St. George solar project earns award

ST. GEORGE — The City of St. George Energy Services Department has been recognized with a “Smart Energy Innovation Award” for its innovative new solar program, which was implemented in January.

During a meeting of the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems — UAMPS — Aug. 13, St. George received the award, which recognizes a municipal utility for “excellence in implementing energy efficiency programs and/or renewable projects.”

Through SunSmart, a joint program of St. George’s Energy Services Department and Dixie Escalante Power, local residents can purchase a one-kilowatt “unit” on the solar grid through a one-time payment. Each unit would generate energy equivalent to 15 percent of the average home’s monthly power usage, allowing homeowners unable to install solar panels at their own homes to tap into the sun’s energy anyway.