JACKSON, Wyo. — Energy Conservation Works (ECW), in partnership with Lower Valley Energy (LVE) is calling on all utility members to give their input on community solar projects. The brief survey takes no more than two minutes and is an opportunity to shape the future of renewable energy generation in our community.

LVE members should expect a survey in the mail over the next month. An electronic version is available here. Completing the survey will enter you into a drawing to win $500.

“As a member-owned cooperative, we are owned and governed by those we serve. This questionnaire is our way of opening up a line of communication with our membership about their feelings about such a project,” Lower Valley Energy President and CEO, Jim Webb said.  

Community solar projects allow customers to purchase power on panels from a shared array constructed in their community without having to install them on their own rooftops. With this model, these projects are inherently more equitable because the power is available to both renters and homeowners with a lower upfront cost, compared to rooftop solar.

“We are excited to work with LVE to bring additional renewable energy choices to our community. This is an unprecedented time to leverage local interest and investment with new federal incentives. Many of the federal and state funds require a local match, which could be funded by ECW’s SPET #11 ballot proposition. This survey is a chance for us to hear from citizens and understand the type of projects they want to see,” Energy Conservation Works Executive Director, Phil Cameron said.

Over the last 15 years, community solar projects across the country have been shown to be effective tools for lowering emissions and promoting affordable access to distributed renewable energy sources. They have been particularly successful in areas services by rural electric coops, like LVE with over 130 projects currently online— and more on the way. 

While there are important variables to work out, the cost is likely similar to participating in our Green Power Program but may be structured differently. Non-participating members do not subsidize the cost.

Community solar is an allowable use for the #11 SPET item which will appear on your ballot this election season. If you would like to learn more about community solar in Teton County or SPET #11, please contact ECW at info@energyconservationworks.org. 

Learn more about community solar by following these links: