Senator Boucher, Representative Duff Applaud Opening of Bethel Solar Farm

Local, state, and company officials dedicate the new Bethel photovoltaic solar farm on the site of the town’s former landfill. (From left to right) Selectman Paul Szatkowski, Selectman Richard Straiton, First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker, David J. Anderson, Executive Vice President, Ameresco, Rep. Will Duff, Sen. Toni Boucher, Tracy Babbidge, Bureau Chief for Energy Policy at DEEP, and William Cratty, Chairman of the Energy Conservation Commission.

BETHEL – State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) and Representative Will Duff (R-2) hailed the opening of the town’s new solar farm.  They attended a ribbon cutting Friday, June 1, that celebrated the completion of the new facility on the town’s capped landfill.

“The opening of this new solar farm is a tremendous victory for the Town of Bethel, the State of Connecticut, and, most importantly, the residents of the area. This facility will generate more than 1.2 million kWh of renewable energy each year while reducing CO2 emissions that are the equivalent to taking 200 cars off the road,” Sen. Boucher said. “Working with Ameresco, the town was also able to repurpose an important piece of land. This facility renews the land, makes clean, renewable energy, and provides the electricity necessary for daily life. This is an amazing accomplishment.”

Rep. Duff noted that the project brings the town into environmental compliance with the state.

“What a great way to cut down on CO2 emissions and spur local interest in energy conservation,” Rep. Will Duff, who is a member of the legislature’s Energy and Technology committee said, “This solar PV project will now bring the Bethel landfill into state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection compliance, permitting the town to be supplied by green renewable power.”

The Town of Bethel has a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement with Ameresco, which will maintain the facility to provide optimal energy production. All of the energy generated by the farm will be used to power town buildings and operation.

Sen. Boucher represents the communities of Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.

Rep. Duff serves Bethel and parts of Danbury, Redding and Newtown.