North Little Rock-based Scenic Hill Solar and Ozark Mountain Regional Public Water Authority are working together to build a 2.06 megawatt DC solar power plant that will provide electricity for 90% of Ozark Mountain Water’s operations.
Scenic Hill Solar will build, own and operate the plant and sell electricity to Ozark Mountain Water under a long-term contract. Construction on the $3 million project is expected to start after it receives all governmental approvals, and it is expected to be completed in early 2021.
The project will provide jobs and save ratepayers more than $3 million over the next 28 years, provide greater property tax revenues for the community, establish Ozark Mountain Water as a contributor to improve the environment and provide competition to electric utilities, according to a news release. The plant is expected to reduce pressure on Ozark Mountain Water’s tight budget and provide additional resources for it to maintain high quality, cost-effective service for its 18 rural water association customers, the release said.
