District 210 staff introduced a community solar subscription opportunity that a utilities broker estimates would reduce the district’s electricity costs by about 10%. The board discussed contract terms, the program’s state incentives and potential local impacts, and asked staff to return with more details.
The presentation described the program as a state-backed community solar model in which developers build solar farms and public entities subscribe for power credits rather than hosting panels on district property. The developer carries the construction risk and the district would not make an upfront monetary investment, staff said. “We get bridal then on the electricity equates to is about a 10% discount,” staff said in the presentation, and later added that the discount estimate translates to roughly $150,000 to $155,000 based on the district’s electricity usage last year.
Board members asked multiple follow-up questions about contract length (discussed as a 20-year term), downside risks if required subscription thresholds are not met, arbitration terms and the potential siting and visual impacts of large solar farms in the region. One board member asked whether the district would be on the hook for costs if participation levels were insufficient; staff said there would be no upfront monetary investment by the district and that attorneys and the utilities broker were reviewing contract details.
District staff said they had discussed the concept with neighboring New Lenox and with the district’s broker and planned to return in October with a condensed summary of the contract and answers to specific legal and operational questions. No board action was taken at the meeting; the item was presented for initial discussion and informational review.