Competitive Power Highlights | May 2026
As summer approaches, competitive power companies continue to strengthen reliability and expand the nation’s energy infrastructure.
This month, EPSA member companies announced major generation, transmission, and energy storage projects, including a new 600-MW natural gas facility in West Virginia, a 105-MW solar project paired with battery storage in California, major upgrades expected to add 158 MW of carbon-free nuclear capacity in Illinois, and new large-scale battery storage projects in Tennessee and Virginia.
Other developments include competitive transmission investments to strengthen reliability in California’s Bay Area, agreements to maintain critical generation resources in New York City, and continued support for local communities through investments in literacy, education, emergency services, and workforce development.
Together, these updates highlight how competitive power companies are responding to growing demand driven by AI, manufacturing, data centers, and electrification, demonstrating how competitive markets can attract private capital, bring new capacity online, extend the life of critical generation assets, and invest in innovative technologies while continuing to support reliability and protect consumers.
Read for more updates from Alpha Generation, Calpine, Constellation, Earthrise Energy, Energy Capital Partners, Invenergy, Kindle Energy, LS Power, NRG Energy, Tenaska, and TXU Energy.
AlphaGeneration Strengthens Reliability in MD and NY
AlphaGeneration announced a 10-year agreement to supply 500 MW of power capacity from its Keys Energy Center to the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, helping manage energy costs and reliability for the region.
“This agreement represents a strong alignment between AlphaGen and SMECO, pairing reliable, efficient generation with the needs of a growing customer base,” said Mary Anne Brelinsky, President and Chief Commercial Officer of AlphaGen. “The long-term arrangement with SMECO is precisely the kind of transaction that AlphaGen’s assets and core capabilities were built to serve.”
AlphaGeneration also reversed its decision to retire its Gowanus and Narrows Generating Stations in Brooklyn, New York, due to the critical role they play in supporting New York City’s grid through at least May 2029.
The decision follows updated reliability determinations from the New York Independent System Operator and underscores the continuing need for dispatchable generation to maintain grid stability in densely populated regions.
“These units continue to play a critical role in maintaining grid reliability in New York City,” said Curt Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of AlphaGen. “Given updated market conditions and the NYISO’s reliability determinations, we believe it is prudent and appropriate to continue operating Gowanus and Narrows on a merchant basis.”
Calpine Brings 105 MW Solar and Storage Project Online in California
Calpine completed the 105 MW Pastoria Solar Project, the largest renewable energy project contracted by the California Department of Water Resources to date.
Andrew Novotny, President and Chief Executive Officer at Calpine and Senior Executive Vice President, Constellation Power Operations said “Pastoria 2045 is a strong example of how an integrated energy solution can deliver both reliability and decarbonization. By co-locating solar, battery storage and a highly efficient natural gas combined cycle plant, we’re able to provide critical services at a key point on the transmission system while supporting California’s long-term energy goals. This is the kind of coordinated, public-private approach needed to meet the state’s growing energy demands in a reliable and responsible way.”
The project pairs solar generation with battery storage and an existing high-efficiency natural gas combined-cycle facility, creating an integrated energy solution that supports both reliability and emissions reductions. It connects through the 750 MW Pastoria plant and includes an 80 MW/320 MWh battery system expected online by summer 2026.
Constellation Completes the First Phase of Upgrades on the Byron Clean Energy Center
Constellation finalized the first phase of its $800 million upgrade on the Byron Clean Energy Center, replacing three major turbines in one reactor unit as part of a broader effort to strengthen Illinois’ existing nuclear infrastructure.
The multi-year project is designed to boost the nuclear plant’s output, with total upgrades expected to add about 158 MW of capacity—enough to power roughly 100,000 additional homes. Once finished, the investment will strengthen Illinois’ power supply while extending the performance of an existing carbon-free resource. The investment highlights how upgrades to existing generation assets can deliver new capacity more efficiently while reinforcing long-term energy security.
Energy Capital Partners Acquires EnergySolutions
Energy Capital Partners announced an agreement to acquire EnergySolutions, a leading nuclear company, from TriArtisan Capital Advisors LLC.
EnergySolutions operates across the full nuclear fuel lifecycle—from transportation and processing to recycling and disposal of radiological materials—and serves a broad customer base including government agencies, commercial nuclear generators, research institutions, and medical facilities across North America, Asia, and Europe.
