Austin Energy recognized for solar efforts

Austin Energy made it on the Smart Electric Power Alliance’s 11th annual top 10 list of utilities that connected the most solar to the grid. The utility installed 285.9 MW of solar power last year, earning it a sixth-place ranking on the list. “The Austin City Council has consistently directed Austin Energy to be a leader among cities in the pursuit of solar energy,” said Jackie Sargent, Austin Energy general manager, in the utility’s press release. “We appreciate SEPA’s recognition, which places Austin Energy among the nation’s top utilities for solar deployment.” The release states that over 7,500 Austinites utilize solar power in their homes or businesses, and this number is growing. In 2017, rooftop solar grew by 22 percent, and Austin Energy “saw a 2.5 fold increase in utility scale solar, with a total of 464 MW operational. Another 320 MW are under contract and expected to be energized by 2020, bringing Austin Energy to over 50 percent renewable once online.”