Item:
Title
Authorization to Execute Amendments to the Service Agreement and Cooperative Agreement for Participation in Duke Energy's Green Source Advantage Program in Alignment with the County's Renewable Energy Plan
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: April 14, 2025
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to execute Amendments to the Service Agreement and Cooperative Agreement for participation in Duke Energy's Green Source Advantage program in alignment with the County's Renewable Energy Plan.
Duke Energy's Green Source Advantage program (GSA) allows participants to partner with a solar developer to build a solar farm, agreeing to pay a set amount to offset their electricity purchases for up to 20 years. Duke Energy pays the customer back a credit on their bills that covers part of the cost of the payment to the developer. The customer does not pay any upfront capital costs, on-going maintenance, or decommissioning costs of the facility. Durham County is partnering with the City of Durham and Durham Public Schools on this project. Pine Gate Renewables is the solar developer selected to construct and maintain the solar farm. Once operational, it is anticipated that the solar farm will provide renewable energy to offset approximately 70% of the electricity used in Durham County facilities.
The Board approved participation in the program in January 2021 and the Service Agreement and Cooperative Agreement were signed in September 2022. Since that time, there have been market changes that necessitate amendments to the agreements. At the same time, staff have negotiated new terms with Duke Energy that are expected to lower the cost of participation to the county over the 20-year project period as compared to the original agreement terms.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This request aligns with Durham County Strategic Goal: Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment.
Resource Persons: Tobin L. Freid, Sustain...
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