Drew Brown, Partner at ECP said “We see tremendous potential for its platform as the role of nuclear energy in meeting the rising need for reliable, baseload power continues to grow. EnergySolutions has built deep expertise in supporting nuclear facilities safely and responsibly throughout their lifecycle. We’re excited to partner with them again as they continue serving their customers and contributing to a more secure energy future.”
Kindle Energy Launches Construction on 600 MW West Virginia Facility
Kindle Energy broke ground at Wolf Summit Energy, a 600-MW greenfield combined-cycle gas turbine power generation facility in Harrison County, West Virginia backed by Blackstone.
The project is designed to deliver efficient, reliable power to Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC), which serves roughly 1.5 million customers across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. In addition to strengthening regional supply, the project is expected to create about 500 construction jobs and support broader local economic growth.
“Kindle Energy is excited to bring Wolf Summit to West Virginia to serve ODEC and generate efficient and reliable power supply across the region,” said CEO Lee Davis, highlighting ongoing partnerships with Blackstone, ODEC, GE Vernova, and the local community.
State leaders also emphasized the project’s reliability value. “Providing reliable energy is our duty as Americans. With the PJM grid requiring massive new generation to prevent blackouts, West Virginia is stepping up to the plate,” said Governor Morrisey. “Wolf Summit Energy is a 600-megawatt solution that ensures 1.5 million people have the 24/7 baseload power they need.”
CAISO Selects LS Power Grid to Build New Transmission Line Across the Bay Area
LS Power announced that CAISO has selected LS Power Grid California to finance, build, own, operate, and maintain a new 7-mile 230-kV underground transmission line designed to enhance grid infrastructure and improve grid reliability across the Bay Area by 2028.
The project will connect Silicon Valley Power’s Northern Receiving Station Substation to Pacific Gas & Electric’s San José B Substation, and builds on LS Power Grid California’s broader regional initiatives, including the Power Santa Clara Valley and Power the South Bay projects, both expected online in 2028.
“We appreciate CAISO’s continued confidence in LS Power through this competitive selection,” said Paul Thessen, president of development for LS Power. “We have consistently delivered on our commitments in a timely manner, and this project builds on our growing footprint in California and extensive experience successfully developing transmission projects across the country. We look forward to working with our partners to deliver this critical infrastructure for the Bay Area.”
Tenaska Advances Major Energy Storage Projects in TN and VA
Tenaska affiliate company Bobwhite Energy Storage has signed a long-term energy storage agreement with Tennessee Valley Authority for a 225 MW /900 MWh storage project in East Tennessee.
The project, located in Hawkins County, is in advanced development, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and commercial operations targeted for late 2029. The 20-year agreement supports TVA’s efforts to strengthen grid reliability, manage peak demand, and integrate additional resources to help keep power more affordable as electricity needs continue to grow.
“This project exemplifies Tenaska’s ability to strategically site and develop high-value energy projects that consider grid challenges and market needs,” said John Hejkal, Vice President of Origination & Development at Tenaska Development. “The Bobwhite project supports TVA’s goal to maintain a stable, reliable electric grid amid growing customer demand.”
The initiative also reflects broader efforts to expand domestic energy storage capacity and enhance long-term system resilience across the region.
Tenaska also moved forward with plans for the Spoonbill project, a $750 million, 425-MW battery energy storage system in Loudon County, Virginia, which the company says would generate millions in tax revenue and create 150 construction jobs. According to Tenaska spokesperson Jamie Wagner, the company is in discussions with potential customers including utilities, corporate buyers, and data centers. Located near an existing high-voltage transmission line, the project would help strengthen grid reliability by storing electricity when demand and prices are low and dispatching power back to the grid during periods of peak demand, reducing strain on the system and limiting the need for additional transmission infrastructure.
EPSA Members Give Back to Their Local Communities
EPSA member companies also continued supporting the communities where they operate through investments in education, emergency services, literacy, and workforce development.
Earthrise Energy announced a $15,000 grant to expand Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library early childhood literacy program in Will’s County, Illinois. The support will help provide an additional 11,000 books to 937 children.
Invenergy donated $9,000 to the Cunningham and Bogota Volunteer Fire Departments in Northeast Texas.
Invenergy also supported two charities in Seymour, Texas, donating $2,500 to the Seymour Youth Baseball and Softball Association and $2,500 to the Baylor Action Group’s Meals on Wheels program.
NRG retail company Reliant Energy donated nearly 600 books to the Early Learning Centers of Lubbock, Texas and helped restock classrooms across campuses.
TXU Energy employees mentored participants in the University of Houston Spring 2026 Coogs for Energy Hackathon.
