New Philadelphia, OH (January 11, 2023) — The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is adding 13 solar energy projects in 2023.
The solar power generated from these projects will save MWCD money on electricity bills. It will help offset approximately 73% of the energy on locations with solar. This change is predicted to lower our carbon footprint by an estimated 656 tons of CO2 emissions. This is a win-win for MWCD and the environment!
The MWCD Board of Directors approved an agreement with IMC Solar at their December board meeting to provide solar energy at several locations. Atwood, Clendening, Piedmont, Seneca, and Tappan Lakes, in addition to the office located in New Philadelphia will benefit from solar energy.
“MWCD’s mission is to be a good steward of our natural resources,” said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director. “By harnessing solar energy to help power our facilities, we can reduce our carbon footprint, and lessen our environmental impact. Ohio has excellent opportunities for solar power, and we expect to grow this program to expand in the future. We are fortunate to partner with IMC Solar and welcome them as part of our team to help us manage our long-term energy management needs.”
“The IMC Solar team is thrilled to partner with MWCD to develop renewable energy to help the District achieve its sustainability goal. The solar program will also provide better economics for the District’s energy expenditures,” said Rick Frio, Managing Partner IMC Solar.
The analysis began in 2022 with IMC Solar assessing the solar potential for MWCD. This included evaluating electricity usage, determining potential solar locations, and potential cost savings. IMC Solar will assist during the construction phase as well as the negotiations of a Purchase Power Agreement, including providing financial modeling of the potential projects.
About Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
The MWCD, a political subdivision of the state, was organized in 1933 to develop and implement a plan to reduce flooding and conserve water for beneficial public uses in the Muskingum River Watershed, the largest wholly contained watershed in Ohio. Since their construction, the 16 reservoirs and dams in the MWCD region have been credited for saving over $8 billion worth of potential property damage from flooding, according to the federal government, as well as providing popular recreational opportunities that bolster the region’s economy. A significant portion of the reservoirs are managed by the MWCD and the dams are managed for flood-risk management by the federal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org and follow the MWCD on Facebook and Twitter.
Audrey Mattevi, Reporting
