Sandhills Energy and the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) are celebrating the completion of two solar projects within a 16-project community solar portfolio. The two projects in Delta and Fort Morgan, Colorado, are within MEAN’s supply region of 60 communities in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska and Wyoming.
Delta
The new 875-kW facility in Delta will offset a portion of the city’s peak electricity demand and diversify the city’s power portfolio. The array will increase grid resilience and offer cost stability for residents and local businesses.
“The facility reflects Delta’s commitment to take control of our energy future,” says Adam Suppes, Delta Municipal Light & Power Manager. “This installation strengthens Delta’s local grid and enhances our ability to manage energy costs for customers. The project was developed with Delta’s specific needs in mind, supporting our goal to provide reliable, sustainable power and long-term value to our residents.”
The 3.8-MW facility in Fort Morgan is one of the largest solar projects in the MEAN portfolio. Expected to generate enough electricity to power 850 homes annually, the project enhances the city’s energy mix while providing local and economic benefits through construction and ongoing operations.
Fort Morgan
“Fort Morgan is proud to be part of this growing network of communities investing in renewable, reliable energy,” says Brent Nation, City Manager. “Our city has a long history of innovation — from the early irrigation reservoirs to adopting electric streetlights in 1906 — and this solar project continues that legacy. It will help stabilize our energy costs, create local jobs, and strengthen Fort Morgan’s commitment to responsible growth and sustainability.”
Sandhills Energy partnered with MEAN and its member communities in 2021 to develop a 15-site portfolio of solar installations across Colorado, Iowa, and Nebraska. The solar projects, more than half of which are now online, help participating member communities generate a portion of their own energy locally. Power from the portfolio meets up to 5% of municipal energy needs, while reducing exposure to wholesale pricing volatility. The innovative collaboration supports energy independence across the following communities:
- Colorado: Delta, Fort Morgan, Wray and Yuma
- Iowa: Indianola, Sergeant Bluff and Waverly
- Nebraska: Alliance, Ansley, Crete, Gering, Imperial, Pender, Pierce, Sidney and Stuart
