In response to customer interest in solar power, FortisBC is in the final stages of an application with the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) to build what would be B.C.’s largest utility-led community solar project to date.
The Ellison Community Solar Pilot Project would provide FortisBC customers an opportunity to meet a portion of their energy needs with solar and support the development of an alternative energy option.
“There are customers who may not be able to install their own solar system because they rent, plan to move or their roof just doesn't allow for solar,” said Nicole Bogdanovic.
“So this gives them an opportunity to subscribe to the energy capacity of solar panels and receive that energy as a credit on their bill.”
The proposed project is a 240-kilowatt solar array composed of 720 panels and would be located by the Kelowna International Airport on property owned by FortisBC adjacent to an existing substation.
Under the proposed rate program, anyone who holds a FortisBC electric account and a communicating advanced meter would be able to rent solar panels on a monthly basis and receive electricity credits for the energy produced.
If approved by BCUC, the Ellison Community Solar Pilot Project could be completed by late 2018.
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