Opelika takes step toward renewable energy

An agreement between the city of Opelika and the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority will help harness and use excess energy. Mayor Gary Fuller requested that the city participate in the Small Renewable Behind-the-Meter Generation Rider SRG-2011 program, which allows the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority to purchase excess energy from a small enery generation, such as solar panels. “In this case, excess energy would be any energy not used by the house and goes onto the power grid," said Opelika Power Services director Derek Lee. "This resolution has nothing to do with placement or types of solar panels that can be used; only what is done with any excess energy."