ephrata to secure New York Power Authority (NYPA) hydro capacity and energy through April 30, 2032; Council authorized the agreement.
The Council further authorized participation in American Municipal Power (AMP) power purchase agreements (PPAs). The approved participation levels include up to 5.4 megawatts (MW) for the Bright Mountain Solar PPA (a 25-year PPA beginning Jan. 1, 2028) and up to 1.0 MW for the Potomac Energy Center combined-cycle PPA (PPA product with a June 1, 2026 start and term through 2041). Council conditioned final adoption on updates to subscription levels and review in a form acceptable to the Borough Manager, Electric Division Manager, and Borough Solicitor.
Borough Manager Karen Gerhart, who recognized the electric staff at the meeting, said the Borough had been commended by the American Public Power Association for outstanding electric reliability in 2025. "The Borough’s linemen are exceptional," Gerhart said, noting the department’s role in maintaining service while the borough addresses the solar site issue.
Council voted unanimously to adopt the consultant recommendation and the related agreements. The electric division will proceed with SREC purchases and final contract reviews as directed by staff. The action aims to preserve the borough’s renewable accounting and maintain reliability while repairs and long-term procurement are finalized.
