Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has announced a new initiative to increase the use of solar power by state agencies. The plan, known as the Pennsylvania Project to Utilize Light and Solar Energy (PA PULSE), aims to have half of the electricity used by 16 state agencies generated by solar energy by next year. This makes Pennsylvania the first state in the country to commit to getting half of its energy from solar power.
The governor made the announcement at a solar energy site in West Manchester Township near York on Earth Day. The initiative will involve the construction of ten solar arrays throughout the state, including locations in Juniata, Columbia, Crawford, Northumberland, and Snyder Counties. Two of these arrays are already online in York and Juniata counties, and three more are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The PA PULSE initiative is expected to supply 361,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually to more than a dozen commonwealth agencies. This will reduce the state's carbon footprint by nearly 158,000 metric tons of CO2 a year, which is equivalent to the emissions from about 34,000 gas-powered cars. The project is also expected to create 200 jobs.
The Department of General Services has entered into a contract with Constellation for a 15-year fixed price agreement. This means that even as energy costs rise, Pennsylvania's rate will stay the same, saving taxpayer dollars while providing reliable, sustainable, and affordable electricity in the long term.
"When I announced my energy plan last month, I made clear that we must reject the false choice between protecting jobs and the economy and protecting the environment," Governor Shapiro said. "The historic PA PULSE initiative, which began under the previous Administration, is proof we can do both – investing in reliable, affordable power in the long term."
The governor also stressed that the initiative will create energy jobs, take "real action" to address climate change, and ensure consumers pay less on their bills.