The portfolio is expected to generate 17.4 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually, delivering enough electricity to power over 2,000 homes each year and offset the equivalent of 12,331 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
The company 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 NY’s renewable energy initiatives and helping provide accessible renewable energy programmes to local communities. AT&T’s subscription to these five projects is projected to offset approximately 61 percent 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 programmes, 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” added 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 programmes more accessible. It’s a win-win for AT&T and the people we serve.”
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