Avangrid & AMP Partner to Power Ohio from Blue Creek
Avangrid, Inc., a leading energy company and a subsidiary of the Iberdrola Group, has announced a new short-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP). This agreement will allow AMP to procure a portion of the energy generated by Avangrid’s Blue Creek wind project in Ohio. The partnership ensures continued reliable energy supply to the region while simultaneously benefiting rural Ohio communities through job creation, lease payments, and tax revenue contributions.
Strengthening the Local Economy Through Renewable Energy
The Blue Creek project, located in Van Wert and Paulding Counties in Northwest Ohio, remains one of Avangrid’s most significant assets. Since its inception, Blue Creek has played a pivotal role in the region, fostering economic growth and sustainable energy development. Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra emphasized the project’s long-term contributions: “Blue Creek is one of Avangrid’s largest operating assets and remains a fixture in the local community. It has delivered significant economic benefits in the 13 years since the project became operational, and I look forward to seeing that carry forward. We are happy to work with AMP on this deal, a trusted and longstanding customer, and to see Blue Creek continue to power homes and businesses throughout the region.”
American Municipal Power’s Role in Energy Diversification
American Municipal Power (AMP) is a nonprofit wholesale power supplier that provides services to more than 130 members in nine states. These member utilities receive electricity from a diversified mix of energy sources, including wholesale power purchases and generation from AMP-owned facilities. The newly signed PPA with Avangrid is expected to bolster AMP’s energy portfolio by adding more renewable energy to its supply mix.
Pam Sullivan, AMP’s Chief Operating Officer and AMP Transmission President, highlighted the importance of this agreement: “At AMP, we aim to provide our Members with a cost-effective, diversified power supply resource mix. This agreement with Avangrid helps to diversify our power supply portfolio and insulate our participating Member utilities from the volatility of the wholesale energy market. We are pleased to have reached this agreement and look forward to a continued productive relationship with Avangrid.”
AMP serves approximately 650,000 customers across its network, and this collaboration with Avangrid is expected to enhance energy security and cost stability for its members.
Blue Creek: A Pillar of Ohio’s Renewable Energy Landscape
The Blue Creek Wind Farm is a 304 Megawatt (MW) wind energy project that began commercial operations in 2012. The facility generates enough electricity annually to power approximately 76,000 homes. Since its inception, Blue Creek has created over 500 construction jobs and currently supports 18 full-time operations and maintenance positions.
One of the most significant contributions of Blue Creek has been its economic impact on the local community. The project contributes approximately $3 million annually in lease payments to local landowners, ensuring continued financial support for families in the region. Additionally, since its launch, Blue Creek has generated over $30 million in property taxes, which have been instrumental in funding local public services, schools, and infrastructure projects.
Avangrid has long been committed to investing in renewable energy and working with local communities to foster sustainable economic development. The Blue Creek project serves as a model for the company’s vision, demonstrating how renewable energy projects can create long-term benefits for the communities they operate in.
Avangrid’s Renewable Energy Expansion in the Midwest
Avangrid has been expanding its presence in the Midwest, collaborating with 15 utilities and municipalities across the region to supply 1.3 Gigawatts (GW) of contracted electricity from 17 energy projects. This energy capacity is sufficient to power approximately 330,000 homes, ensuring a steady and reliable renewable energy supply for the region. Beyond providing clean energy, these partnerships help sustain over 100 local jobs, further contributing to economic stability in the area.
While Blue Creek remains Avangrid’s only active wind project in Ohio, the company is making strides in expanding its renewable energy footprint. Avangrid is currently constructing the Powell Creek solar farm, located about 30 miles east of Blue Creek. This project is expected to complement the existing wind energy generation, further solidifying the company’s commitment to a diversified and resilient renewable energy network.
Supporting Ohio’s Transition to Clean Energy
The Blue Creek wind project has not only contributed to Ohio’s renewable energy capacity but has also helped the state transition toward a cleaner energy future. The project was recently highlighted in Avangrid’s EMPOWERED video series, which showcased its impact on the local community. A key feature of this series included the story of how revenue from Blue Creek has helped landowners and facilitated the restoration of the historic Van Wert opera house.
Ohio has been gradually shifting its energy focus to incorporate more renewable sources, and projects like Blue Creek play a crucial role in that transition. The state’s renewable energy policies, coupled with partnerships like the one between Avangrid and AMP, are instrumental in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing sustainability initiatives.
