Adler accepts climate protection award

Mayor Steve Adler was in Boston June 8 to accept the 2018 Mayors’ Climate Protection Award for Austin Energy’s Community Solar Program. The Mayors’ Climate Protection awards program is sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Walmart and is now in its 12th year. The award acknowledges mayors who have made strong efforts in energy and climate protection: Mayor Gary McCarthy of Schenectady, New York, also received the award on Friday. AE has offered solar incentives since 2004. A little over a year ago, the utility began the Community Solar Program. A 185-kilowatt rooftop solar array at the Palmer Events Center was the first project for the program, and the La Loma Community Solar Farm followed in March 2018. An AE press release says that La Loma is “the largest community solar farm in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and the first in Texas to offer low-income customers a discounted rate on community solar. The program allows residential customers to meet their electric needs with 100 percent locally generated solar energy at a fixed price for 15 years.” Adler expressed his appreciation for the award and pride for the AE Community Solar Program at the awards luncheon during the 86th annual meeting of the USCM. “As cities are leading on climate change, Austin is focused on inclusive innovation around sustainability. We are realizing a more green future and the Austin Energy Community Solar initiative shows the world how everyone in your community can support and benefit from renewable energy,” said Adler. “Austin is proud and honored to be cited for our leadership on this critical issue.”