GVEC is fortunate to be experiencing growth as more people and businesses move into our service area. For over 86 years, commercial and industrial businesses have seen this region is a good place to do business. GVEC certainly supports them with infrastructure and is responsive to their needs, but the relationships we cultivate go beyond just daily service.
GVEC has long understood the significant impact commercial and industrial customers have on the overall economy in and around our service territory. Revenue, jobs and resources are created for the immediate and surrounding communities. Attracting new business and industry is one step we take to support this, but meeting the sustainability goals of established customers keeps them calling this area home. This strategic philosophy has led to many cooperative firsts over the years and has also helped shape the evolution of electric industry standards.
In 2023, GVEC had the opportunity to be part of a unique collaboration with global automotive supplier and longtime commercial member Vitesco Technologies (who merged with the Schaeffler Group, Oct. 2024) and San Antonio-based Big Sun Solar. With the goal of meeting a portion of their operational electric demand with renewable energy generated onsite, Vitesco sought out Big Sun Solar, who specializes in helping Texas companies meet their carbon reduction goals through solar energy solutions. Together, they approached GVEC to explore the potential of turning their goals into reality.
The partnership resulted in an innovative three-party power purchase agreement, the first of its kind in Texas. Big Sun Solar ultimately constructed a 12-acre 2.6-megawatt solar farm adjacent to Vitesco’s Seguin facility, which was commissioned in December 2023. Today, the power from the farm is flowing through GVEC to Vitesco, producing roughly 4,800 megawatt hours per year, or about 13% of Vitesco Technologies’ annual energy consumption. This is enough energy to power 330 Texas homes (avg. 1,800 square feet) per year and to reduce emissions equivalent to removing nearly 600 cars from the road for a year.
GVEC General Manager and CEO Darren Schauer commented, “GVEC is proud to be a part of this landmark project with both Vitesco and Big Sun. This sort of flexibility supports our customers while also strengthens the economic vitality of our south central Texas region. We are always open and willing to explore new possibilities when it comes to mutually beneficial initiatives.”
Photo credit: Photo provided by Big Sun Solar
