The fourth and largest of OWASA’s solar arrays is officially online and producing clean energy at Cane Creek Reservoir.
The Cane Creek Reservoir solar array project was the recipient of a $75,000 grant from the Orange County Climate Action Grant Program. This 350 kW solar array on more than one acre of land will reduce electricity purchased, along with the associated greenhouse gas emissions, to run pumps that send raw water from the reservoir to the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant.
"We are very excited that this program received an Orange County Community Climate Action Grant," said Jamezetta Bedford, Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners. "This is a program begun by the Board of Commissioners in 2020 to accelerate climate change mitigation actions focused on reducing our carbon footprint and transitioning to clean energy. This solar array is a perfect example of the purpose of the grant program."
“This solar project is just one of the many ways that OWASA is committing to reduced energy use and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Executive Director Todd Taylor. “I am particularly proud that due to the creative public-private partnership used to develop our solar projects, they will financially breakeven in year one of their operation. They are a win-win for the environment and our customers."