If it follows the advice of consultants, Denton City Council could move up its goal of 100 percent renewable energy in the city to the year 2020.
The board meets Tuesday morning.
Two years ago, Denton said it would reach a goal of receiving 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, such as solar and wind power, by 2035. That won't mean an influx of solar panels and wind turbines dotting Denton's landscape — the city's municipal electric company purchases the power, which is generated outside Denton County.
The benefits, say supporters, are many.
"From the environmental side and the financial side," said Deborah Armintor, a member of Denton's Public Utilities Board, which heard from consultants Monday.
Austin-based Enterprise Risk Consulting was hired to help develop the renewable energy plan. Part of a controversial approval of that plan in 2015 was the construction of a natural gas-fueled power plant. It would produce energy which would be used during times when solar and wind aren't viable.
Enterprise Risk consultants conceded Monday that the plant would generate more power than what Denton would need.
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"What I did have a problem is with the way renewable was sold to us by the previous administration," Armintor said. "This is a bittersweet feeling.
Denton is one of 72 Texas localities with its own municipal electric company. City leaders promise residents an open process regarding benefits and cost to ratepayers.
"I think one of the opportunities we have is this process is have a very good public dialogue about these issues and these subjects," said Bryan Langley, Denton's assistant city manager. "And make sure all of our community understands what we mean when we say we want to use more renewables."
City leaders believe that in the long run going to renewable energy and building the new power plant is the most cost-effective solution.
