Austin Just Became a National Leader in Solar Energy [View all]

[TexasTowelie]

By 2025, the city of Austin will produce more solar energy than most states in the U.S. do today ... if Austin Energy can afford it.

The Affordable Energy Resolution passed by the Austin City Council on August 28 directs Austin Energy to procure 600 megawatts of solar power by 2025. That means that 65 percent of the city's power will be drawn from renewable sources. The resolution also calls for Austin Energy to phase out all carbon pollution from its power plants by 2030 and close the Decker Creek Power Station, which runs on natural gas.

This a huge committment to solar energy. The entire state of Texas generates 185 megawatts of solar energy (on a utility level; privately-owned solar panels may account for more), and once the resolution is fully in effect, Austin alone will generate more solar energy than almost any state in the nation does today, excepting California, Arizona, and New Jersey.

“Council's approval of the Affordable Energy Resolution last week represents clear policy direction that our city is committed to both a carbon-free energy future and to keeping our rates affordable," said Councilmember Chris Riley, who sponsored the resolution.

- See more at: http://www.austinpost.org/article/austin-just-became-national-leader-solar-energy#sthash.kJEUfh7U.dpuf

Cross-posted in the Texas Group.