The ABCs of Solar PPAs for Public Sector Entities
Dylan F. Borchers.
Bricker & Eckler.
In the past ten years, the cost of a solar panel installation has fallen by over 60 percent. As a result, onsite solar power has become an increasingly attractive way for consumers to manage electric costs and achieve sustainability goals.
Many of Bricker & Eckler’s public sector clients have been approached by solar developers over the years about signing a power purchase agreement (PPA). Developers promise to provide electricity at a fixed or reduced cost with no up-front payment, financing, construction or maintenance burdens. Is it too good to be true, they ask? Maybe not.
PPAs are a strong and viable tool when structured effectively. A PPA can enable municipalities, schools, townships and other political subdivisions to benefit from renewable energy while minimizing up-front expenditures and outsourcing operation and maintenance costs. Additionally, a PPA provides a predictable electricity cost over the term of the contract, often a period of 15-25 years. But political subdivisions need to carefully weigh all of the options and risks before moving forward.
For more information on The ABCs of solar PPAs, click HERE
Senate President Obhof Appoints Kimberly Marshall to the Ohio Public Works Commission
Senate President Larry Obhof of Medina has appointed City of Medina Economic Development Director Kimberly Marshall to the Ohio Public Works Commission.
The Public Works Commission provides financing for local public infrastructure improvements through both the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) and the Local Transportation Improvement Program (LTIP). SCIP is a grant/loan program for roads, bridges, water supply, wastewater treatment, storm water collection and solid waste disposal. LTIP is a grant program for roads and bridges only.
read moreCEP Uses Monitors to Help Spread Good Economic, Workforce News
The Champaign Economic Partnership in Champaign County has found a new way to share good news about economic and workforce development – and local job postings: eleven xx-inch TV monitors strategically placed around the county.
read moreOhio Economic Development Institute Graduates First Group of Certified Economic Developers
The Ohio Economic Development Institute, a continuing education program for experienced economic developers, has graduated its first seven participants. Another 16 will complete the program in six months.
The program offers hands-on, practical training in economic development to career professionals with at least three years of experience in the field. The institute is facilitated through a partnership between the Ohio Economic Development Association, the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, and JobsOhio. Launched in 2016, it is the first state-level economic development certification program in Ohio.
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