Black Hills Energy announced the selection of GRID Alternatives Colorado to construct two community solar projects in the City of Pueblo as a means of expanding the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy to families that wouldn't otherwise be able to install their own rooftop solar.

More than 60 percent of the capacity stemming from the 2.5-megawatt projects will be dedicated to providing cost savings for low-income and affordable housing customers within Black Hills' Southern Colorado service territory. Additionally, GRID Alternatives Colorado will lead solar industry workforce development training throughout the course of the project and offer volunteer and training opportunities to the broader community.

"Our goal is to deliver safe, reliable energy for our 96,000 Southern Colorado customers, while also creating options for customers interested in renewable energy," said Vance Crocker, vice president of operations for Black Hills Energy. "We're incredibly grateful for the collaborative spirit shown by the City of Pueblo and the Housing Authority in siting the projects and for making renewable energy more accessible to their residents. Projects that make such a significant impact are only possible through partnerships like these and we look forward to our continued work with the City."

"At GRID Alternatives Colorado, we know renewable energy has the power to lift up communities," said Adrienne Dorsey, executive director of GRID Alternatives Colorado. "We are looking forward to working with Black Hills Energy and other local partners to bring affordable renewable energy and workforce training opportunities to the Pueblo community through these projects."

GRID Alternatives Colorado is leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to underserved communities. GRID Colorado has partnered with the City of Pueblo and the Housing Authority to site the projects and subscribe the projects' capacity. 

"These community solar garden projects are a game changer for our City's Housing Authority and our residents," said Ted Ortiviz, executive director for the Housing Authority of the City of Pueblo (HACP). "This firmly establishes HACP as an energy conservation and renewable energy industry leader in Colorado and we're excited the gardens will help bring much-needed job training and employment opportunities to our residents considering a career in Colorado's booming solar industry."

Earlier this year, Black Hills Energy completed 2.5 megawatts of community solar in Rocky Ford and Ordway, Colorado, delivering on its commitment to add more renewable energy options for customers. 

GRID Alternatives | gridalternatives.org

Black Hills Energy | www.blackhillsenergy.com