Competitive Power Highlights | March 2026
Competitive power producers are investing billions in infrastructure to meet America’s rapidly rising electricity demand – including new natural gas generation, renewable projects, large-scale battery storage, and nuclear life extensions.
Across the country, competitive power suppliers continue to respond to rising electricity demand by investing in new generation, expanding battery storage, and advancing projects that strengthen grid resilience.
EPSA member companies are moving forward with projects that add capacity to the grid, extend the life of existing resources, and deploy innovative new technologies. Their efforts highlight how independent power producers are working to ensure reliable and affordable power for consumers while supporting the nation’s growing energy needs.
Read for more updates from Calpine, Capital Power, Constellation, Invenergy, Jupiter Power, NRG Energy, Tenaska, and Vistra.
EPSA Members Advance New Natural Gas Generation
Invenergy has signed a deal with a subsidiary of Tallgrass to supply fuel for as many as three new natural gas–fired power plants that Invenergy plans to develop in Arizona to help meet rapidly growing electricity demand, which is projected to increase by 40% over the next five years.
“For 25 years—including 10 in Arizona—Invenergy has partnered with communities to deliver a mix of energy solutions and shared value for the local economy,” said Daniel Runyan, Invenergy’s senior vice president for development. “As electricity demand grows, it’s even more clear that natural gas is critical to keeping energy affordable and reliable, and our agreement with Tallgrass to procure long-term gas supply is proof of our commitment to Arizona, our customers, and the local communities we support.”
NRG plans to invest $617 million to build a new 455-megawatt natural gas unit at its 327-MW Greens Bayou plant in Houston, Texas, as part of Governor Greg Abbott’s Texas Jobs Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program.
“Moving Texas forward to meet rising energy demand involves public-private partnership, and NRG is grateful the Greens Bayou new build project is part of Governor Abbott’s innovative JETI program,” said NRG President Robert Gaudette.
The plant is expected to begin operations, providing power to ERCOT, in 2028.
Invenergy Expands new Renewable Generation Capacity
Invenergy received approval from South Dakota regulators for a $750 million wind project that will add 333 megawatts of generation capacity to the state’s grid. The permit was issued Friday by the state Public Utilities Commission for the project.
The Philip Wind Energy Center, which will include up to 87 turbines, is expected to be the largest of its kind in South Dakota. Construction is anticipated to begin in June, with commercial operations targeted for December 2027.
Jupiter Power and Vistra Advance new Battery Storage
Jupiter Power is seeking approval from the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board to build a large battery storage project with 700 megawatts of power capacity and 2.8 gigawatt-hours of stored energy — making it one of the largest battery projects in the nation.
The proposed Trimount Energy Storage project would be built at a former Exxon Mobil oil-storage facility in Everett and connect to a major substation that links Boston to the broader New England grid. The location sits within a key grid “load pocket,” where peak electricity demand can sometimes exceed available transmission capacity during periods of high usage or system stress.
“At hours when the grid is overly stressed, the ability to discharge the batteries in the middle of the load pocket alleviates the strain on all the major lines going into the metro area,” said Hans Detweiler, Jupiter Power’s senior director of development.
If approved, the company expects construction to begin in 2027, with operations starting in late 2028 or early 2029.
Vistra announced an expansion of its residential virtual power plant program by adding Enphase Energy’s IQ® Batteries to its Battery Rewards program, offered through TXU Energy. The program allows eligible customers to earn incentives by exporting stored energy from their home batteries to the grid during periods of high demand.
By aggregating energy from customer-owned batteries and dispatching it when needed, Vistra can help manage peak demand and support grid reliability in Texas while maximizing existing grid infrastructure.
Constellation Powers Large-Load Energy Users
Constellation announced that Calpine signed a 380-megawatt deal with CyrusOne to connect and serve a new data center adjacent to the Freestone Energy Center in Freestone County, Texas.
“This agreement with CyrusOne demonstrates Constellation’s ability to meet the growing demand from the data economy while maintaining grid reliability, creating jobs and economic growth, and benefiting local customers and communities,” said Constellation President and CEO Joe Dominguez. “By leveraging existing infrastructure and grid connections, we can help customers move quickly while ensuring continued reliability for Texans.”
Constellation signed a 20-year agreement to power the new Titans stadium in Tennessee.
Under the agreement, Constellation will operate and maintain the energy system that will provide heating and cooling for the 2.1-million-square-foot, 60,000-seat stadium when it opens in 2027. The company said its high-efficiency system is designed to improve overall energy efficiency by up to 20 percent.
“We work closely with our customers to provide customized solutions that meet their energy and sustainability objectives, and the launch of this exciting collaboration with the Titans is a prime example of that commitment in action,” said Jim McHugh, senior executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Constellation.
NRG Acquires new Fossil Fuel-Fired Plant
NRG acquired the Ravenswood Generating Station in Long Island City, the largest fossil fuel-fired power plant in New York, from LS Power.
The facility includes three steam generators built in the 1960s as well as a newer combined-cycle unit, and it supplies a significant share of New York City’s locally generated electricity. Ravenswood has also frequently been discussed as a potential future clean energy hub.
The plant produces roughly one-fifth of New York City’s in-city generation, making it a critical component of both the local grid and the surrounding community’s energy supply.
Vistra Pursues Nuclear Plant Life Extension
Vistra is seeking to extend the operating license of its Perry Nuclear Power Plant into the 2060s.
As electricity demand in Ohio continues to grow due to an increase of data centers, Perry officials said the plant is preparing to increase its electricity output by about 15%. The facility currently produces about 1,300 megawatts of electricity, and the planned uprate would add roughly 200 megawatts, bringing total output to around 1,500 megawatts.
EPSA Members Support Their Local Communities
Capital Power sponsored the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley Today’s Kids, Tomorrow’s Stars Gala, an event that celebrates the Youth of the Year honoree and more than 15,000 kids in their clubs.
Constellation and Calpine volunteers painted murals that will be donated to Nemours Children’s Health in Pennsylvania.
NRG retail Company Reliant employees labeled 640 meals for seniors at Interfaith Ministries, helping to ensure meals are ready to be distributed during inclement weather.
The Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement that has studios, classrooms, and gathering spaces is set to officially open next month in Omaha.
