AT&T has signed an agreement with DSD Renewables to serve as an anchor tenant subscriber for a five-project community solar portfolio in upstate New York, offtaking 15.5 MW of the larger 24.1 MW portfolio. The portfolio is expected to generate 17.4 GWh of clean energy annually.
AT&T is one of the largest corporate buyers of renewable energy in the country, and is committed to being carbon neutral across its entire global operations by 2035. This new agreement marks AT&T’s next step into community solar, which will further the company’s efforts to meet its sustainability goals and save on energy costs while also supporting New York’s renewable energy initiatives and helping provide accessible renewable energy programs to local communities. AT&T’s subscription to these five projects is projected to offset approximately 61% of annual energy use.
“These projects offer a socially conscious and innovative way for large corporations like AT&T to reduce their carbon footprint while making a positive impact in the communities where they operate,” said Sarah Moon, senior director of community solar at DSD. “By continuing to support community solar programs, we’re able to help create cost-effective solutions that benefit big corporations and residents alike, providing clean, affordable energy to local communities.”
The community solar sites are located in Cortland (5 MW), East Syracuse (2.7 MW), Medina (2.5 MW), Utica (902 kW) and Swan Lake (4.4 MW). Four of the five sites are under construction, with the last project expected to start construction later this year.
“We strongly believe that corporations can play a key role in helping power the communities they serve, and this agreement is one way for AT&T to do just that,” said Shannon Thomas Carroll, AVP of global environmental sustainability at AT&T. “By working together with developers like DSD, we’re able to explore solutions outside of on-site renewables that can help us reduce environmental impacts while also supporting local communities by making solar programs more accessible. It’s a win-win for AT&T and the people we serve.”
NRG is AT&T’s community solar advisor and assisted in the selection of DSD based on its community solar expertise and advanced project development status.
— Solar Builder magazine
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