Maryland Community Solar Project - CPCN Process
On behalf of BPP MD Fruitland PV I LLC, an affiliate of Bear Peak Power, this article provides an overview of our proposed community solar project located in Wicomico, Maryland (the “Project”). The Project is in the early stages of development and has a planned capacity of 4 MWac. The Project is anticipated to occupy approximately 17.86 acres of an approximately 44.28-acre property located approximately 178 feet from 28422 Old Eden Road, Fruitland, Maryland 21826, and identified as Tax Map 0057, Grid 0017, Parcel 0125
The Project has applied for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Public Service Commission and has been docketed as Case No. 9894.
Members of the public may view the Application in person at:
Wicomico County, Maryland
Department of Planning, Zoning, and Community Development
125 N. Division Street, Room 203
Salisbury, Maryland 21803 0870
To view this Application online, please visit https://webpscxb.pscmaryland.com/DMS/home and enter in the Application’s Case No. 9894. The first docket entry will include the Applicant’s Petition and Environmental Review Document (“ERD”).
Written comments on the proposed Project may be submitted electronically or by first-class mail. Instructions for submitting written and electronic written comments can be accessed by going to the Commission’s home page at https://psc.maryland.gov, scrolling down to the section titled “Comment on a Case” and clicking the link for “Learn More.” The instructions can be accessed via the following link: https://psc.maryland.gov/online-services/file-a-public-comment/.
Comments submitted electronically must be submitted via the Commission’s e-file system, which can be accessed via the link here: https://webpscxb.pscmaryland.com/DMS/E-file-pc. Commenters utilizing the e-file system are required to complete a one-time registration. All comments must include a reference to Case No. 9894. If submitted by first-class mail, comments must be addressed to Jamie Bergin, Chief Clerk, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Only one copy is required.
Local Benefits:
• Customers of Delmarva may subscribe to receive credits from locally produced clean energy.
• Construction of the Project is expected to support approximately 36.5 jobs during the construction and installation period. During operating years, the Project is expected to support approximately 1.8 jobs.
• The BPP MD Fruitland PV I LLC team is already using in-state companies for initial development support and plans to use local services and providers for completion of the Project when available.
• The Project will generate substantial tax revenue over its lifetime without placing additional demands on local resources (such as schools, traffic, sewer, or electrical systems), which directly supports local school districts and other community investments.
• It also preserves farmland for future use, keeping the land available for generations to come.
Buffer & Array Landscaping:
The Project proposes to preserve all existing trees surrounding the parcel and plant an additional vegetative buffer on all sides of the Project that comprises native pollinator-friendly plants.
No Ongoing Noise and Traffic:
Aside from temporary construction traffic, the Project will not cause ongoing noise or increased traffic. Routine maintenance will require only a few site visits per year.
Clean Energy Benefits:
The Project is expected to generate approximately 7,943,700 kWh annually, equivalent to approximately:
• 4,855 metric tons/year of carbon emissions avoided.
• 1,132 vehicles removed from the road annually.
• 774 homes powered annually.
Further, an informational meeting about the Project will be sent out in the next few weeks. The purpose of this meeting will be to provide a brief presentation about the Project and answer questions from the public.
There will also be a separate in-person public comment hearing which will occur later in the Project’s case.
Please contact me with questions or if you would like more information regarding the Project.
Sincerely,
Megan Martis
Senior Project Developer
Bear Peak Power LLC
661.214.9296
