Address to "statements@ncuc.net"

List "Docket E-2 Sub 1257"

 

Ask the NC Utilities Commission to approve the new solar project at Buncombe County's retired landfill. Their staff has recommended denying the project.

 

Talking Points:

1. In 2015, as part of the agreement our community struck with Duke Energy to close the coal power plant, Duke agreed to build 15 megawatts of new solar energy in our community. This was an integral part of the overall plan to retire coal and begin transitioning to clean energy, and the Utilities Commission acknowledged this deal in approving Duke’s Western Carolinas Modernization Project that included the new gas plant. 

 

2. The first 5 megawatts of this 15 megawatts of solar energy, with city, county and Duke agreement, was to be a solar project on the retired landfill in Woodfin. Buncombe County put out a RFP bid which was won by Duke to build and maintain these solar installations on the landfill. 

 

3. However, the public staff of the NC Utilities Commission is now recommending that the solar installations be built in the eastern part of NC where larger projects are more feasible.

 

4. The Utilities Commission should approve the solar projects here in Buncombe County, making good on their 2015 commitment.  

 

5. The retired landfill in Woodfin is an afforable site in our county, and not suited for other development. Buncombe County, which owns this land, has waived the lease on the land for this project.

 

6. This project will bring benefits to our community: new solar jobs, reducing carbon emissions, making important progress on our county's goal to reach 100% renewable energy by 2042.