New Orleans City Councilmember Aimee McCarron, chair of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, approved new community solar requirements on March 11. The policy aims to expand access to clean energy and help lower electricity costs for residents. The requirements will now move forward to the full City Council for consideration.
The initiative is intended to address rising energy costs and provide affordable, locally produced power to more people in New Orleans. “This is one of the most impactful policy mechanisms to mitigate rising energy costs,” said Councilmember McCarron. “Community solar is the best way to provide access to cheaper, cleaner, locally produced power to many New Orleanians. In an era of rising costs creating an affordability crisis, this is one of the best ways to lower electric bills just by signing up.”
District D Councilmember Eugene Green said, “Community solar has the potential to benefit thousands of residents by helping lower their energy bills and providing meaningful relief to households burdened by rising utility costs. Expanding access to affordable energy is an important role the Council plays in supporting our residents. Community solar represents a valuable and practical resource, and I look forward to helping ensure it becomes an accessible option for communities across our city.”
Council President JP Morrell also addressed the affordability challenges facing local families: “We are dealing with an affordability crisis, and we have to look at ways to reduce the burden on residents. Community solar mitigates energy costs for everyone, and this Council is committed to advancing game-changing dockets like this for our city and its residents.” Vice-President Matthew Willard added that expanding community solar would help strengthen New Orleans’ energy system: “When we invest in solutions that lower costs and strengthen our energy system, we’re taking meaningful steps toward building a stronger and more resilient New Orleans.”
According to District B Councilmember Lesli Harris, programs like community solar make clean energy more accessible: “At a time when families across New Orleans are facing rising costs, expanding access to community solar is an important way to help lower electricity bills. Programs like this make clean energy more accessible to residents who may not be able to install solar themselves. I’m proud to support policies that create real savings for our communities while building a more sustainable energy future.”
The planned community solar pipeline includes 60 megawatts of capacity—enough renewable power for approximately 6,000-7,800 homes if all projects are completed—and could generate about half as much electricity as the New Orleans East Power Plant currently produces.
