The Administration is continuing to explore all possible avenues to bring solar energy to City-buildings to reduce the City’s long-term energy costs, increase the use of renewable energy, and advance Richmond’s commitment to a more sustainable and resilient environment.  

Yesterday, the Administration sent a memo to Council with possible paths forward. While the first path forward is unfortunately no longer an option, we remain hopeful that the project will move forward in some form, and stand ready to support Council in their efforts to keep the City’s commitment to building a sustainable future for all Richmonders. We heard from multiple councilors at Monday’s meeting that they were willing to meet as necessary to work on a path forward. 

Timeline options, as outlined in CAO’s Sep. 30 memo  

1. Move forward with all 39 sites (5MW)  
   1. Requires approving proposed ordinances by midnight, October 1 
   2. This would require calling a special meeting with required notice periods 
   3. Notice special meeting with required notice periods (today, September 30) 
   4. Hold special meeting and consider ordinances in accordance with appropriate procedural requirements 
   5. Note: this would realize ~$20M in value of the 25-year term 

2. Move forward with 17 sites (3MW)  
   1. Meet and consider proposed ordinances on Monday, October 5 
   2. This would require calling a special meeting with required notice periods 
   3. Hold special meeting and consider ordinances in accordance with appropriate procedural requirements 
   4. Note: this would realize ~$15M in value of the 25-year term; reduced scope is a result of the smaller projects no longer being financially viable  
   5. Council action after October 6th would render this project financially unviable 

3. Take no action: project does not move forward