NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, New Orleans City Councilmember and Chair of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Aimee McCarron approved community solar requirements designed to expand access to clean energy and help lower electricity costs. These requirements, considered under a resolution approving direct transfer trip provisions, go to the full City Council for consideration.

“This is one of the most impactful policy mechanisms to mitigate rising energy costs,” said Climate Change and Sustainability Chair Councilmember Aimee McCarron. “Community solar is the best way to provide access to cheaper, cleaner, locally produced power to many New Orleanians. In an era of rising costs creating an affordability crisis, this is one of the best ways to lower electric bills just by signing up.”

“Community solar has the potential to benefit thousands of residents by helping lower their energy bills and providing meaningful relief to households burdened by rising utility costs," said District D Councilmember Eugene Green. “Expanding access to affordable energy is an important role the Council plays in supporting our residents. Community solar represents a valuable and practical resource, and I look forward to helping ensure it becomes an accessible option for communities across our city.”

“We are dealing with an affordability crisis, and we have to look at ways to reduce the burden on residents," said Council President JP Morrell. “Community solar mitigates energy costs for everyone, and this Council is committed to advancing game-changing dockets like this for our city and its residents.”

“Expanding community solar gives us a real opportunity to help lower energy costs for families across New Orleans while expanding access to cleaner power,” said Council Vice-President Matthew Willard. “When we invest in solutions that lower costs and strengthen our energy system, we're taking meaningful steps toward building a stronger and more resilient New Orleans.”

“At a time when families across New Orleans are facing rising costs, expanding access to community solar is an important way to help lower electricity bills,” said District B Councilmember Lesli Harris. “Programs like this make clean energy more accessible to residents who may not be able to install solar themselves. I'm proud to support policies that create real savings for our communities while building a more sustainable energy future.”

What does Community Solar mean for ratepayers?

The planned community solar pipeline includes 60 megawatts of solar capacity, which equates to solar energy support for roughly 6,000-7,800 homes. If all projects are completed, the energy produced would translate to roughly half of the energy output of the New Orleans East Power Plant.

Community solar credits offset electricity usage. Subscribers pay through a bill credit. Community solar benefits individual households by reducing energy costs and benefits our city at large by lowering demand on the grid, reducing rolling blackouts, and decreasing reliance on fossil fuel sources. To see the full presentation from today’s committee, click here. The full resolution, which will be considered by the full City Council tomorrow, is linked here.