City of Cologne Votes to be 100 Percent Powered by Solar

 

Louis Hall and Fire Station with Water Tower in background Cologne 2010 Census As of the census of 2010, there were 1,519 people, 539 households, and 398 families residing in the city. The population density was 868.0 inhabitants per square mile (335.1/km2). There were 562 housing units at an average density of 321.1 per square mile (124.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.9% White, 0.9% African American, 1.2% Asian, 1.4% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.2% of the population. There were 539 households of which 45.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.8% were married couples living together, 5.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.2% were non-families. 19.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82 and the average family size was 3.29. The median age in the city was 32 years. 32.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 37.2% were from 25 to 44; 18.5% were from 45 to 64; and 6.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.1% male and 47.9% female. City of Cologne to be first city in the state of Minnesota to use community solar for 100 percent of electric energy needs Minneapolis, MN- After a historic vote last Monday, the city of Cologne signed a contract this morning to power up to 100 percent of its city facilities’ energy needs from Community Solar. The energy will be generated by over 2,700 solar panels in SunShare’s solar gardens currently under development through the Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards Community program. This is enough energy to power about 140 homes for 25 years. The decision by the City of Cologne marks the culmination of their public process lasting about two months, including a presentation by SunShare, public meetings, and a several hour discussion among City Council members. Not only an environmental choice but also an economic one, the City of Cologne will fix the city’s energy costs at today’s levels, protecting the city from volatile fossil fuel prices. Meanwhile, the city is promoting innovation and leadership as part of a broader goal to attract new businesses and young professionals to the community, according to Jesse Dickson, City Administrator. “This decision creates a win-win for our community members and the City,” said Dickson. “By joining SunShare’s Solar project, the City is both doing the right thing environmentally and cutting down on our electricity costs, our taxpayer dollars can more efficiently be used for additional projects and infrastructure. Whatever we save can be put back toward the community.” To date, the City of Cologne is the first city in the state of Minnesota to choose to source 100 percent its energy needs from Community Solar. About a year earlier, SunShare enrolled the first city in the nation- the City of Manitou Springs, Colorado- to power 100 percent of its city facilities with Community Solar. In 2013 the Minnesota State legislature passed the Solar Energy Jobs Act, allowing Community Solar to be possible. Community Solar was designed to broaden citizen and community access to locally generated solar energy. Residents living in apartments, small businesses and homeowners that couldn’t afford their own systems, or large organizations without the proper roof space now have the option to choose. “The City of Cologne has set an example for communities across Minnesota that renewable energy is a serious priority for cities,” said Ken Bradley, Director of Business Development at SunShare. “Leadership from the City of Cologne and the hundreds of citizens choosing Community Solar will drive greater adoption of renewable energy in communities in Minnesota and across the nation,” Bradley added. For more information on the Community Solar Garden program, visit www.mysunshare.com. Customers interested in becoming a part of SunShare’s Community Solar gardens should email contactus@mysunshare.com or call 612-345-8881. ABOUT SUNSHARE SunShare is transforming the energy industry with locally-generated community solar power. Anyone can choose to purchase electricity from SunShare’s solar farms while their utility continues delivering their energy. SunShare customers simply receive credits on their utility bills which protect them from rising electricity rates. Our team is driving innovation and making solar an easy choice. As one of the nation’s first community solar companies, we have enabled hundreds of citizens, businesses and organizations to play a part in creating a cleaner, better future. Learn more at www.mysunshare.com. ABOUT THE CITY OF COLOGNE The City of Cologne is located in Carver County West of the Twin cities. Incorporated in 1881, Cologne grew around the Hastings and Dakota Railroad Company line. Cologne now has a population around 1,500 and continues to grow with the help of new housing developments. Residents of Cologne get the best of both worlds by being far enough from the big cities to enjoy quiet evenings and a nice plot of land while still being able to quickly access all the amenities and fun that the Twin Cities offers. Cologne boasts a rich German heritage and has all the charm of small town Minnesota. For more information on Cologne visit www.colognemn.com. Source : DOE Green Power Network