Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians – 2022 Project

NOTE: Project pages are being updated regularly to reflect changes, if any; however, some of the information may be dated.

Summary

The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians (Paskenta Band) will install two roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with a total estimated production of 146 kilowatts (kW) on their new Community Center in Corning, California. One of the two solar PV arrays will provide 90% of the Community Center’s power, while the second array will provide nearly 100% of the adjacent Administration Building’s power. The project is estimated to reduce electrical costs for each facility by more than 90% and collectively save approximately $60,000 annually. The project will align energy decisions with tribal values, such as promoting sustainability and a healthier environment. The Tribe’s immediate vision is to reduce operating costs to create and expand community programs.

Project Description

Background

The Paskenta Band, a federally recognized sovereign Nation located in Northern California, has prioritized energy planning since 2018. The Tribe has engaged experienced consultants to work collaboratively to develop three reports: a Baseline Electric Report, a Comprehensive Solar Development Plan, and a Tribal Utility Formation Feasibility Study. These reports define Paskenta Band’s current energy landscape, future goals, project alternatives, and organizational alternatives for the Tribe to achieve its goals.

As an outcome of these foundational reports, Paskenta Band’s Energy Team and leadership have developed a clear understanding of where the Tribe is today and what it wants to achieve in the future as it relates to energy. Specifically, the Tribe has the following key energy goals:

1. Enhance sovereignty and self-determination: Pacific Gas and Electric’s recent power shutdowns have highlighted the need to reduce reliance on the large, investor-owned utility and increase the Tribe’s sovereignty and self-determination.
2. Reduce electric costs: The Tribe hopes to reduce energy bills as they impact the profitability of the Tribe’s businesses and the monthly budgets of tribal members.
3. Support economic development: Paskenta Band can become a more attractive location for new businesses with locally produced power and the ability to control the electric rates offered to new businesses.
4. Enhance sustainability: With extreme weather events becoming more common in the state, an objective is to enhance sustainability to reduce the Tribe’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and its environmental footprint.
5. Align energy decisions with tribal values: Paskenta Band would like to shift the energy decision-making paradigm. Rather than purchase all its electricity from a large utility, Paskenta Band would like to be in the driver’s seat for energy decisions. By taking control of energy supply and decision-making, the Tribe can align decisions with its unique culture, values, and priorities.

Project Objectives

The Tribe will install two roof-mounted solar PV systems with a total production of approximately 146 kW on the Paskenta Band’s Community Center in Corning, California. The Tribe also envisions future energy independence via the formation of a tribal utility and installation of a 30-megawatt solar PV array, but such a project would be more complex and require more planning and creative solutions. The Community Center and Administration Building Solar PV Project is a critical stepping stone for the Tribe to establish a good learning environment for the Tribal Council, tribal administrative staff, and tribal membership in planning for its larger vision and future solar energy goals.

Project Scope

The primary scope of work for this project is to design, install, commission, and monitor two roof-mounted solar PV systems, both of which will be installed on the Paskenta Band’s Community Center. These two systems will generate electricity for the Community Center and the adjacent Administration Building, supplying approximately 90% and 100% of each facility’s electricity demand, respectively.

The project team will consist of the Tribe’s Public Works Manager, who has the primary responsibility of overseeing the project, along with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Public Works Manager works under the direct supervision of the CEO, who is under the direction of the Tribal Council. The Public Works Manager will also work with the CFO for all financial matters of this project. The CFO works under the direction of the Tribal Council. The team will meet at least biweekly to discuss the project, and the Tribal Council will be informed monthly.

Risk management and project changes, if any, will be managed by the Public Works Manager in conjunction with the CEO, CFO, and, if required, Tribal Council.

Project Location

Paskenta Band is a federally recognized sovereign Nation located in Northern California. Members of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians have lived in Northern California for generations, in what is now called Tehama and Glenn counties. Paskenta lands lie between Red Bluff, California, and Stoney Creek, California, west of the Sacramento River. The project is located on the Paskenta Band’s Community Center and Administration Building in Corning, California.