Camden County Municipal Utility Authority Selects HelioSage for Solar Project

CAMDEN, NJThe Camden County Municipal Utility Authority (CCMUA) announced that it has selected HelioSage as its partner for a solar powered future. Following a public Request For Proposal, the Authority chose HelioSage, a developer of solar projects in the mid-Atlantic, to finance, build, operate and maintain a large scale PV array at the Camden County Wastewater Treatment Plant, one of the largest wastewater treatment plants in the state of New Jersey.HelioSage Chief Executive Officer, Chris Walmsley, added, "Many wastewater treatment plants are uniquely situated to take advantage of solar power. The combination of intense energy supply needs and a physical footprint that often includes unused acreage make many plants an ideal solar host. We are thrilled to help the Camden County MUA realize this potential."At no point will the CCMUA be responsible for capital costs or ongoing maintenance costs. Rather, the Authority will simply begin paying a monthly solar power bill at rates well below prevailing utility rates. The arrangement, known as a Power Purchase Agreement, includes a term of 20 years.

“Securing an alternative source of power at reduced rates makes economic sense in a tight budgeting environment,” said Andy Kricun, Deputy Executive Director of the CCMUA. “We will realize a significant reduction in operating expenses as a result of our decision to host a solar energy system here.”

Environmental attributes also featured in the Authority’s decision-making process, according to Kricun. “Protecting our local environment has always informed our operational strategy,” Kricun noted. “Harnessing a source of clean, renewable energy to power our treatment plant reinforces the CCMUA’s standing as a national leader in sustainable wastewater treatment operations.”

HelioSage Chief Executive Officer, Chris Walmsley, added, “Many wastewater treatment plants are uniquely situated to take advantage of solar power. The combination of intense energy supply needs and a physical footprint that often includes unused acreage make many plants an ideal solar host. We are thrilled to help the Camden County MUA realize this potential.”

Multiple areas of the 50 acre treatment plant are under consideration for both roof and ground mounted solar solutions. Commencement of construction is targeted for late 2011.

About Camden County and the Camden County MUA

Camden County is located in the southwestern portion of New Jersey, across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. The County is 226 square miles in area, with a population of about 500,000 across thirty-seven municipalities. The Camden County Wastewater Treatment Plant is a nationally recognized environment management system that treats 55 million gallons of wastewater a day. The plant plays a key role in protecting public health and the environment of Camden County.  

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