Renewable energy jobs at FirstLight Power

Among FirstLight's notable projects is the Shepaug Generating Station, located on the Housatonic River in Connecticut, which is the state's second-largest renewable energy source and the largest hydroelectric facility. This facility plays a crucial role in supplying reliable baseload power and has contributed significantly to the creation of Lake Lillinonah (source: firstlight.energy). In Canada, FirstLight's former H2O Power facilities, which originated from eight hydro plants in Ontario, have undergone significant upgrades, increasing their capacity from 131 MW to 151 MW through a comprehensive refurbishment program that included a $130 million overhaul from 2011 to 2021 (source: businessviewmagazine.com). The Okikendawt Hydroelectric Project in Dokis, Ontario, has also marked its 10th year of operation in 2024, showcasing FirstLight's commitment to sustainable partnerships with local communities, such as the Dokis First Nation (source: firstlight.energy). Furthermore, Hydroméga's integrated assets contribute over 135 MW of hydroelectric projects developed since 1987, along with more than 1 GW of wind capacity in Québec, representing a significant portion of the province's installed wind power (source: investpsp.com).

In the past two years, FirstLight Power has made significant strides, including the acquisition of Hydroméga Services Inc. on February 22, 2024, which expanded its Canadian operating capacity to over 200 MW and added a 2 GW development pipeline (source: investpsp.com). Additionally, on August 6, 2024, the company secured a power purchase agreement with Burlington Electric Department for 54 GWh of hydropower and VT-1 renewable energy credits from the Shepaug facility through 2025 (source: firstlight.energy). The company also celebrated the 10-year milestone of the Okikendawt project in partnership with the Dokis First Nation in summer 2024, highlighting its commitment to community engagement and sustainable development (source: firstlight.energy). Furthermore, FirstLight launched the FirstLight Sustains initiative in spring 2023, aimed at supporting community development and environmental education (source: firstlight.energy). The company was also recognized as the Clean Energy Company of the Year at the Green Future Gala, underscoring its growth and commitment to clean energy solutions (source: firstlight.energy).

FirstLight Power employs over 200 individuals across various roles, including engineering, mechanics, electricians, communications, strategy, and development. Many of these positions are unionized, reflecting the company's commitment to providing good-paying jobs while maintaining a focus on operating century-old assets, some dating back to 1906 and 1925 (source: firstlight.energy). The company actively hires talent across its offices in Burlington and Northfield, Massachusetts; New Milford, Connecticut; Adrian, Pennsylvania; Oshawa, Ontario; and Montréal, Québec, seeking individuals passionate about clean energy to join their teams (source: firstlight.energy). The culture at FirstLight emphasizes deep regional roots, with employees dedicated to maintaining legacy facilities while fostering a family-like environment that supports grid decarbonization efforts. Initiatives like FirstLight Sustains promote community volunteering, public safety, workforce development, and environmental education (source: firstlight.energy). While specific benefits are not detailed in public sources, the company highlights the advantages of union jobs and opportunities for public recreation tied to its stewardship of 14,000 acres of land (source: businessviewmagazine.com).