Month: July 2025

NEW YORK, July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DESRI, in partnership with El Paso Electric (EPE), today announced that the Santa Teresa Solar and Storage project (Santa Teresa, or the Project) has achieved financial notice to proceed (FNTP) and commenced construction. Santa Teresa is a 150 megawatt (MWac) solar facility with a 600 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) located in Doña Ana County, New Mexico.

“The Santa Teresa Project is a cornerstone of DESRI’s growing partnership with El Paso Electric and a prominent example of how cost-effective solar and storage assets can power New Mexico’s future,” said Hy Martin, Chief Development Officer of DESRI. “The Project not only contributes to regional grid stability via large-scale energy storage, but it also underscores our shared commitment to clean energy and economic development in Doña Ana County and across the state.”

“This Project is about more than adding solar power – it’s about delivering lasting value to the communities and businesses we serve,” said Dave Hawkins, Vice President of System Planning and Operations Support at El Paso Electric. “By providing clean energy and added capacity to the entire region, we’re strengthening reliability, supporting sustainability and investing in future economic development growth.”

Santa Teresa has a 20-year power purchase agreement with EPE. The Project is expected to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 60,000 EPE customer homes each year. Santa Teresa is DESRI’s second project to begin construction in EPE’s territory, following the 130 MWac solar and 260 MWh BESS Carne project, which began construction in 2024.

Financing for the construction of the Project was provided by DNB Bank ASA, New York Branch and National Bank of Canada as Joint Coordinating Lead Arrangers, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited, New York Branch and Korea Development Bank. Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas acted as the Administrative Agent.

“During this hot summer, energy demand continues to rise. We’re proud to be a part of a project that helps support the community by adding clean energy technology to the electric grid, and to do so using U.S. made battery systems,” said Jaehong Park, CEO of LG Energy Solution Vertech. “This is a pivotal moment for energy storage, and we’re working with DESRI and El Paso Electric to build on the momentum we’ve seen in the American energy storage market.”

LG Energy Solution Vertech will provide U.S. made battery energy storage systems and the AEROS™ software suite for the project with continuous support through a long-term service agreement. SOLV Energy will serve as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the Project and will also provide ongoing operations and maintenance services once the Project is operational.

About DESRI
DESRI and its affiliates develop, acquire, own, and operate long-term contracted renewable energy assets in the U.S. DESRI’s portfolio of contracted, operating, and in-construction renewable energy projects currently includes 70 solar and wind projects representing more than ten gigawatts of aggregate capacity.

About El Paso Electric
El Paso Electric is an energy provider that is engaged in generation, transmission and distribution service to power approximately 465,000 customers in a 10,000 square mile area from Hatch, New Mexico to Van Horn, Texas. Major cities in the service region include El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico.

This press release is provided for the reader’s information only and does not constitute investment advice or convey an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities or other financial products.

Please also note that this press release has not been updated since its dateline for any information contained in it that may have changed, including any beliefs and/or opinions. In addition, no assurances can be given that any aims, assumptions, expectations, and/or goals described in this release will be realized or that the activities or any performance described herein did or will continue at all or in the same manner as at the time of the press release.

Contact:
DESRI Media
media-inquiries@desri.com

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SOURCE DESRI

New 400 MW Peaking Facility Developed in Partnership with NB Power and North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council (NSMTC)

SEDALIA, Mo., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PROENERGY has been awarded a contract to develop, construct, own, and operate the New Brunswick Power Corporation (NB Power) Renewable Integration and Grid Security (RIGS) project in Centre Village. The facility—a 400 MW PowerFLX installation driven by eight aeroderivative turbines—will operate under a power purchase agreement with NB Power as the offtaker for 25 years.

The facility will maximize the potential of the province’s renewable investment. It will provide the reliable backup support that wind and solar generation requires in addition to providing grid stability.

“At NB Power, our commitment is to provide secure and sustainable energy for New Brunswickers. Launching this generation expansion project addresses the pressing need to enhance our grid’s reliability and security to meet the unprecedented growth in energy demand,” said Lori Clark, President, CEO & Chief Nuclear Officer. “Partnering to secure additional electricity and capacity through this project ensures we can confidently navigate the energy transition, providing New Brunswickers with the reliable electricity they need, when they need it most.”

Located in Westmorland County, New Brunswick, the facility will minimize impact on the surrounding environment due to its proximity to existing transmission and fuel infrastructure while reducing provincial reliance on oil, coal, and imported power.

“This project is an essential part of a clean, reliable, affordable power grid, and it’s a great example of our approach to Indigenous-led, responsible development,” says Jim Ward, General Manager of North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council. “We need clean energy, and we need to keep costs down and keep the power on. We’ve seen in other places how too much renewable energy can cause grid failures or high costs. To avoid those issues, this load-following power plant is a perfect complement to New Brunswick wind and solar power now and in the future. PROENERGY has been a great partner on this. We welcome other developers to get in touch with us.”

The project will enter commercial operations in 2028.

“Our team has a deep understanding of Eastern Canada. PROENERGY appreciates the trust placed in us by NB Power and the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council to provide the reliable fast-start power they need,” says Jeff Canon, PROENERGY President and CEO.

