Platte River expands energy storage, launches virtual power plant program

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Platte River Power Authority is expanding its energy storage and grid management capabilities through a new battery storage project in Weld County and a partnership with EnergyHub to develop a virtual power plant program.

The utility, which serves Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland, recently joined officials from NextEra Energy Resources to break ground on the Weld Energy Center, a 100-megawatt battery energy storage facility near Ault.

The project will be owned and operated by Weld Energy Center LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources. Located near a solar facility serving Platte River and connected to the utility’s newest substation, the battery system will store excess electricity and deliver it when demand is highest.

The project represents a $141 million investment and is expected to generate more than $6.8 million in tax revenue over 20 years while creating more than 200 construction jobs.

“This project represents the kind of forward-thinking approach that has historically defined Platte River,” said Jason Frisbie, Platte River’s general manager and CEO. “As we approach the retirement of our flagship coal unit in 2029, projects like this are essential to maintaining reliability and advancing our clean energy transition.”

According to Platte River, tax revenue from the project will support schools, public safety and infrastructure improvements in Weld County. The land is leased from the state, with 95% of lease revenue supporting Colorado public schools.

Virtual Power Plant Program Launched

At the same time, Platte River has selected EnergyHub to help design and deploy a virtual power plant (VPP) that will connect customer-owned devices, such as smart thermostats, electric vehicle chargers and batteries, into a coordinated energy resource.

The utility signed a contract with EnergyHub earlier this month, following work with the company and local communities since 2025 to develop customer participation programs.

The first VPP program is expected to launch in late summer 2026 and will focus on smart thermostats. An electric vehicle charging management program is planned later in the year through the Efficiency Works program.

“We’re pleased to formalize the partnership between Platte River and EnergyHub as we continue to make progress on the VPP,” said Paul Davis, director of distributed energy resources for Platte River. “Their experience with developing accessible and impactful customer programs aligns well with the programs that have served our owner communities for over 20 years.”

EnergyHub will also provide software that allows the utility to monitor and manage distributed energy resources, including thermostats, EV chargers and batteries. The system is designed to help balance electricity demand, improve grid flexibility and support the integration of renewable energy resources.

Together, the battery storage facility and virtual power plant initiative are key components of Platte River’s strategy to maintain reliability while increasing the use of renewable energy resources across its service territory.