Could Montpelier soon receive part of its electricity from solar power? Council members approved the first reading of an ordinance to allow village manager, Pam Lucas to execute a power purchase agreement with Solar Planet, LLC of Columbus, Ohio.
John Courtney of Courtney and Associates was on hand with information Monday evening regarding a possible solar project for the village. Montpelier, along with Edgerton and Pioneer, are three of eight communities in the Northwest Ohio area being considered by Solar Planet, LLC. Mr. Courtney is a public utility consultant and not connected to Solar Planet, LLC.
Once completed, the project would provide up to 1.5 megawatts of electricity for the village, or about 2% of Montpelier’s usage. Mr. Courtney stated the contract has “take and pay” language. If Solar Planet does not build or provide electricity, Montpelier would owe nothing. The cost of the electricity would be capped at a rate no higher than Montpelier would pay to other suppliers. The village would only pay for the electricity actually delivered by Solar Planet. Solar Planet would own the equipment and pay the cost of construction, maintenance and disposal at the end of the 25 year contract. The contract provides a buyout provision after the tenth year and every five years until the end of the contract at a predetermined rate.
The location being considered is 10 acres located on Porter Road just south of the water treatment plant. Mr. Courtney noted eight acres would be required for the panels. The land is owned by and would remain under the ownership of the Village of Montpelier.
The frames for the proposed project will be constructed locally by Alex Products of Ridgeville Corners.
October 7-13 was proclaimed Fire Prevention Week and Public Power Week by Mayor Steve Yagelski. The theme for Fire Prevention Week is “Have Two Ways Out!” Mayor Yagelski urged all citizens to develop and practice a home fire escape plan.
Council approved the transfer of funds for the Police Pension. This is a routine transfer of funds from the general fund.
Finance Director, Kelly Hephner reported the collection of $1.3 million in income tax as compared to $1.1 million for the same period in 2011.
The next Village Council meeting will be October 22.