Board told to consider Dominion for solar PPA; proposal excludes roof replacements

Marcellus Snipes presented the results of an RFP (No. 20250927) recommending Dominion Energy for a turnkey solar power purchase agreement for WJCC facilities. "Of those, Dominion Energy was chosen by the selection committee as the respondent that met the needs of WJCC schools," Snipes said, adding the board was asked to review the recommendation and be prepared to vote at the Nov. 18 meeting.

Snipes said seven vendors responded and that Dominion's proposal is structured as a power purchase agreement (PPA) that supplies solar energy; the vendor installs and maintains solar arrays while the division pays for the energy delivered. Snipes noted the proposals did not include roof replacements: "Their proposals with the PPA did not include replacing any roofs," and Dominion will evaluate roof age and warranties during due diligence.

Snipes and board members discussed contract length and savings. Snipes described the recommended term as about 25 years and said modeled savings across the division were roughly $17 million over that period, while some individual sites yielded much smaller estimated savings and others larger. He also said the division can terminate the contract without penalty under defined circumstances.

Board members asked whether excess solar generation is sold back and whether the division would be paid for exported energy. Staff said WJCC would only pay for the energy it used and would not receive payments for solar produced and exported to the grid under the proposed arrangement. Snipes said Dominion will partner with roof manufacturers as part of site selection to avoid voiding warranties during installation.

Next steps: the board was asked to review the recommendation and expected to consider the contract award at the Nov. 18 meeting.