The meeting covered a Contract Summary Disclosure Form for the Council’s Community Solar Program. The form is a step toward transparency, ensuring that participants are given information related to the cost of participating in the program.
In a unanimous vote, the Climate & Sustainability Committee approved a resolution calling for a Contract Summary Disclosure Form (UD-18-03) for participants in New Orleans’ new Community Solar Program.
According to the City of New Orleans City Council’s website, this form will be provided to subscribers of “the City of New Orleans’ Community Solar Program to promote transparency and ensure prospective subscribers understand the terms and conditions of their subscription contracts.” Subscribers will receive the form prior to the contract for a Subscription to a community solar project being executed.
Among other things, the Contract Disclosure Form requires that any and all fees associated with the subscription be clearly described, and requires clear language regarding ownership of RECs, or renewable energy certificates.
Renewable Energy Certificates are basically receipts created as proof that energy was generated through renewable means, like solar or wind energy, and they hold value beyond the associated electricity. RECs can be bundled and sold on the market to help other entities achieve their climate goals.
The Alliance will continue to fight for transparency and responsible rate-setting with hopes to see clear action on these issues from the Council in the future.
