Johnson Controls, together with longtime partner GRID Alternatives Colorado and Capital Dynamics will finance, operate and maintain a 2-MW community solar garden for the Housing Authority for the City of Pueblo (HACP) Colorado. The energy capacity will be allocated to a mix of qualified, low-income residents as well as multifamily affordable housing properties. In addition, the project will provide hands-on solar training and employment opportunities for the local community.
“HACP is pleased to partner with the City of Pueblo, Johnson Controls and GRID Alternatives to install this community solar garden,” said Frank Pacheco, executive director of the Housing Authority of the City of Pueblo. “HACP plans to direct annual energy cost savings from the 2-MW project to enable a community solar benefit plan, which will support job training, educational opportunities in addition to other program and financial assistance that will improve quality of life for our residents — all supported through sustainable, local energy.”
The project is anchored by the HACP in support of its long-term affordable housing initiative with the City of Pueblo to improve sustainability and community health. The project exemplifies Johnson Controls’ vision of how healthy buildings lead to healthier people, healthier places and a healthier planet. The improved building efficiencies will directly support community wellness while reducing the city’s carbon footprint to create a greener, healthier environment. Energy efficiency measures will provide quantitative metrics to ensure the community’s public health goals are achieved.
There will be no upfront costs to the city thanks to the Johnson Controls investment partner who financed the project, Capital Dynamics, a private asset management firm focused on mid-market corporate investing and clean energy infrastructure.
“This community solar project is reducing energy costs for low- to moderate-income individuals and offering new career pathways for our residents, right in our backyard,” said City of Pueblo Councilman Larry Atencio, who supported the project from an early stage. “We look forward to working with Johnson Controls, GRID Alternatives and Black Hills Energy on future projects that position the City of Pueblo as a leader in an equitable transition to renewable energy”
In addition to the solar garden, Johnson Controls and GRID Alternatives will help HACP develop five additional public housing sites with onsite solar PV systems using incentives from Black Hills Energy. Combined, all of the sites equipped with these systems will dramatically reduce costs while creating a healthier, greener community for years to come.
News item from GRID Alternatives
