Springfield advances solar energy proposal after power facility retirements

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — The Springfield Committee of the Whole has advanced a proposal to invest in solar energy, with a decision expected next week. If approved, the city will allocate nearly $50,000 to submit the proposal, which aims to generate 125 megawatts of power through a solar array by December 2028.

Melissa Seymour, Vice President of External Affairs at Sun2o, emphasized the urgency of the project, encouraging the city to act quickly saying, “We think that our ability hinges on getting these tax credits, on moving quickly, and making sure that our project can qualify for these tax credits and bring down the total cost of the project because the folks that don’t get those tax credits, they’re going to have much more expensive projects going forward.”

The proposal has garnered support from community members, including Anne Logue, who expressed her enthusiasm for the city’s potential investment in solar energy. She says, “From what I’ve read today, their [CWLP] efforts are further supported, not only as an investment in securing a safe and livable planet, but as a sound economic investment.”

The initiative comes after CWLP retired their Dallman 31, 32, and 33 facilities between 2020 and 2021. The Springfield City Council is set to vote on the ordinance next Tuesday.

The full presentation by Sun2o can be found here.