County Executive Pat Ryan Announces Community Solar for Government Electricity Accounts and Encourages Residents to Join Community Solar Efforts

Posted July 26, 2021

By subscribing to community solar, the County has directly supported the development of two local solar projects and is contributing clean, renewable electricity to the local grid while saving taxpayers $30,000 annually 

Through County Executive Ryan’s Green New Deal Plan, residents can participate in community solar and save up to 10% on their electric bill, with no upfront costs or monthly fees through signing up with Solarize Ulster 

KINGSTON, N.Y. – County Executive Ryan announces that Ulster County has commenced community solar subscriptions for multiple County-owned electricity accounts. Two local community solar projects, developed by East Light Partners, PBC, will generate utility bill credits for four County-owned properties and save taxpayers nearly $30,000 annually. 

“Our subscription agreement aided the development of these projects and supports our goal of supplying 100% of the County’s building and fleet electricity needs from locally generated energy sources by 2030,” County Executive Pat Ryan said. “Additionally, I am reminding residents that they can also participate in community solar through our Solarize Ulster program. Not only will participating in community solar allow residents to be part of making a Green New Deal a reality, but it will also lower utility bills and save them money at a time when we know the financial pressures are so great on everyone."

ELP Myer Solar is a 2 MW community solar Project on vacant industrial land in the Town of Saugerties in Ulster County. ELP Union Vale Solar is a 2 MW Community Solar Project on Union Vale Town Landfill in Dutchess County.

Ulster County selected East Light Partners through a competitive procurement process. In their proposal, East Light Partners highlighted the utilization of local businesses for the design, construction and operation of their projects.

Ulster County residents interested in subscribing to community solar can enroll in these projects (and other local solar projects) through the County’s Solarize Ulster campaign. One of the County’s selected subscription providers, Common Energy, is offering subscriptions to both the ELP Myer and ELP Union Vale sites. When you subscribe, your provider will donate $100 to the County’s Green New Deal fund and send you a $100 gift card. By subscribing to community solar, you will save up to 10% on your electric bill, with no upfront costs or monthly fees

To enroll, visit the County’s campaign page at http://solarizeulster.org

 

 

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