Community choice aggregator San Diego Community Power (SDCP) will use the power and renewable energy certificates (RECs) from two solar-and-storage projects to expand the clean generation in its power mix.
The first 20-year power purchase agreement will supply SDCP with 35MW of solar and 35MW of battery storage from the 150MW Yellow Pine III Solar project being developed by NextEra Energy in Clark County, Nevada.
The storage and solar projects are scheduled on line by 1 June 2025 and 1 October 2025, respectively, at which point they will provide over 100,000MWh/yr to SDCP, which is pursuing 100pc renewable energy by 2035.
SDCP, which serves San Diego County, is a community choice aggregator, a type of electricity supplier model through which local governments replace utilities while using the utilities' transmission and distribution systems to deliver energy to customers.
SDCP's board additionally approved a 20-year contract with Ormat Technology's Brawley Solar and Storage Project, which will feature 42MW solar and 35MW of battery storage in Imperial County, California. The project is scheduled for operations to begin on 15 April 2025, ultimately delivering 120,000MWh/yr to the utility.
The deals include the associated California category 1 RECs, which SDCP will use for compliance with the state's renewable portfolio standards (RPS). California RPS requires SDCP to use renewable sources like solar and wind for 60pc of its retail sales by 2030, with no less than 75pc coming from category 1 generation.
California awards category 1 RECs for electricity fed directly into the state's grid. Community choice initiatives typically feature more renewables in their portfolios, making it an attractive option for ratepayers who prefer clean energy.