About PROENERGY
Based in Sedalia, Missouri, PROENERGY is a global peaking-power solutions provider with operational experience on every continent. The company offers vertically integrated aeroderivative power solutions, including equipment, engineering, construction, operations, repair, maintenance, research, and true, turnkey power generation facilities that include the complete balance of plant. For more on PROENERGY, visit www.proenergyservices.com.

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SOURCE PROENERGY

Freedom Bank’s Mortgage Division provides $405,000 year-to-date in grant funding to help individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership

FAIRFAX, Va., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Freedom Bank of Virginia’s Mortgage Division is pleased to announce its continued success and unwavering commitment to expanding access to homeownership across the DC Metro area through strategic participation in Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta’s (FHLBank Atlanta) Affordable Housing Program. As of June 30, 2025, Freedom Bank’s Mortgage Division has provided $405,000 in homeownership assistance, including $180,000 in Workforce Housing Plus+ grants (a total of 12 loans and $4.7 million in loan balances) and $225,000 through the First-time Homebuyer and Community Partners programs (a total of 12 loans and $4.6 million in loan balances). Funding supports down payments and closing costs, which are often hurdles to entering the housing market.

These targeted programs are designed to help first-time and repeat homebuyers, low-to-moderate-income families, and public service professionals realize their dream of homeownership. These non-taxable grants support FHLBank Atlanta’s mission of strengthening communities and helping individuals and families invest in their future and build generational wealth.

Freedom Bank Mortgage participates in the following FHLBank Atlanta programs:

• First-time Homebuyer Program which provides up to $17,500 in down-payment, closing-cost, and principal reduction assistance for the purchase of a home or purchase and rehabilitation of a home by a first-time homebuyer.
• Community Partners Program which offers up to $20,000 in down-payment, closing cost, and principal reduction assistance for the purchase or purchase and rehabilitation of a home. This program is designed specifically for law enforcement officers, educators, firefighters, health care workers, veterans and surviving spouses, and other first responders, both employed and retired.
• Workforce Housing Plus+ Program which is an initiative for borrowers earning between 80.01% and 120% of the area median income (AMI). Eligible applicants may receive up to $15,000 to assist with down payment, closing costs and principal reduction assistance for the purchase of a home or purchase and rehabilitation of a home by a first-time homebuyer or non-first-time homebuyer. Properties must be the borrower’s primary residence.

“Freedom Bank’s Mortgage Division is proud to partner with FHLBank Atlanta to break down financial barriers to homeownership in the communities we serve. These grants make a lasting impact, particularly for those who dedicate their lives to public service and strengthen our neighborhoods. Beyond mortgages, Freedom Bank empowers clients to achieve their goals with a comprehensive suite of financial products and services tailored to their unique needs. With experienced bankers, quick decisions, flexible solutions, innovative technology, and responsive service, we are committed to being our clients’ primary relationship bank,” said Richard Hutchison, Executive Vice President and Chief Mortgage Officer, Freedom Bank.

“In 2025, FHLBank Atlanta will distribute nearly $120 million for affordable housing and community development through a variety of programs, with all funding going through our members like Freedom Bank, who apply for the grants to support their communities,” said Kirk Malmberg, President and CEO of FHLBank Atlanta. “Half of these funds have been allocated specifically for homeownership grants, which Freedom Bank is leveraging in an impactful way to make homeownership possible for several of its clients.”

Freedom Bank’s Mortgage Division invites prospective homeowners to connect with our mortgage team to learn more about qualifying for these impactful programs. With rising housing costs, these grants can provide a critical financial bridge to sustainable homeownership.

Visit the FHLBank Atlanta website for full details and eligibility requirements for the 2025 Affordable Housing Program. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Borrower contribution and credit counseling are required for most homeownership products.

About Freedom Bank

The Freedom Bank of Virginia is a next-generation community bank, headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, offering commercial banking, personal banking, and mortgage banking solutions using banker expertise and innovative technology to build lead relationships with clients. Focusing on businesses, real estate owners, and professionals, Freedom Bank concentrates on key industry verticals to deliver unique, sector-specific solutions to help clients meet their goals and empower their dreams. Freedom Bank has locations in Fairfax, Vienna, Reston, Manassas, and Chantilly, VA. For information about Freedom Bank, visit our website at www.freedom.bank.

About FHLBank Atlanta

FHLBank Atlanta offers competitively-priced financing, community development grants, and other banking services to help member financial institutions make affordable home mortgages and provide economic development credit to neighborhoods and communities. The Bank’s members – its shareholders and customers – are commercial banks, credit unions, savings institutions, community development financial institutions, and insurance companies located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. FHLBank Atlanta is one of 11 district Banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Since 1990, the FHLBanks have awarded approximately $9.1 billion in Affordable Housing Program funds, assisting more than 1.2 million households.

