ROCKLAND — The City of Rockland expects to save more than $100,000 over two years through a new contract for electricity supply, according to the City, in a news release. While the new supplier, EDF Energy, was selected based on lowest price, the new contract also will reduce the CO2 emissions associated with the City’s electricity supply.

The City announced earlier this year that it was entering into an agreement with Revision Energy to purchase credits from one of the first major solar farms developed under the State’s new solar law. Because the City will be purchasing solar credits at a cost lower than the value of the credits that is set by the Maine Public Utilities Commission, the City expects to see additional cost savings on its utility bills.

Together, the new supply contract and solar credit purchase will offset nearly 70% of the CO2 emissions associated with the City’s electricity use.

In 2019, Rockland City Council resolved that by 2025, the City will obtain 100% of municipal electricity from renewable sources, and that by 2045, the entire Rockland community will be carbon neutral.

“In working toward these goals, we are prioritizing projects that pay for themselves through energy cost savings,” said City Manager Tom Luttrell. “These projects are a win for the City budget, as well as for the environment.”

“We are fortunate to have a City Sustainability Coordinator and Department Heads who are committed to improving the City’s economic and environmental sustainability,” Luttrell added.