TurningPoint Energy has requested a special use permit for the purpose of erecting a Community Solar project.
The ground-mounted “shared renewable energy plant” would be constructed on approximately 60 acres at 1357 E. Richton Road.
In a PowerPoint presentation during their September 8 meeting, village officials heard TPE representatives explain that a Community Solar project works.
Community Solar is a power plant structure designed to benefit multiple customers, they said. Its generated electricity is shared by more than one household and covers all or a portion of their load.
More specifically, in a Community Solar farm, electricity that is produced becomes net metering credits.
Individuals, municipalities, and businesses sign up to receive a share of the net metering credits. Those credits then are applied to each customer’s monthly electric bill.
According to the presentation, Community Solar enables homeowners, renters, and others unable to install a private system of their own to participate in renewable energy.
There is “zero upfront cost and no long term commitment to the subscriber,” they noted.
The project would benefit Crete, TPE representatives said, with an “electricity savings opportunity and improved environs for local residents.”
It also would offer:
- Local jobs
- New village tax revenue 13 times greater than the existing level
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions equal to 7,909 tons of carbon
- A pollinator habitat
- Improved soil health and reduced erosion
- “Dual use: Future commercial and local energy production.”
At the same time, the project would mean a “quiet neighbor,” no water or sewage treatment requirements, limited site lighting, no emissions, and no permanent parking issues.
In addition, its decommissioning plan includes project components, roads, fencing, landscaping, and site restoration.
TPE officials also noted the Scottsdale, Arizona, company already has been granted special use permits for projects near Crete, Monee, Peotone, and Joliet.
“TurningPoint Energy invests in the communities where our projects are located,” they added.
“To date, TPE and its partners have provided $1.3 million in community investment/goodwill funding in the communities where our projects are located.”
After hearing the presentation, village trustees continued the special use request to the September 22 meeting.
This ia a well-designed project by one of the leading companies in the industry. Hope i gets the green light!
Never heard of this company, nor do I believe they have the community’s best interests at heart. This project will be sold the second they find a buyer. Don’t be fooled by a shiny presentation.