By HOLLY GASKILL
Paddlefish Solar has announced plans to credit a portion of electrical bills for neighbors of its prospective solar development.
Jesse Laniak, project manager, said 49 properties directly adjacent to the development were offered $750 annually toward their electricity bills for the first 15 years of the project life. The development reportedly has leases for over 3,000 acres in Wells County.
According to a letter sent to residents, this credit would begin 30 days after the company begins construction. The credit will be pro-rated quarterly to utility bills, and unused credit will roll over.
Laniak said the company is partnering with an existing nonprofit to manage this offer. Should all properties participate, this would be over $550,000 in total. He stated that the nonprofit does not want to be named publicly at this time, but provides similar services nationwide.
Residents were asked to opt in by June 1 to receive this benefit.
The company is currently awaiting a ruling from the Wells County Commissioners, who have until June 6 to approve a zoning request from Paddlefish. Should the zoning be approved, they will then be required to submit a development proposal. The company hopes to break ground on the development in 2026-27, their website states.
holly@news-banner.com
