COMMUNITY ENERGY PROJECTS

Mohave Electric Cooperative’s community–based solar projects are underway with funding made possible through the co-op’s Renewable Energy Standard Tariff (REST) Plan and additional funds from an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant.

REST funds covered the initial outlay of dollars for the 50 kilowatt photovoltaic facility at Bullhead City Hall. The City will use its energy savings to reimburse a portion of the costs of the project over time with payments. Mohave applied for an ARRA grant on behalf of the City, that if properly administered, will reduce the City’s annual payments significantly. The system began saving energy dollars in December, 2010.

Mohave’s REST Plan also provided funding for ten area schools to receive $50,000 to use for solar panels with no upfront costs and no repayment obligation. The co-op’s ARRA grant adds an additional $10,000 to each project for a total of $60,000 per school. Eight schools are already saving energy dollars thanks to the new renewable energy systems. Project installations at two more schools are expected to be completed by June.

“These long-term, sustainable projects demonstrate Mohave’s commitment to establish partnerships within our community that benefit our members, as taxpayers, by reducing the cost of government and education,” said Tyler Carlson, Mohave’s CEO.

MEC’s renewable energy plan also provided significant subsidies for development of renewable energy projects such as those at the Habitat for Humanity home, and Boys and Girls Club. The subsidies are intended to spur activity in the renewable energy industry with the goal of helping the industry grow, to eventually stand on its own and provide cost effective solutions.