Summerland gets $6M for solar energy project
Summerland will receive $6 million from the federal gas tax fund for an integrated solar project, Mayor Peter Waterman announced Friday.
The funds will support the development of a one-megawatt solar array with two megawatts of battery storage.
“This combined solar-storage project is nothing short of a game changer,” Waterman said.
By generating solar energy locally, the district will strengthen its existing utility resource and increase energy security and independence.
Summerland is one of only five municipalities in the province that owns its electrical utility.
Currently, the district buys power wholesale from Fortis BC and resells it to its customers, which sends dollars and jobs outside the community and leaves customers susceptible to price increases by Fortis.
The project announced Friday promises to enhance the local economy, create jobs and attract new residents, Waterman said.
Receipt of the $6 million is contingent on completion of a $100,000 feasibility study funded by the provincial rural dividend program.
This study includes site and solar resource assessments.
Recommendations for the site of the solar array will come before council in June, said sustainability/alternative energy co-ordinator Tami Rothery.
Installation of solar technologies on private residences and business is included in the feasibility study, chief administrative officer Linda Tynan said.
Each year, the federal government provides more than $278 million in funding for local government infrastructure across B.C. through the gas fax fund.
The Union of B.C. Municipalities administers the fund in partnership with the federal and provincial governments.