ForeFront Power selected by SPURR as best solar and energy storage partner in new partnership for California schools and public agencies

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ForeFront Power and the School Project for Utility Rate Reduction (SPURR) announce a partnership that offers California schools, colleges, and other public agencies a streamlined path to solar and energy storage solutions. SPURR selected ForeFront Power through a state-wide, competitive Request for Proposal process.

SPURR, a joint powers authority, aggregates the buying power of over 240 member agencies to secure best-in-class pricing and terms on their behalf. Schools and public agencies can leverage, or "piggy-back," SPURR's competitive RFP and the resulting terms and conditions. SPURR's Renewable Energy Aggregated Procurement (REAP) Program allows participating entities to procure solar and energy storage solutions with ease.

"State Center Community College District leveraged SPURR's RFP in 2017 to expedite our solar procurement and secure expiring incentives from PG&E," said Christine Miktarian, Vice Chancellor, Operations and Information Systems at SCCCD.  "SPURR saved us considerable time and resources while ForeFront Power continues to showcase their development and project management expertise as our solar partner."

The REAP Program includes pre-negotiated contracts, industry-leading pricing, and standardized terms for public agencies in California that remove typical procurement barriers.  This allows schools, colleges, and other agencies to benefit from clean and reliable energy sooner, with less sourcing expense and effort.

"Simply put, we help public agencies procure what they need in a way that saves them time and money," said SPURR Managing Director Michael Rochman. "ForeFront Power's team has a history of success working with our members, and their model is perfectly suited to expand our program."

ForeFront Power was selected as the winner of the REAP program based on an outstanding offering which includes solar and storage solutions as well as solar learning programs that bring renewable solutions to the classroom and community.  ForeFront Power also boasts an unmatched financial profile with the backing of 'A'-Rated parent company, Mitsui, and available long-term financing for solar and storage.

"Our team and SPURR REAP provide a platform that was much needed for public agencies in California," said Chief Executive Officer, Rafael Dobrzynski. "This round is special because the solar plus storage package allows us to support more customers with their energy goals."

SPURR provides trusted oversight and guidance on behalf of public agencies, as well as a proven track record from existing SPURR solar customers. The first round of the SPURR REAP program with the ForeFront Power team resulted in over 40 megawatts (MW) of solar power systems developed at over a dozen schools and municipalities across California. With this second round, the package expands to include energy storage and off-site solar options, including community solar.

ForeFront Power's solar solutions paired with energy storage enable public agencies to reduce substantial energy expenses, hedge rising utility costs, and conserve bond funds for other needs. No capital outlay or bond money is required with ForeFront Power's renewable energy solutions.

For schools and agencies without the space or ability to install on-site solar power, community solar also offers increased scale and sourcing flexibility that still includes cost savings, no upfront costs, and progress toward sustainability goals.

For more information about ForeFront Power and solar energy for schools, visit k12.forefrontpower.com.

About ForeFront Power

The ForeFront Power team has more than a decade of renewable industry experience, serving business, public sector, and wholesale power customers around the world. Our team has developed over 800 MW of capacity across more than 1,000 projects, targeted on assisting public sector agencies and C&I firms to deliver the most impactful behind-the-meter, off-site, and wholesale solutions. ForeFront Power is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., a global energy infrastructure and investment leader.

About SPURR

SPURR is a Joint-Powers Authority duly formed and existing under the California Joint Exercise of Powers Act. SPURR was formed to seek reduction and control of utility rates on behalf of its members. SPURR membership is open to all California public K-12 school districts, county offices of education, and community college districts. SPURR is governed by a Board of Directors who are management-level employees of member organizations. SPURR, with over 240 member organizations, aggregates purchasing power and expertise for thousands of public agency facilities across the state of California. SPURR programs include natural gas procurement, electricity procurement, LED procurement, utilities data management and conservation, and telecommunications procurement.

Forward Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to various risks and uncertainties.

SOURCE ForeFront Power