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The Upper Peninsula Solar Technical Assistance and Resource Team will be holding another community forum focusing on a potential Community Solar program in L’Anse.
The Village of L’Anse evaluated the feasibility of the community solar program for its residential and business electric utility customers.
The proposed community solar project would be built in the new industrial park, located on Lambert Road off of U.S. Highway 41.
The power generated would feed into the grid and be distributed across the community.
Customers served by the Village of L’Anse utility would have the option to purchase solar shares and receive associated energy credits on their monthly electric bills.
Rates for customers who do not choose to participate would not be affected.
The forum will be held on December 13th from 6:30pm-8:00pm at the L’Anse Area Schools Cafetorium to follow up the community meeting in August.
Attendees will have a change to learn about the project study results, as well as provide feedback about proposed project design.
Free food will be offered to attendees during the forum.
Ten lucky attendees will also receive a $5 gift certificate.
All attendees will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $300 gift certificate for an Energy Star Appliance.
They’ve set up a Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1110525732414264/
Here is more information from Michigan Tech:
Michigan Technological University students and the Upper Peninsula Solar Technical Assistance Team (UPSTART) will present the results of the community solar feasibility study to Village of L’Anse community members Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the L’Anse Area Schools Cafetorium. The project seeks to determine whether L’Anse residents are interested in community solar and how to best design a program that would be affordable and accessible.
The proposed community solar project would be built in the new industrial park, located on Lambert Road off of U.S. Highway 41. The power generated would feed into the grid and be distributed across the community. Customers served by the Village of L’Anse utility would have the option to purchase solar shares (panels within the system) and receive associated energy credits on their monthly electric bills. Rates for customers who do not choose to participate would not be affected.
UPSTART and the Michigan Tech team conducted a social and economic feasibility study between July and November 2017, which included a community meeting in August, interviews with key informants, a community-wide survey, and door-to-door communication with dozens of residents. Team members will present the results of this analysis. The team will also make recommendations for program design and solicit feedback from community members. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.
Free refreshments will be offered and door prizes available. Ten participants will receive a $5 gift certificate to Baraga County businesses and one will win a $300 gift certificate to purchase an Energy Star® appliance.
The UPSTART team consists of members from the Western Upper Peninsula Planning & Development Region (WUPPDR), WPPI Energy, the Village of L’Anse and Michigan Technological University.
For more information on the community solar meeting or the project, visit UPSTART’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
