TurningPoint Energy (TPE) will develop and construct a 13.25-MW solar system in Jonesboro, Arkansas for City Water and Light’s (CWL) customer base that will serve the utility’s customer base.
Construction is scheduled for Summer 2021, and the system should be operational by December of 2021. The solar power system will support 125 jobs in Arkansas in the form of consultants, engineers, construction and related occupations.
CWL will own the system, which will generate an estimated total of 24,292 MWh during the first year of operation. That is enough power to supply roughly 1,600 homes with electricity annually.
“With the impending cease to use coal dates of 2028 and 2030 for our coal plants at White Bluff and Independence respectively, this resource will be a great addition to our generation portfolio. It will provide clean, sustainable energy and price certainty for our customers for many years. We are excited to partner with TPE to bring solar powered energy to our community,” said Jake Rice, manager, CWL.
CWL has coordinated closely with TPE to conduct preliminary site feasibility studies to ensure an optimum location. After a rigorous site selection process, the system is planned to be located on approximately 98 acres near Nestle Way and Great Dane Drive.
“We are honored to partner with CWL to provide a turnkey solar solution from development to construction to operation for a clean, seamless generation resource within the CWL portfolio and its community,” said Jared Schoch, president of TurningPoint Energy. “Now it’s time to deliver on the commitments we have made by bringing the best solar industry providers to Jonesboro to actualize this project.”
