Carbondale, CO, August 14, 2025 — The Powers Art Center (PAC) has become one of the first commercial facilities within Holy Cross Energy’s (HCE) service territory to install a commercial battery energy storage system (BESS). This milestone project marks the first commercial battery in HCE service territory with the ability to be controlled by the electric utility during periods of high energy demand.

The installation reflects a successful collaboration between PAC, HCE, and Sunsense Solar, with all organizations working closely to design and implement the infrastructure needed to integrate on-site solar photovoltaic (PV) generation with a cutting-edge battery system. The result is an energy solution that meets 75% of the museum’s energy needs and enhances the museum’s reliability.

All HCE members benefit from the project because the battery has the ability to be controlled by HCE to cut their peak load costs during periods of high energy demand. The project also contributes to HCE’s mission of supplying its members with 100% clean energy by 2030.

“This initiative supports our mission to manage resources responsibly and invest in sustainable solutions for the future,” said Bobbi Hapgood, President & CEO of Powers Art Center. “By connecting our new rooftop solar to this battery system, we’re enhancing the museum’s energy resilience and helping create a smarter, cleaner grid for our community.

“Powers Art Center is leading the way for commercial battery storage in our region, said Bryan Hannegan, President & CEO of Holy Cross Energy. “This project demonstrates how partnerships between local organizations and utilities can drive meaningful progress toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.” 

The Powers Art Center’s battery project serves as a model for future commercial BESS installations and is expected to inspire similar efforts across HCE’s service area. By improving energy resiliency and reducing reliance on the grid during peak periods, these projects will play a vital role in building a more sustainable and secure energy system for Western Colorado.

A reception to celebrate the completion of the project was held on August 12.

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Acerca de Holy Cross Energy
Fundada en 1939, Holy Cross Energy (HCE) es una cooperativa eléctrica rural sin fines de lucro que proporciona energía y servicios seguros, confiables, asequibles y sostenibles que mejoran la calidad de vida de más de 45,000 miembros en el oeste de Colorado. HCE fue creada por y pertenece a las diversas comunidades y miembros a los que servimos. La membresía está abierta a todas las personas en nuestro territorio de servicio, sin importar raza, religión, edad, discapacidad, idioma, perspectiva política o nivel socioeconómico. HCE se compromete a liderar la transición responsable hacia un futuro de energía limpia con el objetivo de proporcionar de manera segura energía limpia, asequible y confiable a sus miembros para 2030.

About the Ryobi Foundation

The Ryobi Foundation is a private operating foundation dedicated to preserving the legacy of John and Kimiko Powers. It supports and manages the Powers Art Center and its educational programming, stewards the Powers’ art collection, and protects the natural landscape of their former ranch in Colorado. Through its work, the Foundation advances arts education, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship.