Arevon hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate operations at its Ratts 1 and Heirloom Solar projects in Pike County, Indiana. Ratts 1 and Heirloom are now producing homegrown, reliable energy and long-term community benefits.
Speaking at the ribbon-cutting were Kyle Brouillette, Senior Vice President, Market Operations and Planning at with Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA); Jill Hyneman, Executive Director at Pike County Chamber of Commerce; Aaron Meyer Principal at Winslow Elementary School; and Kevin Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Arevon. Nikki Jeffers, Director of Development at Arevon, served as the event’s master of ceremonies.
“Ratts 1 and Heirloom are about more than megawatts — they are tangible illustrations of the positive and real impact renewable energy can bring to local communities,” said Smith. “These facilities will produce American-made power for decades, while also supporting Pike County’s economy and quality of life. Arevon is proud to be a long-term partner here, as we continue to invest in Indiana’s future.”
Ratts 1 and Heirloom represent an investment of nearly $400 million and will disburse more than $86 million to local governments over their lifespans, supporting schools, infrastructure, and other essential public services. The two facilities employed more than 200 full-time equivalent personnel to build the projects and also brought about an increase in spending at local stores, hotels, and restaurants.
“Our county’s legacy in energy production is strong, and now we’re building on that foundation,” said Hyneman. “By welcoming solar investment, Pike County is showing that honoring our past and investing in our future can go hand-in-hand in strengthening our economy, our schools, and our community for generations to come.”
As the long-term owner and operator of Ratts 1 and Heirloom Solar, Arevon is committed to the local community. To date, Arevon has partnered with and supported the following local
organizations and initiatives: the Pike County Affordable Housing Program, Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Department, Elmer Buchta Technology Center, Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Pike County 4-H Fair, Pike County High School Career Fair, among others. In addition, Arevon developed and managed construction of the 251 MWdc Gibson Solar Project in Indiana on behalf of Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) and the 228 MWdc Posey Solar Project in Indiana on behalf of Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company while ensuring the projects were successfully integrated into each community. Arevon is also actively advancing development on other proposed renewable energy facilities in the region.
“Pike County is an energy community, and renewable energy sources are a piece of our diversified energy strategy. We are grateful for Arevon's investment in our area,” said Ashley Willis, MPA, EDFP, Executive Director at the Pike County Economic Development Corporation. “Solar power is a wonderful asset for rural communities, like Pike County, to increase assessed value and has had a positive impact on our tax revenue for our taxing districts.”
“The Ratts 1 project is a great addition to IMPA’s power supply portfolio,” said Brouillette. “This solar site helps us further diversify our resources, assisting in our mission to provide low-cost, reliable, and environmentally responsible power. We’re glad to be a part of Arevon’s project and celebrate this milestone in energy production.”
Together, the projects add 264 megawatts (MWdc) of new domestic solar power to the grid and are the company’s first owned and operational utility-scale projects in the Hoosier State. Ratts 1 Solar is under a long-term power purchase agreement with IMPA, and Meta is the offtaker for Heirloom Solar.
