Detroit City Council has approved a pair of 35-year contracts to shift the development of a neighborhood solar initiative to DTE Energy. The move reassigns three solar sites from Boston-based Lightstar Renewables to DTE, allowing the company to continue energy-efficiency upgrades.

Background

Lightstar Renewables was initially responsible for building out solar fields in the State Fair, Gratiot Findlay, and Houston Whittier/Hayes neighborhoods as part of the city’s broader plan to generate clean energy. However, the company announced it could no longer develop solar after being sold to a private equity firm.

The city had been in communication with Lightstar for months to determine the contract cost. The company had never committed to a price but said last fall they would need more money due to higher supply costs, equipment, and contractors.

Council Vote

After lengthy deliberation during a special session, the council voted 6-3 to move the project over to DTE. Council members Angela Whitfield-Calloway, Denzel Anton McCampbell, and Gabriela Santiago-Romero voted no.

The $130 million solar neighborhood initiative aims to turn about 165 acres of disinvested neighborhoods into solar arrays to offset energy used at 127 municipal buildings across Detroit. The solar project is part of the city’s broader sustainability goals and includes energy-efficiency upgrades to 209 nearby homes.

Community Impact

Feedback from community members was mixed, with one State Fair resident saying the process had been a headache, while another person said she received new appliances and home improvements and was grateful.

District 3 Council Member Scott Benson said the issue isn’t about DTE but rather improving the lives of Detroit residents. The project is expected to be phased in over time, with future costs to be evaluated and budgeted annually.

Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.