Tenaska & the Imperial Valley

Investing in the Local Community

As part of our commitment to being a good neighbor, Tenaska provides economic benefits and contributes to community-building programs in locations where our plants operate. Below is a snapshot of what Tenaska and our community partners have been able to achieve in the Imperial Valley in south­ern California.

Tenaska Imperial Solar Energy Center South

• El Centro, California
• Commercial operation in 2013
• 130 MW
• Customer: San Diego Gas & Electric

Tenaska Imperial Solar Energy Center West

• Seeley, California
• Commercial operation in 2016
• 150 MW
• Customer: San Diego Gas & Electric

Tenaska arrived in California’s Imperial Valley in 2009, at a time when local leaders were eager to build a reputation for renew­ables. Our first solar project — Tenaska Imperial Solar Energy Center South — was also the first large-scale project to begin construction in the Valley. Tenaska went on to develop a second project there.

During development and construction, the Tenaska team worked with local leaders to ensure the projects were mutually beneficial.

Economic impact: More than $1 billion from two solar development projects.

Jobs: Of the 500 construction workers hired to perform work at the Tenaska Imperial South site, approximately 70% were from communities in Imperial Valley. Of the 800 construction workers hired to perform work at the Tenaska Imperial West site, 75% were from communities in Imperial County. This is a result of Tenaska’s commitment to hire local workers and contractors, when possible.

Contractors: Tenaska worked with the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation to establish a procurement program to help renewable energy projects in the Valley identify and accept bids from qualified local contractors and vendors. More than $20 million in contracts were awarded to local companies during construction of Tenaska Imperial South. Another $20 million in contracts were awarded by Tenaska Imperial West.

Taxes: Tenaska was the first solar developer to designate Imperial County as the place of purchase for all of its solar panels and other local goods and services, ensuring the county would benefit from the sales tax. The county received more than $3 million total from Tenaska Imperial South and $2.8 million from Tenaska Imperial West.

At the same time, the solar farms place no significant demands on local services, such as police, fire or schools.