Continuing a partnership formed in 2018 to facilitate the transition toward
locally sourced, renewable energy resources
Morrisville, VT — Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (“VPPSA”) and Encore Renewable Energy announced today the completion of their 855 kilowatt (kW) Trombley Hill Solar project, the first developed under their partnership formed last year. Sited on property owned by Morrisville Water and Light, it is the first utility project to come online under Vermont’s Standard Offer program in 2019.
The Standard Offer Program was established in 2009 to promote the rapid deployment of small renewable electricity generation through long-term, fixed-price contracts. The total program capacity of 127.5 MW is distributed annually by a least-cost auction. Costs are allocated among Vermont utilities based on their share of electric sales.
Trombley Hill Solar is expected to produce approximately 1,500,000 kWh per year, enough to power approximately 208 homes. The project is the first of an initial portfolio of projects which add up to approximately 10 megawatts (MW) that VPPSA and Encore are working on together. Under the partnership, Encore will lead design, development, financing, and construction of solar projects at locations in VPPSA’s member utility territories. VPPSA will help host communities manage the resulting electric generation capacity to maximize its value. The agreement also allows for Encore and VPPSA to partner at other sites. It represents a significant milestone in VPPSA members’ efforts to meet their requirements under Vermont’s Renewable Energy Standard, and will move the state closer to its overall goal of 90% renewable electricity by 2050.
“We are thrilled to see the Trombley Hill Solar project completed and remain impressed with Encore’s ability to overcome the challenges presented in developing this location,” said Ken Nolan, General Manager of VPPSA. “The success of Trombley Hill Solar reinforces our confidence in this public-private partnership. We look forward to further projects with Encore that will help VPPSA bring Vermont closer to its renewable energy goals.”
“We are glad to welcome a solar project of this scale to Morrisville,” said Craig Myotte, General Manager of Morrisville Water & Light. “Our community places high value on committing to renewable energy resources, and we’re proud to be able to share the solar energy benefits of Trombley Hill Solar with the entirety of Vermont.”
“With every new solar panel raised, Vermont is embracing the rapid transition to a democratized, distributed energy generation model, and lighting the path toward energy independence,” said Chad Farrell, Encore’s Founder and CEO. “Encore is thrilled to be able to support Vermont’s municipal electric utilities in delivering these exciting projects at the most competitive prices possible for the benefit of their ratepayers.”
More information about Vermont’s Standard Offer Program is available at www.vermontstandardoffer.com or by calling 802-362-0748.
The team at Encore Renewable Energy® is proud to be certified as a B Corp, joining over 3,500 other businesses worldwide who also share a commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.