California’s hard-hit Imperial County is starting to see shoots of green in the local economy. Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 569 are constructing a solar photovoltaic project in the community of Niland that will generate 23 MW of clean, green solar power when completed, enough to power approximately 14,000 homes.
The project is located next to an existing gas-fired power plant and will consist of over 106,000 solar panels when completed. Imperial Irrigation District is purchasing the power as part of the utility’s efforts to convert more of their energy portfolio to clean renewable energy and meet the state of California’s new 33% Renewable Portfolio Standard requirements.
IBEW Local 569 Business Manager notes the Niland solar project as a win-win for local workers and the environment. “It’s putting Imperial County electricians to work and has enabled IBEW Local 569 to recruit new apprentices from the local community for our electrical training program in the Valley. It’s also helping to put cleaner energy on the electricity grid which is especially important in Imperial County given the high air pollution and asthma rates.”
The project is being built by Five Star Electric, an Imperial County IBEW 569 signatory contractor.
To see pictures of the Niland solar project, please click HERE.
