The Energy SWATeam submitted a recommendation in May 2018 to “Explore the option of a PPA with a local solar developer.” Since then, Chancellor Jones and the Sustainability Council have provided direction regarding next steps. In March 2019, an analysis was completed regarding the anticipated costs for a physical PPA, in which the University would receive the solar energy when the sun was shining and the associated renewable energy certifications (RECs). This would require a reduction in electricity generation at Abbott Power Plant, but the fuel required would not change in order remain unchanged due to meet the steam demand on campus. The anticipated costs for a physical PPA were estimated to exceed $2.5M in the first year alone. In January 2020, a legal analysis confirmed the authority of the University Board of Trustees to enter into a Virtual PPA (VPPA), provided that they continue to carefully steward the university’s resources.