Western Massachusetts Electric Company Chooses Springfield to Build Solar Plant

Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo), a Northeast Utilities company that meets the electricity requirements of around 200,000 clients located in over 59 communities all over western Massachusetts, declared its intentions to construct a solar power facility.

The company proposes to build the solar facility on Cottage Street in Springfield with an investment of around $22 million. The 4.2 MW power generating plant will incorporate around 17,000 solar panels. The power generated from the facility is sufficient to provide electricity to 65,000 clients of the company. On completion of the installation, the solar farm will join its Silver Lake Solar Facility in the power production of the region. WMECo is the first company to receive the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) approval for building a plant with 6 MW solar power generation capability and is waiting for the permission from the local authorities. The company anticipates commencing the construction of the facility in the second quarter of 2011.

The state has set a goal to achieve 250 MW installed solar power generation by 2017. The Green Communities Act (GCA) proposed by the state requires each utility company to own a 50 MW solar power production capability. The proposal is awaiting the approval of the Department of Public Utilities.