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Energy presents plan for 200 MW “Cypress Harvest” solar project on 1,600 acres; community meeting set
Summary
Energy representatives told the Iberville Parish Council a proposed Cypress Harvest solar project would produce roughly 200 megawatts on about 1,600 acres with an initial investment near $300 million, create an estimated 201 peak construction jobs and include plans for battery storage; a community meeting is planned April 28.
Energy representative Kristen Zada told the Iberville Parish Council on April 21 that the company’s proposed “Cypress Harvest” project would produce “200 megawatts of clean renewable energy” on about 1,600 acres south of Belleview and include a planned battery energy storage system. Zada said the initial investment would be “a little bit over $300 million or just right under $300 million.”
Zada said the project would generate about 201 jobs at peak construction and employ four full-time operations staff once in service. She also provided tax estimates, saying the company expects roughly $7.8 million in sales revenue and about $2.9 million in annual property-tax revenue once the facility is placed in service; those figures were described as estimates. David Wilcox, the project manager accompanying Zada, joined her for the presentation and question-and-answer session.
Council members and residents pressed Energy staff on whether the project would lower local household electric bills. An Energy representative said the benefits are systemwide: “all Energy Louisiana customers are going to benefit from from this type of generation,” but added that residents adjacent to the site should not expect a direct, immediate drop in their individual bills. The company explained that projects of this type are paid for through a mix of customer contracts and system rates and that renewable energy credits and customer contracts can produce net offsets for customers over time.
Zada emphasized site selection choices – proximity to transmission, existing industrial infrastructure, and willing local landowners – and said the company sought parcels that would not terminate farm leases or displace workers. She described plans to host a public community meeting on April 28 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the civic center to present details, respond to questions and show maps and technical experts.
Several council members raised local concerns, including potential visual impacts, ordinance compliance and lessons from earlier projects on Rosedale Road. Energy staff said they have engaged with parish officials and will follow local ordinances; they also said they would coordinate additional outreach such as a mailer and social posts.
The council did not take an action to approve or deny the project at the meeting. Energy invited residents to the April 28 community meeting and said it would provide a fuller presentation and technical materials for review.
