Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, a nonregulated commercial brand of Duke Energy, recently announced the start of construction of the 120-megawatt (MW) Jackpot Solar project in Twin Falls County, Ida.
This is the organization's first utility-scale renewable energy project in the state and, once complete, it will be the largest solar facility in operation in Idaho.
Jackpot Solar, which is expected to achieve commercial operation by the end of 2022, will provide energy to Idaho Power through a 20-year power purchase agreement.
Idaho Power is working toward its Clean Today, Cleaner Tomorrow goal of providing 100 percent clean energy by 2045. When the company buys certified renewable energy as it's doing here, it sells the associated renewable energy credits (RECs) to offset power supply costs and to keep customer prices low.
"We're excited to enter into the Idaho market and be a part of the state's transition toward a cleaner energy future," said Chris Fallon, president of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions. "Jackpot Solar will help diversify the state's energy infrastructure, bring additional economic benefits to the state and Twin Falls County, while also supporting Idaho Power's clean energy goals."
"Providing 100 percent clean energy is an important goal for Idaho Power, and more and more customers are telling us it is important to them, too," Idaho Power President and CEO Lisa Grow said. "We have a great head start, thanks to our clean hydropower plants that remain our largest source of energy."
SOLV Energy is doing the engineering and construction for the project, which will be located on 952 rural acres south of the city of Twin Falls. Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions will own and operate the project.
The project is expected to employ approximately 200 workers at peak construction. Along with indirect economic benefits that accompany solar project development, such as increased local spending in the service and construction industries, the Jackpot Solar facility will also have a positive economic impact on the local community by providing significant tax revenues for the Filer Consolidated School District.
Additionally, the Duke Energy Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to the Shoshone Basin Rangeland Fire Protection Association to support the organization's efforts to enhance the safety of the citizens in rural areas of Twin Falls County, Idaho.
"Safety is a top priority for us," said Fallon. "We're proud to be a part of this community and help fund the equipment and services that will enable the Shoshone Basin emergency responders to continue to maintain the safety of area residents and businesses."
As one of the nation's top renewable energy providers, last year Duke Energy reached more than 10,000 MW of solar and wind energy, and the company has set a goal of reaching 16,000 MW of renewables by 2025 and 47,000 MW by 2050.
About Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions
Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions is a leader in sustainable energy, helping large enterprises reduce power costs, lower emissions and increase resiliency. The team provides wind, solar, resilient backup power and managed energy services to over 1,000 projects across the U.S., with a total electric capacity of more than 5,100 megawatts of nonregulated renewable energy.
Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions is a nonregulated commercial brand of Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company and one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S., headquartered in Charlotte, N.C.
The brand includes the following subsidiaries of Duke Energy Corporation that are registered to transact business in various states and may be branded as Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions for marketing purposes: Duke Energy One, Inc.; Duke Energy Commercial Enterprises, Inc.; Duke Energy Renewables, Inc.; Duke Energy Renewables Commercial, LLC; Duke Energy Renewable Services, LLC.; Duke Energy Renewables Storage, LLC; Duke Energy Renewables Wind, LLC.; Duke Energy Renewables Solar, LLC.; and REC Solar Commercial Corporation.
Idaho Power
Idaho Power, headquartered in vibrant and fast-growing Boise, Ida., has been a locally operated energy company since 1916. Today, it serves a 24,000-sq.-mi. area in Idaho and Oregon. The company's goal to provide 100 percent clean energy by 2045 builds on its long history as a clean-energy leader that provides reliable service at affordable prices. With 17 low-cost hydroelectric projects at the core of its diverse energy mix, Idaho Power's residential, business and agricultural customers pay among the nation's lowest prices for electricity. Its 2,000 employees serve more than 600,000 customers with a culture of safety first, integrity always and respect for all.
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