Republican Mayor, Dale Ross, Turns the City of Georgetown, Texas 100% Renewable

The perfect model for turning your cities energy from non-renewable to renewable

Why the Change?

     Georgetown has set itself apart from other renewable energy based cities with its emphasis on economics instead of the environment.  Mayor Dale Ross said, “we’re doing this because it’s good for our citizens. Cheaper electricity is better. Clean energy is better than fossil fuels.” Ross wanted to make sure he wasn’t being mixed in with the liberal agenda being a Republican from Texas.

     While Ross was reviewing energy contracts and researching  suppliers, he noticed that solar and wind energy offered a 20 – 25 years contract, whereas natural gas contracts were only a 5 – 7 years contract. He saw an economic opportunity for the future and didn’t hesitate on his decision to move to renewable energy. Since the change, the people of Georgetown’s kilowatt per hour continue to drop.

 

Pecos County Solar Farm

Making it Happen

     The Planning began in 2014 when NRG Energy Inc. and EDF Renewable Energy combined efforts to make Georgetown, Texas 100 percent renewable. It took just two years to make Ross’s decision a reality. If this isn’t a model renewable energy city, I don’t know what is. With the help of Pecos County, NRG Energy, Wells Fargo, and Swinerton Renewable Energy, Georgetown is now the biggest solar and wind energy provider in the country. Buckthorn solar plant is responsible for the majority of the energy with its 1.7 million solar panels across Pecos County, But that’s not it. They are backed by Spinning Spur 3, South Mesa and South Trent Wind farms to complete the 100 percent renewable energy source.

 

Paving the Way for a Renewable Future

     Georgetown has been a flawless example of what can happen when you back your plans with intent. It was no easy task for Mayor Ross, but he pushed policy and got everyone on board. There are more renewable sources besides solar and wind, such as biopower, geothermal, and hydropower. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory believes the US will be powered by 80 percent Renewable sources by 2050. The majority will be solar and wind power, but they use every pathway possible to reach 80 percent. The benefits are far too noticeable to ignore. Renewable energy helps our climate, economy, and health. While also creating long term jobs around the country.

    The future is now. The positive impact that sustainable energy has on the environment and economy are endless. So, Help us pave the way to a greener future.

You can find us on Twitter @TexasGreenRangers1 where you can plan on seeing weekly updates and helpful resources on how you can help our state become greener. Another source to look to if you have any questions is our Facebook group. It will be live in a few weeks so stay on the lookout for it, we hope it will be a place where you can connect with others in the Green Rangers community

 

Edited by AJ Valverde