Board of Light & Power Officials Tour Assembly Solar Project in Shiawassee County
Wednesday, September 23, 2020 – Grand Haven Board of Light & Power and City officials (David Walters, General Manager; Renee Molyneux, Administrative Services Manager; Erik Booth, Power Supply Manager; and Gerald Witherell, Board Vice-Chair; and Mayor Robert Monetza), along with Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA) officials and other MPPA members toured Ranger Power’s 239 MW Assembly Solar Project on September 2nd, located on 1,900 acres in Shiawassee County, Michigan. The Board of Light & Power has 20-year Purchase Power Commitments through the Michigan Public Power Agency for approximately 10 MWs of energy from this solar facility.
David Walters, BLP General Manager stated, “The Board of Light & Power is proud to participate in this project, which when fully operational will provide approximately 5% of our system’s annual energy requirements. One of the BLP’s Strategic Plan goals is to diversify its power supply portfolio, and this project, along with other solar, wind, and landfill gas commitments the BLP has already made will allow for almost 25% of our system’s energy needs to come from renewable resources by 2022.”
The first phase of the $250 million Assembly Solar Project, which is projected to be the largest in Michigan, is expected to be completed and online by the end of 2020. The two remaining phases are scheduled for completion by the end of 2021.
Electricity from the first two phases of the Ranger Power project will be sold to Michigan Public Power Agency to be used by its municipally-owned electric utilities, including Grand Haven Board of Light & Power, Holland and Zeeland Board of Public Works, Traverse City Light & Power, and the Lansing Board of Water and Light. Following the completion of the project, the Assembly Solar Project will generate enough power to supply energy for more than 35,000 homes in Michigan.
Ranger Power tour guides explained to the group they have 20-year lease agreements with landowners in the townships of Hazelton and Venice in Shiawassee County. At the end of these contracts, landowners and Ranger Power may either renegotiate for more time on the land or all equipment will be removed and land will be restored to its pre-project state.
The BLP provides electricity for approximately 14,500 customers in Grand Haven and the surrounding area.
