Coal Transition Board funds $1 Million in Solar Projects
Grants support Washington’s goal of producing new clean, renewable energy
Centralia, (January 31, 2022) The Energy Technology Board is pleased to announce approval to fund 8 proposed solar projects throughout the state of Washington with a total investment of approximately $1 million. Benefiting communities across the state, the solar projects range in size from 43.5kW to 133kW.
Projects approved include the following:
| Applicant | Funding Amount | Size |
| City of College Place | $202,909.00 | 100kW |
| City of Cheney | $160,000.00 | 100kW |
| City of Connell | $165,000.00 | 100kW |
| City of Mabton | $100,000.00 | 100kW |
| City of Pateros | $60,000.00 | 43.5kW |
| Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe | $130,111.00 | 133.76kW |
| Central Area Senior Center | $126,639.00 | 75.8kW |
| Prescott School District | $107,000.00 | 100kW |
These projects will provide energy savings and production credits that can be used to support other aspects of the local organization’s budgets. All projects will be utilizing made in Washington equipment and will provide for job opportunities.
The Energy Technology Board currently has an annual cap of $1M for funding solar projects. Based on the board’s decision to grant the projects noted above, funding for new solar projects will not be considered until January 2023.
Overview of the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards:
Annual payments for the funding boards began in 2012 with the last payment due December 31, 2023. The opportunity to start flowing dollars into projects became effective December 31, 2015.
Weatherization Board ($10M): established to fund energy efficiency and weatherization for the residents, employees, business, non-profit organizations and local governments within Lewis County and South Thurston County; up to $1 million shall be allocated to fund residential energy efficiency and weatherization measures for low-income and moderate-income residents of Lewis County and South Thurston County;
Economic & Community Development Board ($20M): established to fund education, retraining, economic development, and community enhancement; at least $5M shall be allocated to fund education, retraining and economic development specifically targeting the needs of workers displaced from the Centralia facility;
Energy Technology Board ($25M): established to fund energy technologies with the potential to create environmental benefits to the state of Washington.