Key Takeaways
- rPlus Energies commissioned the 125-megawatt Pleasant Valley Solar 2 project and started construction on the 400-megawatt Blacks Creek Energy Center, both in Ada County, Idaho.
- The two projects represent a combined investment of more than $750 million in Idaho and are expected to create hundreds of construction jobs.
- Idaho Power President and CEO Lisa Grow said the projects will help provide reliable, affordable energy for the utility's customers.
- Project partners on Pleasant Valley Solar 2 provided $375,000 in workforce development scholarships to students at Boise State University and the College of Western Idaho.
- Including projects in operation, under construction, or under contract, rPlus Energies has now developed more than 1 gigawatt of solar and storage capacity across Idaho.
rPlus Energies Commissions Pleasant Valley Solar 2
Salt Lake City-based rPlus Energies announced two milestones in Idaho on July 21, 2026: the completed commissioning of the 125-megawatt (MWac) Pleasant Valley Solar 2 project and the start of construction on the 400 MWac Blacks Creek Energy Center, both located in Ada County.
Construction Begins on 400 MW Blacks Creek Energy Center
Blacks Creek Energy Center is now under construction and, once complete, will add 400 MWac of capacity to the region's grid. Together with Pleasant Valley Solar 2, the two projects add to a growing list of solar and storage assets the company has brought online in the state.
A $750 Million Investment in Idaho
The combined projects represent an investment of more than $750 million in Idaho and are expected to generate hundreds of construction jobs, along with permanent positions once complete. Idaho's 3.5% solar energy tax on gross earnings will also direct long-term revenue to the state and local taxing entities.
rPlus Energies' Utility Partnership and Community Support
Idaho Power, which partnered with rPlus Energies on the projects, framed the additions as part of a broader effort to balance the state's growing energy needs.
“Pleasant Valley Solar 2 and Blacks Creek Energy Center represent important additions to Idaho's energy infrastructure as we work to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve,” said Lisa Grow, President and CEO of Idaho Power.
“We're proud of what we've built and continue to build in Idaho and even prouder of the partnerships that made it possible,” said Luigi Resta, President and CEO of rPlus Energies.
Partners on the Pleasant Valley Solar 2 project also provided $375,000 in workforce development scholarships to students at Boise State University and the College of Western Idaho.
Growing Idaho Portfolio
Counting projects already operating, under construction, or under contract, rPlus Energies has now developed more than 1 gigawatt of solar and storage capacity in Idaho. The company's broader portfolio spans solar, battery, wind, and pumped storage hydro projects across the United States, backed by Sandbrook Capital and Gardner Group.
