As we close out 2024, Grasby Consulting is excited to reflect on a year of progress in renewable energy, community partnerships, and economic development. Our commitment to clean energy has delivered more than just power—it has created jobs, provided funding for essential services, and strengthened local economies. We enabled critical funding and resources for rural fire departments and helped high school and community college students pursue careers in renewable energy. This year, we helped facilitate $500,000 to $600,000 worth of equipment for local fire departments through innovative solar energy initiatives. These projects have provided critical funding and resources many fire departments have never previously received. For example, Grasby Consulting worked with EDF Renewables on a 15-acre community solar project in the town of Alfred, which resulted in grass fire suppression equipment being supplied to the local fire department, allowing first responders to control fires more efficiently without relying solely on fire trucks.
Another major success was when EDF Renewables contributed a first responders’ emergency car and an ATV to the Mt. Morris Fire Department for the purpose of servicing the Morris Ridge Solar Farm. This technology will significantly enhance the department’s ability to respond to emergencies within the solar project but also in the community.
In addition to these accomplishments, we are proud to share that five additional municipalities are awaiting several million dollars in tax revenue from solar projects. These funds will support essential public services and infrastructure improvements, further demonstrating how renewable energy contributes to local economies beyond energy production.
Our projects have also created jobs, strengthened local businesses, and provided hands-on learning experiences for students interested in careers in renewable energy. Nathan Sponaugle, a 2024 Attica Central High School graduate, benefitted from the opportunities solar energy development provides this region. Through the Early College High School program in partnership with Genesee Valley BOCES and Genesee Community College, Nathan had the opportunity to shadow Grasby Consulting and EDF Renewables. While in the field, Nathan gained firsthand experience in solar farm construction, logistics, and project management. Witnessing solar farms' environmental and economic benefits deepened his passion for renewable energy. Inspired by EDF Renewables' commitment to sustainability, he plans to pursue a two-year degree in solar panel technician studies at GCC.
Grasby Consulting is working to bridge academic learning with real-world applications, helping to shape the next generation of renewable energy professionals. We’ve begun conversations about supporting other community college programs across Western New York, ensuring more students have access to career pathways in solar energy.
At Grasby Consulting, we believe renewable energy is more than just a power source—it catalyzes economic growth, job creation, and community resilience. From equipping fire departments to supporting municipalities and educating the workforce of the future, we are proud of our impact in 2024. As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue our work in advancing renewable energy and strengthening the communities we serve. Thank you for being part of our journey.
Wishing you a bright and prosperous 2025, The Grasby Consulting Team
This story is told by Shawn Grasby and written by Anna Purpera.
