Public Service Commission approves Ruthsburg Road Solar CPCN amendment, requires $1.276 million performance bond

The Public Service Commission voted unanimously to amend the certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) for Ruthsburg Road Solar 1 LLC and to approve an updated decommissioning plan and cost estimate for the project's 5-megawatt community solar array.

Michael Spiegelman of commission staff told commissioners the revised site plan complies with updated county requirements and does not materially change the authorized project. He said staff recommended incorporating the updated decommissioning plan into the CPCN and directing the company to obtain a performance bond. "The cost to implement the plan is estimated to be $1,276,608," Spiegelman said, and staff recommended the commission require that bond be posted prior to construction and that documentation be filed in the docket.

Applicant counsel Max Cook said the company had reviewed staff and PPRP comments and had no additional remarks; the commission then moved to vote. Commissioner Linton, Commissioner McLean, Commissioner Hoover and the chair voted to approve the CPCN amendment and the decommissioning plan. The chair summarized the motion as amending the CPCN in case 9764 to reflect the revised site plan, approving the decommissioning plan and cost estimate, incorporating those materials into the CPCN, and directing the company to obtain a $1,276,608 performance bond and file a copy of the executed bond before starting construction.

The commission recorded the motion as carrying 4–0 with one commissioner excused.