Case Study
Rhode Island Public Housing Solar Consortium
Overview
Public Housing Authorities nationwide often struggle to implement renewable energy projects, largely due to the relatively small real estate available and cumbersome HUD requirements. Rhode Island PHAs were no exception.
Copacity was able to turn this around by managing the bid process, assisting in vendor selection, and negotiating the contract – all while meeting HUD’s procurement requirements and other government approvals.
Thanks to Copacity’s efforts, Rhode Island is now home to the nation’s first set of PHAs to successfully procure 100% of their electricity from long-term renewable energy contracts at discounted rates. The PHAs of Pawtucket, RI and West Warwick, RI save a combined $359,629 annually.
RI Public Housing Solar Project Summary
Location
Hopkington, RI
System Size
4.4 mW
Annual Energy Delivered
6,850,080 kWh
Interconnection
Net-Metered (remote)
Contract Term
25 Years
Electric Needs
100%
The Challenge
Copacity has always recognized the value of utilizing renewable energy as a means to support the buildings and services offered by Public Housing Authorities (“PHA”). However, PHAs have significant challenges in implementing renewable energy projects, these challenges consist of relatively small roof/real estate available and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) requirements.
Copacity has successfully addressed these challenges, and created what would become the first set of PHAs in the country to successfully procure 100% of their electricity from long-term renewable energy contracts at discounted rates.
As an individual public housing authority, we wouldn’t have gotten the same savings as we obtained working with Copacity. Through their process, we literally doubled our energy savings, all while having contract terms and conditions prepared, reviewed and simplified. It is definitely a process I would recommend to not only other public housing authorities, but for any entity looking for renewable energy savings.
Stephen O'Rourke
Executive Director
West Warwick PHA
The Solution
Copacity oversaw all of the technical aspects, including managing the competitive bid, vendor selection, and contract negotiation. However, key to this was Copacity’s ability to secure all of the requisite governmental approvals. The most notable approval being the HUD Rate Reduction Initiative (“RRI”). While other PHAs throughout the country have been successful in procuring varying renewable energy projects and Power Purchase Agreement contracts, this was the first that obtained approval for a “remote” net metering project and its correlating remote Net Meter Credit Agreement.
In a process that took over a year, Copacity worked diligently with the PHA, HUD, and the selected developer to identify and address all the needs from all parties involved. We helped secure requisite approvals and ensure that the developer could still privately finance the project. As a result, the PHA of Pawtucket, RI and West Warwick, RI are now the first two in the country to secure renewable energy credits for 100% of their electrical use, saving the agencies a combined $359,629 annually.
Key Takeaway
The work done by Copacity was truly innovative and impactful. So much so, we have seen other PHAs and their respective consultants imitate the process for their own buildings and clients. Whether or not the PHAs utilizing this process have retained the services of Copacity, we are proud to have produced the model that will ultimately lead to more PHA savings – and in turn, direct benefits for tenants and families.
Client Savings
1st Year Savings
$359,629
Lifetime Savings
$10,440,546
Outcome
- Successful creation of the model that will ultimately lead to more PHA savings – and in turn, direct benefits for tenants and families.
