RICHLAND, Wash. – The City of Richland looks to take a step toward meeting its renewable energy goals by authorizing a letter of intent with Energy Northwest for solar power.
According to a city council resolution up for adoption during the council’s July 15 regular meeting, Richland Energy Services (RES) would secure 5-15 megawatts (MW) of energy from the Ruby Flats Solar Project in Benton County.
The move aligns with Washington State’s renewable portfolio standards, which mandate that electric utilities serving more than 25,000 customers source a percentage of their energy from renewable resources, the resolution stated.
A draft Power Purchase Agreement for energy generated from Ruby Flats Solar is expected in the third quarter of 2025, with final agreements anticipated by September 30, 2025. The project aims to begin operations by December 31, 2028.
The letter of intent includes a Reservation Premium payment of up to $75,000, which represents $5,000 per MW of the reserved capacity. This payment is due within 45 days of the agreement’s effective date.
