Board approves $25,000 consulting agreement to study fire response needs for commercial solar

The Kings County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 29 approved a consulting agreement with Capital Public Finance Group (CPFG) to help the fire department evaluate resource needs associated with commercial solar generation facilities.

Battalion Chief Blake Adney told the board, “CPFG will work with KCFD to evaluate existing resources and service levels and identify the additional resources that may be needed,” and described risks including energized electrical equipment, combustible vegetation and potentially extended incident durations. The agreement caps the consultant at $250 per hour for an estimated 100 hours, not to exceed $25,000; staff said the funds will be transferred from the solar project apparatus fund and that there is no general fund impact.

Adney told supervisors the consultant will provide financial modeling and a cost basis for additional personnel, equipment and training that KCFD may require to respond safely to photovoltaic and battery energy storage incidents. The board approved the agreement, authorized the purchasing manager to issue the purchase order, and adopted the required budget transfer.

No public speaker opposed the item during the meeting.