City officials in Houston, Texas approved a solar project that will supply the city with as much as 30 megawatts of power annually.
Nashville based Hecate Energy is contracted to complete the installation near Alpine Texas. Once completed – by the end of 2016 – it will provide Houston with 7 percent of its total electricity needs. This is electricity that would have been purchased from a coal-fired plant.
Hecate won the bid by beating out 8 other contractors on price. Their low cost solar contract will allow Houston to buy solar power from them at 4.8 cents per kilowatt hour. On average, over the past 5 years, the city has paid about 6.7 cents per kilowatt hour for conventional electricity. If rates for fossil fuel based energy increase, which is quite likely, Houston could save more than $19 million with this solar power deal.
The Mayor of Houston, Annise Parker, knows this is a win-win for her city by stating “….doing the right thing environmentally is also the right thing to do financially. This was a great deal for the city of Houston.”
As good as this solar deal looks, some city officials did express some concerns. For one, the project has not started yet and it also must be completed by the end of 2016 to take advantage of the federal tax credit. This is definitely a major part of the deal and tied directly into the low contract price offered.
City Councilman, Steve Costello, also believes that the deal will greatly benefit Houston – “There’s always a risk when you’re looking at a 20-year program, but I think at the end of the day it will be a savings to the city. We should be looking at things like this. It’s clean energy.”
Houston and other cities across the country will continue to invest in solar power projects like this one. Not only are they now attractive financially, but city leaders will continue to be motivated to do the right thing environmentally.
In conclusion, the approval of the low-cost solar project in Houston is a significant step towards promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. This project not only offers affordable solar energy options to residents but also contributes to the city’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. By embracing renewable energy sources like solar power, Houston is showcasing its dedication to a cleaner and greener future.
In conclusion, the approval of the low-cost solar project in Houston marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and renewable energy future. This project not only provides affordable solar energy options for residents but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental consciousness. By embracing solar power, Houston is setting an example for other cities to follow in the transition towards cleaner and greener energy sources. This decision showcases the city’s commitment to a more sustainable future and highlights the potential for solar energy to play a crucial role in addressing climate change and ensuring long-term energy security.
In conclusion, the approval of the low-cost solar project in Houston is a significant step towards promoting renewable energy and sustainable practices in the city. This project not only aims to reduce carbon emissions but also provides an affordable option for residents to adopt solar energy. By embracing this initiative, Houston is setting an example for other cities to follow in the transition towards a greener future.
In conclusion, the approval of the low-cost solar project in Houston is a significant step towards promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions in the city. This project offers an affordable solution for residents to transition to clean energy sources and contribute to a more sustainable future. By embracing solar power, Houston is not only taking a proactive approach towards combating climate change but also creating opportunities for job growth and economic development in the renewable energy sector. Overall, this approval marks a positive milestone in Houston’s commitment to environmental sustainability and sets an example for other cities to follow.
In conclusion, the approval of the low-cost solar project in Houston is a significant step towards promoting renewable energy and sustainability in the city. This project not only offers affordable solar solutions for residents but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. By embracing this initiative, Houston is setting an example for other cities to follow, highlighting the importance of investing in clean energy alternatives. This decision will not only benefit the environment but also create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth. Overall, the approval of the low-cost solar project in Houston is a positive development that paves the way for a greener and more sustainable future.