Lacey City Council shows support for solar power investments

On a day when it seemed the rain would never stop, Lacey City Council found time to have a sunnier discussion about supporting possible solar power investments.

In addition to paying for the power the city uses, the city also pays $70,000 a year to tap green energy sources, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder said.

But what if the city took that money and made regular solar power investments?

That was the thinking during the City Council work session Thursday, with Ryder suggesting the city could create its own source of green energy.

“It’s not just good public relations, but it also could be good for our bottom line,” he said.

Regular investments also could turn the city into a South Sound leader for solar power, Ryder said.

A list of potential solar power projects wasn’t mentioned, other than a possible solar power installation at the Regional Athletic Complex off Marvin Road.

Ryder’s ideas were welcomed.

Investing in solar power could set a good example for the city’s residents, Deputy Mayor Cynthia Pratt said.

“It’s certainly worth looking into,” Councilman Lenny Greenstein added.

Although the city’s annual power costs weren’t immediately available, Lacey Finance Director Troy Woo said the city spends about $500,000 a year on street lights.

This story was originally published January 22, 2016 at 12:12 AM with the headline "Lacey City Council shows support for solar power investments."