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Denton To Add More Solar Power

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DENTON (CBSDFW.COM) - The Denton City Council voted Tuesday evening to increase the city's supply of renewable energy to 46 percent.

The Council was unanimous in approving a contract with Bluebell Solar LLC (an affiliate of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC) to add an additional 5 percent of renewable energy to Denton's renewable energy portfolio.

"This long-term contract is a perfect opportunity for Denton to remain a leader in renewable energy while maintaining competitive rates," said Mayor Chris Watts.

The power will be generated at a solar farm to be built west of San Angelo in Sterling County which has a more favorable climate for solar generation than Denton. The solar farm is expected to begin delivering power by January 1, 2019, at which time Denton Municipal Electric will begin receiving power from the facility.

"Over the past 3 to 4 years we have seen solar technology become more efficient. That dynamic is allowing us to add solar power to our portfolio at a price that will have no negative effect on rates," says Phil Williams, General Manager of Denton Municipal Electric.

(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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