Utah Municipal Power Agency (UMPA) has entered into an agreement with sPower, a Salt Lake City-based Independent Power Producer (IPP), to provide renewable power to six Utah cities. The announcement comes as Salt Lake City prepares to welcome Solar Power International, the largest solar show in North America with over 20,000 registered attendees.
The new solar project, to be constructed in Juab County, will be providing 80 MWAC energy for member cities within UMPA and represents a capital expenditure of approximately $80 million into the County. Clover Creek Solar will be located on approximately 560 acres on the west side of Mona Lake in Juab County.
Since 1980, UMPA has been the electrical provider to Provo, Spanish Fork, Nephi, Salem, Manti and Levan. UMPA strives to develop a reliable and economical power supply program in order to meet the electric power and energy needs of its members. Clover Creek Solar will allow UMPA to meet this goal in a clean and sustainable way.
“Since becoming mayor, we have been pushing for adding more renewable sources to Provo’s electricity mix,” said Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi. “For some time, we have watched the growth of rooftop solar in our community and now we will be adding this large solar project to the mix. Provo has been very active in reducing its carbon footprint based on the efforts of Provo’s Sustainability Committee and our energy efficiency programs. We are grateful for the employees at Provo Power in providing reliable service and keeping our lights on.”
sPower operates over 1,650 MW of wind and solar power at facilities across the United States. Although the company is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Clover Creek Solar will be the company’s first utility-scale project developed in its home state.
“We are excited to be a long-term neighbor in Juab County and look forward to creating supportive relationships with the county, school district and other local businesses. Developing solar power in Utah is important to sPower, because we live, work and play here — it is our home,” said sPower CEO Ryan Creamer. “Working cooperatively towards a common goal with UMPA, Rocky Mountain Power and numerous other teams has been critical in bringing this agreement together. I am proud of this milestone and the hard work that has been demonstrated to date.”
“Utah is among the most energy rich states in the Nation with some of the best solar and other renewable resources that compliment conventional energy resources to deliver new, clean energy solutions,” said Dr. Laura Nelson, Governor Herbert’s energy advisor and executive director of his Office of Energy Development. “As Utah continues to grow, we recognize the value of a diverse, clean energy portfolio to deliver on our economic, energy and environmental goals. Solar provides an excellent option for meeting growth and delivering new production for clean, robust energy system.”
sPower will be the owner and operator of the Clover Creek project.
News item from sPower
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