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Meadow council adopts resolution to buy into peaker plant near Holden
Summary
The Meadow council voted to adopt Resolution 2026-03 authorizing the town to buy a share in a peaker plant outside Holden; members framed the purchase as an "insurance policy" against power shortages and discussed whether to buy 100 kW or seek a larger stake.
The Meadow council voted to adopt Resolution 2026-03 authorizing the town to buy a share in a peaker plant project outside Holden, a move council members described as an insurance policy against future power shortfalls.
Chair said the council had received a detailed presentation the previous month and legal advice about the agreement. "We're using more than we have contracts — we're buying 20% of our total power off the open market," the Chair said, flagging exposure to high market prices and the rationale for the peaker plant buy-in.
During debate, a council member asked whether Meadow could buy a larger share than the 100 kilowatt development slot being offered. "Could we just approve a second one for another 100?" the member asked, noting concern that lower hydro levels or other outages could make peaks worse. Staff member responded that the town's purchase would act as an "insurance policy" for peak demand, and said the developer might or might not be able to offer a larger block.
Legal counsel’s caution about buy-in terms was raised: the Chair relayed that counsel described the contract as standard "boilerplate" and warned, "Once you bought in, you bought in. There's no get-out clause," meaning any exit would require finding an approved buyer and securing consent from other participants.
Resolution 2026-03 was moved by a committee member and seconded; the council approved the measure on a voice vote. The resolution authorizes Meadow to participate in the Miller County DC-area peaker project and to commit to the buy-in terms described during the presentation.
Council members said staff will follow up to clarify whether a 200 kW option is available and to confirm any costs or ongoing obligations tied to the purchase. The council also discussed the broader energy mix — including reliance on multiple sources and the town's practice of buying some power on the open market — as context for the decision.
The council adopted the resolution and indicated staff will return with any additional information or options for buying a larger share if available.
