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ORDER OF THE NEW HAVEN BOARD OF ALDERS AUTHORIZING SOLAR POWER PURCHASE AND LEASE AGREEMENTS
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WHEREAS, in 2019, the City of New Haven formally recognized the urgency of the climate crisis and Ordered to act by adopting a Climate Emergency Order; and
WHEREAS, the City of New Haven is committed to energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to reduce energy costs and protect the environment; and
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut in Public Act 19-35 amended the process for auctioning Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) through the Non-Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (NRES) program to facilitate the financing of solar projects; and
WHEREAS, solar arrays on City buildings and sites funded through power purchase agreements can provide New Haven with low-cost electricity without any bonded capital outlay; and
WHEREAS, solar power purchase agreements can provide savings of over 25% relative to current electricity costs and can also generate new revenues from the City through lease agreements; and
WHEREAS, the solar lease agreements can generate revenue to support municipal services; and
WHEREAS, the solar lease agreements are projected to generate over $100,000 annually in revenue; and
WHEREAS, various City buildings and sites have been identified as potential candidates for solar arrays and parking canopies, including the East Shore Park north parking lot, the Bowen Field parking lot, the Alling Memorial Golf Course parking lot, and the Roberto Clemente Leadership Academy for Global Awareness parking lot; and
WHEREAS, distributed generation systems such as solar arrays require separate interconnection agreements with the local electrical distribution company in order to operate; and
WHEREAS, the City of New Haven Energy Committee has been previously empowered by the Board of Alders to make specific recommendations regarding energy purchases; and
WHEREAS, the City of New Haven Energy Committee includes Aldermanic representation.
NOW, THEREF...
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