Lightsource BP signs contracts for 25 MW of solar power in Western US

Lightsource BP, one of the world’s largest owner-operators of solar energy assets, announced today two new US collaborations, with California’s Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), one of the nation’s largest municipal utilities, and with Continental Divide Electric Cooperative (CDEC), a member-owned distribution cooperative in New Mexico. The power purchase agreements (PPAs), comprising 25 megawatts (MWs), will bring locally-generated solar photovoltaic (PV) power to the utilities’ customers over 20+ year terms.

“We’re excited to deliver affordable local solar to our utility partners and their customers.” said Katherine Ryzhaya, Lightsource BP’s US Chief Commercial Officer. “Our solar solutions will drive local economic development and job growth, increase utility customer satisfaction, and provide a cleaner, healthier environment for their communities.”

David Windle, BP head of solar energy, said, “The United States is an important market for renewables and for Lightsource BP, and this announcement demonstrates the real momentum we are building across the country. These new collaborations build upon BP’s track record in operating wind farms across the US and is another example of how we are advancing the global energy transition.”

Wildflower Solar I, roughly 16 MW_DC, will be located within SMUD’s territory and will support SMUD’s popular community solar program, SolarShares. Additionally, SMUD and Lightsource BP are currently exploring the addition of energy storage to the PV system.

In New Mexico, Lightsource BP will develop and construct the project within CDEC’s territory. The co-op will serve this clean energy to its members through its own distribution system.

These projects, along with Lightsource BP’s Mid-Kansas Electric Company solar development, serve as models for public power and cooperative utilities to gain more control of their power resources and serve their members with local, affordable, and clean energy.