Solar, Wind  -  September 26, 2024

Kalamazoo Signs Wind, Solar PPA

Kalamazoo’s city-owned buildings will operate on power that is generated from wind and solar power in the future.

A  20-year renewable energy contract with Consumers Energy to provide 100% renewable energy and retire renewable energy credits was approved by the Kalamazoo City Commission, according to a statement. 

City buildings will deploy clean energy in 2028.

The renewable energy will cost Kalamazoo $29,240,501 and offset an estimated 360,514 metric tons of carbon emissions, according to Public Services Director James Baker during a Sept. 3 presentation.

The city is anticipated to save about $6 million over 20 years in electricity costs alone since the price of power is projected to rise during the next two decades, according to a report from the city.

Kalamazoo’s  2022 Community Sustainability Plan revealed that the amount of emissions produced from basic city government activities such as operating the water treatment facilities and traffic lights generate 50,053 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. 

Kalamazoo Sustainability Planner Justin Gish said the city needs over 200 acres of solar panels to generate enough capacity for the city's operations. 

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