Commission debates preferred solar-siting map vs. case-by-case review, notes PUC permitting thresholds
Summary
Commissioners discussed using GMP/RRPC siting maps, but several members favored case-by-case review to avoid concentrating benefits; Mike Norris cited PUC thresholds (≤15 kW small, 16–500 kW full permitting, >500 kW major projects).
The Planning Commission kept a link to RRPC and GMP renewable siting maps in the draft enhanced energy plan but rejected adding a town-preferred siting map. Commissioner Mike Norris argued the town should review solar projects case by case so that a preferred-sites map would not favor some landowners over others. Norris said that projects 15 kW and below are treated as small, while 16–500 kW require full Public Utility Commission permitting and projects larger than 500 kW are a major process and typically take years.
Commissioners asked for Mr. Norris’s solar checklist to be provided for review at the next meeting and discussed leaving siting review flexible, with some members noting the State discourages siting projects on prime agricultural land.
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