| Keller Associates recently assisted the City of Lava Hot Springs apply for a grant through the Rocky Mountain Power Blue Sky Program; a program designed to fund new community-based renewable energy projects in Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho. The energy created from these projects is available to purchase by Rocky Mountain Power customers. The City was awarded a $33,000 grant through the Blue Sky program and the City contributed a $5,000 match. The project was initiated to reduce electric bills, promote a community awareness of the environment, and provide an educational resource to the area. Several sites were considered throughout the City including the wastewater treatment plant, City Hall, and the community fire station. The fire station, which supports the 16 volunteer fire fighters and 13 emergency medical technicians, was ultimately selected based on the availability of space, solar exposure properties, and the billing factor. The billing factor at the fire station allowed for a direct 1 to 1 sale of power back to the grid, as opposed to a 0.6 to 1 billing factor at the wastewater treatment plant. Keller Associates was selected to design the 2.5 kW photovoltaic system, which was sized based on the funding available. It is estimated that the system will create approximately 2,920 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. It is anticipated that the system will reduce the electric bill at the City Fire Station by approximately $250 per year. At that rate, the City will see a return on its investment within 20 years. Keller Associates assisted the City with the bidding process and contractor selection. Construction of the project began on October 19, 2009 and was complete on November 9, 2009. After final inspection and operator training, Keller Associates assisted with the completion of the net-metering agreement between Rocky Mountain Power and the City of Lava Hot Springs. The system was connected to the grid in January 2010 and the City held an official ribbon cutting on February 18, 2010. The Lava Hot Springs Solar Energy Project is the first Blue Sky Power Project in Idaho and serves as a benefit to the environment and a source of income for the City. The City is very excited about the project and looking forward to future projects. |