Piedmont, AL – As previously reported in May, the solar agreement discussed in the Piedmont city council is becoming a reality.
The Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA), in partnership with the City of Piedmont, will dedicate a new 24-kW solar research project (solar canopy) at Piedmont City Hall on Thursday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. The AMEA-City of Piedmont Solar Research Project, located in the west parking lot of Piedmont City Hall, 109 North Center Avenue, was completed this month.
AMEA has worked with its other Member cities/utilities, including Alexander City, Dothan, Fairhope, LaFayette, Lanett, Luverne, Opelika, Riviera Utilities, Sylacauga and Tuskegee, to construct solar research projects in each of these communities. The total cost of all 11 projects is approximately $1 million.
“We are proud of the new solar research project in Piedmont as part of our effort to enhance renewable energy in our portfolio,” said Fred Clark, President & CEO, AMEA. “We want to thank the City of Piedmont for its leader- ship and partnership in this endeavor.”
Also, to help support its 11 Members in implementing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in their commu- nities, AMEA has partnered with the City of Piedmont to install two (2) Level 2 EV chargers under the new solar canopy.
Through the AMEA Electric Vehicle Charging Initiative, AMEA Members have access to $1 million for use in con- nection with electric vehicle charging infrastructure as well as the adoption of EVs in Member utility fleets. Since 2021, several AMEA Members, including the City of Piedmont, have commissioned ChargePoint EV charging sta- tions in their communities through the AMEA Electric Vehicle Charging Initiative.
“Electric utilities can play a pivotal role in the future of transportation electrification,” Clark said. “AMEA plans to continue working with its Members to enable greater electric vehicle adoption through the development of charging infrastructure and EV customer programs and investment in smart grid technologies to manage EV charging.”
AMEA is the wholesale power provider for 11 public power utilities in Alabama, including Alexander City, Dothan, Fairhope, Foley, LaFayette, Lanett, Luverne, Opelika, Piedmont, Sylacauga, and Tuskegee, which serve some 350,000 customers.
The AMEA also released answer to some of the frequently asked questions the receive:
