The overall scope of the project is to provide solar and grid upgrades to the existing system as well as providing additional electric vehicle charging points within the city

The City of Ellensburg received a $3.03M Project Grant from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the Renewable Energy Research and Development program (CFDA 81.087) to enhance municipal renewable energy infrastructure and grid modernization capabilities. The award, obligated on October 1, 2025, with a completion deadline of September 30, 2026, funds comprehensive solar photovoltaic (PV) system upgrades and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Ellensburg, Washington. Project deliverables include replacement of modules and inverters across Phases 1-4 of the existing PV system, installation of an additional 200 kilowatts of PV capacity, upgrading system monitoring capabilities, and deployment of renewable EV charging stations at Rotary Park.

The grant also funds procurement and deployment of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems with integrated software and ongoing licensing fees. The full AMI deployment across the utility's service territory will enable integrated communication capabilities with electric, water, and gas meters, providing enhanced grid visibility and operational efficiency. These combined initiatives represent a coordinated approach to modernizing municipal energy infrastructure through renewable generation expansion and intelligent utility management systems.

The scope will include replacing the modules and inverters on phase 1 through phase 4 of the existing PV system, installing an additional +/- 200KW of PV capacity, and upgrading monitoring capabilities. Adding renewable electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at rotary park. The purchase and installation of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) & software with budget for ongoing licensing fees. Full deployment of an AMI systems throughout the utility's territory with capabilities of communicating with electric, water, and gas meters.