FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2023
Press Contact:
Jackie Nuñez, Bilingual Communications Manager
(925) 695-2124 | communications@mceCleanEnergy.org
SAN RAFAEL and CONCORD, Calif. — MCE continues to expand its local renewable energy portfolio with two new solar projects in Contra Costa and Napa counties. Together, the systems will generate enough energy per year to save 149 metric tons of greenhouse emissions, equivalent to planting and growing over 2,464 trees.
The 1 MW Byron Hot Springs Solar project in unincorporated Contra Costa County has a 20-year term with Renewable Properties, a commercial solar energy developer. Located on top of a storage facility, Napa Self Storage 2 will supply 0.65 MW of solar power over its 20-year term with Shorebreak Energy Developers.
“Projects like these are helping us secure a carbon-free future,” said Shanelle Scales-Preston, Mayor of the City of Pittsburg and Chair of MCE’s Board of Directors. “To meet California’s 2045 goal of 100% renewable, carbon-free energy, while electrifying our economy, our state will need to roughly triple our supply. All renewable projects – including roof-top, community solar, and utility-scale projects – are necessary. We need all of the above to meet our growing needs.”
To help incentivize local renewable projects, MCE purchases electricity at an above-market rate through its Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program. The FIT program is crucial to expanding local renewable energy projects that provide quality jobs with family-sustaining wages.
“Since our company’s inception, Renewable Properties has collaborated with MCE on providing renewable energy to MCE’s residents, and we take great pride in completing the 1 MW Byron Hot Springs solar project, as part of our 19 MW MCE portfolio,” said Aaron Halimi, Founder and President of Renewable Properties. “We look forward to continuing our strong partnership.”
“We are thrilled to support the growth of MCE’s energy portfolio, allowing both parties to supply renewable energy while positively impacting California’s residents, businesses, and environment,” said David Firestone, Owner of Shorebreak Energy Developers.
The two new projects:
- Started commercial operation in June 2023,
- Were constructed with prevailing wage labor with 50% of labor hours coming from within MCE’s service area, and
- Increase MCE’s total FIT projects to 18.
In total, MCE has nearly 48 megawatts of local, renewable energy across 23 projects serving just under 20,000 homes in its service area.
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About MCE: MCE is a not-for-profit public agency and the preferred electricity provider for more than 580,000 customer accounts and 1.5 million residents and businesses across Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano counties. Setting the standard for clean energy in California since 2010, MCE leads with 100% renewable power at stable rates, delivering a 1200 MW peak load and significantly reducing greenhouse emissions and reinvesting millions in local programs. For more information about MCE, visit mceCleanEnergy.org, or follow us on your preferred social platform @mceCleanEnergy.
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