The Wichita and Affiliated Tribes in Oklahoma are making a significant move towards sustainability by installing solar panels to power their casinos. With the help of a grant from the US Department of Energy, the tribe is set to transform the Sugar Creek Casino and Sugar Creek Inn and Suites by harnessing the power of solar energy.
The tribe has secured a grant worth nearly $3.8 million, supplemented by an additional investment of almost $1 million of their own funds. Vanessa Vance, Treasurer of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, has outlined a timeline for the project, aiming to have the solar panels fully functional by the summer of 2025. The tribe anticipates that this switch to solar energy will result in an impressive $9 million in energy savings over the course of 25 years.
The solar panel system is projected to generate enough electricity to power the hotel and approximately 20% of the casino’s energy needs. In addition to the environmental benefits, the project is also expected to create job opportunities within the tribe, with seven temporary positions and three permanent roles being established. This initiative marks the tribe’s first foray into green energy, and they hope that its success will pave the way for similar sustainability efforts across their other operations.
Through this transition to solar energy, the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also setting a positive example for other businesses and communities. By harnessing the power of the sun, they are not only saving on energy costs but also contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future for generations to come.