Gravity Renewables, Inc. has been chosen to be the preferred provider of power generated by small hydro plants to a leading consortium of New York municipalities and counties.
The company signed a program agreement with the Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance (MEGA). MEGA, started in 1998, is a purchasing consortium of more than 250 municipalities, including thirty-three county governments plus cities, schools districts, villages and towns across New York State in purchasing electricity and natural gas. With this agreement, Gravity Renewables can provide MEGA members streamlined access to clean, locally produced power from small hydro plants.
“This partnership will allow Gravity Renewables to help municipalities buy predictably priced, locally generated, clean electricity from hydro plants that desperately need their support,” said Ted Rose, CEO of Gravity Renewables.
Gravity Renewables was selected after an extended selection process, based on New York State procedures. In addition, SolarCity was selected as the solar energy supplier. MEGA worked in partnership with Tompkins County as the procuring municipality. Under New York State’s “piggybacking” rules, Tompkins County has allowed all other municipalities in the state to have access to the Gravity Renewables program. Any participants’ location and usage must also meet the rules of the NYS Public Service Commission.
Tompkins County Administrator Joe Mareane said, “Our county has been in the lead statewide in seeking clean renewable energy for our facilities, and the new MEGA program with Gravity Renewables places us again in the forefront. We couldn’t be happier to put our commitment behind these renewable investments.”
“Hydro electricity production has been a vital part of the history of many of our member communities,” said Ron Feldstein, MEGA’s executive director. “Gravity Renewables’ innovative program with MEGA will lead to direct investment in numerous hydroelectric plants and provide economic development for our member communities as well as stabilized energy costs and local, renewable power.
Energy Next, Inc., a Saratoga Springs, NY-based buyer’s agent, project manager and consultant to MEGA, facilitated the request for proposals.
Full press release from MEGA: Locals to Lead on Renewable Energy
About Gravity Renewables
Gravity Renewables is a leading national owner, operator and developer of small hydroelectric power plants. Small hydropower provides predictable, reliable, affordable clean energy that’s locally produced. By making a long-term commitment to these neighborhood facilities, Gravity restores and conserves important historical sites, employs local operators and promotes educational and recreational opportunities in the communities it serves. Gravity currently has 30 MW of hydroelectric projects operating and under development in 7 states across the country. For more information please visit www.gravityrenewables.com or contact us at 303.440.3378. Follow Gravity Renewables on Twitter or Facebook.