Contact:
Joseph J. Thomas
President & Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 703-667-4161
Email: jthomas@freedom.bank

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SOURCE The Freedom Bank of Virginia

• Promotion reflects transformative growth of company’s legal function under Abajuo’s guidance since 2021

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chaberton Energy has announced the promotion of Reason Abajuo to chief legal officer, marking a significant milestone in both his career and the company’s continued growth. Abajuo, who joined Chaberton Energy in October 2021, becomes the company’s inaugural CLO, reflecting the strategic importance of legal counsel in the organization’s expansion and success.

Since joining Chaberton Energy, Abajuo has transformed what began as a one-person legal function into a strategic powerhouse that drives business outcomes across the organization. His leadership has enabled the company to navigate complex transactions, mitigate risks, and capitalize on opportunities with confidence, directly contributing to Chaberton’s growth trajectory.

“Reason’s ability to balance legal precision with business acumen has made him an invaluable partner to our entire organization,” said Mike Doniger, president, Chaberton Energy. “His expanded role as CLO reflects the critical importance of his counsel in our continued success and our commitment to building distributed energy solutions.”

Abajuo brings extensive experience in energy law and corporate affairs to his new role. Prior to joining Chaberton Energy, he served as legal counsel for the power sector at The African Development Bank’s Legal Support Facility, where he managed more than $10 million in technical assistance grants and loans for power projects across multiple African countries. His background also includes legal support roles at renewable energy companies and experience with boutique and international law firms serving the energy sector.

“I’m honored to take on this expanded role and look forward to continuing to support Chaberton Energy’s mission while ensuring we maintain the highest standards of legal and corporate governance,” said Abajuo. “It is an honor to help lead the team in building sustainable and resilient communities, one energy project at a time.”

Abajuo holds a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School and a Bachelor of Laws (First Class) from Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria. He is licensed to practice law in both Nigeria and New York State, and holds certifications in financial modeling and valuation analysis, further strengthening his ability to provide comprehensive legal and business guidance.

About Chaberton Energy
Headquartered in Maryland, Chaberton Energy is a public benefit corporation developing renewable distributed energy projects, with a particular emphasis on community solar, solar for businesses and storage. Chaberton was named to the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies and ranks as the No. 1 fastest-growing community solar company, the No. 2 fastest-growing Maryland company, and the No. 34 fastest-growing company overall.

Media Contact:
Lia Morrison
‪412-573-9095
Lia.Morrison@chaberton.com

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SOURCE Chaberton Energy

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As families begin back-to-school preparations across the Midwest, Meijer is dropping prices on school supplies for students of all ages. This year, Meijer shoppers can find all their back-to-school basics, such as notebooks, crayons, pencils, folders, glue, and more, for $1 or less. Examples include:

• Meijer 2-Pocket Paper Folders: $0.25
• Meijer Washable Glue Stick 2-pack: $0.25
• Meijer Washable School Glue: $0.25
• Meijer Crayons 24-count: $0.25
• Meijer Notebook Wide or College Rule (70 sheets): $0.45
• Meijer Laminated 2-Pocket Folders: $0.50
• Meijer 8-count No.2 Yellow Pencils: $0.79
• Meijer Colored Pencils 12-count: $0.50
• Crayola Crayons 24-count: $0.50
• Meijer 2- Pocket Poly Folder: $0.55
• Meijer Composition Book (100 sheets): $0.50
• MVP Plastic School Box: $0.99
• Crayola Colored Pencils 12-count: $1
• Crayola Markers 10-count: $1

“We know families are busy this time of year, attempting to balance summer fun and preparations for the school year,” said Becky Bronkema, Vice President of Hardlines for Meijer. “By offering school supply essentials for $1 or less, we’re making back-to-school shopping easy and affordable, ensuring families find the best value in the convenience of a one-stop shop.”

The retailer is bringing back its digital “School Supply List” technology, which allows parents to search for their school’s supply lists for each specific teacher, and add items to their cart with a single click.

For the fifth consecutive year, Meijer is offering teachers 15 percent off school and home office equipment. Teachers may receive the discount, in the form of a paper coupon, by presenting a current school ID at their local Meijer Customer Service desk. Through Sept. 7, the coupon can also be used on additional categories like kids’ apparel and select electronics and hydration products. Meijer will continue to offer a 15 percent coupon* on school supplies and home office products for teachers throughout the school year. Teachers can take advantage of the coupon repeatedly by obtaining a new one any time they shop at Meijer. 

According to AdoptAClassroom.org, teachers spent an average of $895 out of their own pockets on school supplies during the 2024/25 school year, up nearly 50 percent from 2015. To help with that, Meijer will offer select school supplies, including crayons, markers, colored pencils, dry-erase markers, and more, in affordable bulk packaging.

*Coupons are valid in-store only. Certain restrictions apply.

About Meijer: Meijer is a privately owned, family-operated retailer that serves customers at more than 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets, and express locations throughout the Midwest. As the pioneer of the one-stop shopping concept, more than 70,000 Meijer team members work hard to deliver a friendly, seamless in-store and online shopping experience featuring an assortment of fresh foods, high-quality apparel, household essentials, and health and wellness products and services. Meijer is consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work and annually donates at least 6 percent of its profit to strengthen its communities. Additional information on the company can be found by visiting newsroom.meijer.com. 

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SOURCE Meijer