The Town of Wells and the Wells Ogunquit Community School District have signed a Net Energy Billing Agreement with Boston-based solar provider Nexamp. Under the agreement, the town and school district will receive energy credits that directly offset their bill from Central Maine Power (CMP), and because every credit is provided at a fixed discount, the town and school are guaranteed to save money every year.
“Supporting local sources of renewable energy and becoming a more sustainable community are high priorities for us,” noted Beth Widmayer, Chair of the Town of Wells Energy Advisory Committee. “We explored a lot of different options, deciding that this program was the most effective way to simultaneously make an impact on the environment and reduce our expenses. We are looking forward to a long-term relationship with Nexamp that will position us for success in the years to come.”
Energy credits will come from the Nexamp solar farm located in Rumford, which generates clean electricity that is fed onto the CMP electric grid. This contract is estimated to provide the town and school district with approximately $2.5M in reduced electricity costs over the course of the agreement. Additionally, the clean energy generated by the town and school district’s portion of the project will produce enough electricity equivalent to offset 43,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide or 100,000,000 miles driven.
Joe Fiori, Nexamp’s Director of Energy Sales, sees this agreement as an important step in helping the town and school district meet their energy goals. “The Net Energy Billing program in Maine has empowered local municipalities across the state by allowing them to realize meaningful electricity cost savings while supporting the march toward a cleaner, more sustainable electricity grid and realization of Maine’s clean energy and climate goals.”
Discussions around this agreement began in late 2020 when the town and school district distributed a Request for Proposal to qualified solar developers constructing solar facilities that qualify under the State of Maine’s Net Energy Billing program. Nexamp was selected as one of three finalists, interviewed by the town and school district, and eventually selected based on its proven track record as an experienced owner and operator of distributed solar farms, and for providing a competitive price offer.
Entities or businesses interested in learning more about commercial offtake should visit https://www.nexamp.com/power-purchase-agreements/.