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Comprehensive infrastructure modernization delivers renewable energy, improved resiliency, and significant cost savings while advancing West County Wastewater’s sustainability goals.

RICHMOND, Calif. and Oakland, Calif. October 8, 2026— West County Wastewater (WCW) and OPTERRA Energy Services today announced significant progress on WCW’s comprehensive “Clean & Green” energy improvement project that modernizes critical infrastructure, strengthens energy resilience, and significantly reduces WCW’s environmental impact.

The project includes a microgrid for backup power, solar energy installations, a cogeneration system, electric vehicle charging stations, energy-efficient lighting upgrades, and an impactful expansion of the WCW’s equalization basins. The improvements are expected to deliver nearly $83 million in savings over the life of the project, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 90 percent, and increase WCW’s ability to handle extreme weather events.

The centerpiece of the project is a modernization of the solids process and handling system, enabling WCW’s Water Quality and Resource Recovery Plant to produce Class A EPA biosolids. The system includes:

• New digesters
• Rotary drum thickeners
• Sludge dewatering equipment
• A thermal dryer
• An additional Equalization Basin, and
• An upgraded Headworks

These improvements transform wastewater residuals into a potentially reusable source of fertilizer, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers while diverting material from landfills. The new process is also expected to save nearly two million dollars in annual disposal costs.

The project demonstrates how wastewater facilities can move beyond traditional treatment to become resource-recovery and renewable-energy facilities, capturing valuable resources and energy from the treatment process.

“These infrastructure improvements allow WCW to become energy independent and more resilient in the face of extreme weather events,” said Andrew Clough, General Manager of WCW. “We are proud of our partnership with OPTERRA and the engagement with our community, including internships and community engagement programs, which ensure that our project goals include local workforce development and economic benefits for our rate payers and the City of Richmond. We are also excited about how moving away from open-air sludge drying lagoons has created opportunities for expanded Bay Trail improvements, wetland restoration, and the possible construction of a nature-based solution (Living Levee) to protect this critical public infrastructure from rising sea levels.”

“West County Wastewater is demonstrating industry leadership as an environmental steward in the Bay Area and beyond,” said Courtney Jenkins, CEO of OPTERRA Energy Services. “Through its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, maximizing resource recovery and energy production, and transforming infrastructure capacity to minimize long-term environmental impact, WCW is making significant strides toward becoming a carbon net-negative enterprise. We are proud to partner with the District on this transformational project and help bring its long-term sustainability vision to life.”

Construction on the “Clean & Green” Project began in 2022, with Phase One encompassing major improvements to WCW’s treatment infrastructure, energy systems, and resource recovery capabilities. The project represents a significant investment in the future of the District and the community, creating a more efficient, resilient, and environmentally sustainable wastewater system.

About West County Wastewater 

WCW serves several communities in the Richmond, California, area by providing wastewater collection and treatment services to approximately 34,000 homes and 900 commercial and industrial businesses, with a population of nearly 100,000.  WCW owns, operates, and maintains a wastewater collection system with 249 miles of gravity sewer pipelines, 17 lift stations, 6 miles of pressure force mains, and the WQRRP with a capacity of 12.5 million gallons per day (mgd). The WQRRP also processes sludge generated by the City of Richmond Treatment Plant, thereby providing services and generating Class A biosolids for an additional population of greater than 100,000.

About OPTERRA Energy Services

OPTERRA, an LS Power company, is a national energy company headquartered in Oakland, California. Following Opterra’s acquisition of NORESCO in 2026, OPTERRA employs 750 energy professionals across the U.S. as one of America’s premier energy service companies. The company provides comprehensive energy and infrastructure solutions to municipalities, K-16 education, special districts, and state and federal agencies. OPTERRA and its NORESCO line of business have delivered 880 megawatts of installed distributed generation, provided services to 19,000 facilities, and secured more than $8 billion in customer energy savings over the company’s 50+ year history. For more information, visit www.opterraenergy.com.

Media Contact:

OPTERRA

Anne Smith

asmith@opterraenergy.com

408-313-8089

Acquisition expands one of North America’s premier energy service companies, delivering greater scale, technical expertise, and innovation to advance energy resilience and modernization nationwide.

OAKLAND, Calif. – August 3, 2026 – OPTERRA Energy Services, an LS Power company and energy services company (ESCO) today announced the acquisition of NORESCO, a leading ESCO based in Westborough, Mass., substantially increasing OPTERRA’s footprint and capabilities across North America.

“This acquisition further advances OPTERRA Energy Services’ premier energy services platform,” said Courtney Jenkins, OPTERRA’s Chief Executive Officer.  “We share a deep commitment to helping customers solve critical infrastructure challenges while advancing fiscal responsibility, resiliency and sustainability. By combining our expertise, geographic reach, and technical capabilities, we are positioned to deliver even greater value to customers seeking innovative energy solutions.”

This transaction brings together two highly respected organizations with a combined 90 years of experience helping both public sector and commercial organizations modernize infrastructure, reduce energy costs, improve operational resilience, and achieve energy goals. Together, the companies combine the expertise of more than 750 energy professionals and a proven record of delivering results, including 880 megawatts of installed distributed generation, service to 19,000 facilities, and more than $8 billion in customer energy savings. The companies will offer an expanded portfolio of solutions and enhanced technical expertise, including sustainability consulting, and broader geographic reach. The combined organization is united in its commitment to support customers facing increasingly complex energy, water, and infrastructure challenges across educational institutions, local government, commercial and industrial, and federal facilities.

Formerly part of Carrier Global Corporation, NORESCO has delivered solutions helping campuses, U.S. military installations, and communities and businesses modernize aging building systems and critical infrastructure. Customers include higher education public private partnerships as well as many projects with the U.S. federal government.

OPTERRA brings a complementary track record of delivering innovative energy and infrastructure solutions throughout North America, with over 50 years in operation through legacy companies delivering energy conservation, renewable energy, water conservation, resiliency, and infrastructure modernization projects. Together, the organizations combine deep industry expertise, a commitment to safety, proven project delivery, and a shared commitment to advancing resilient infrastructure outcomes.

“This change enables us to deliver greater value for our customers and expand our market presence,” said Troy Walters, President and CEO of NORESCO. “By bringing together NORESCO and OPTERRA, we are expanding our ability to address complex energy and infrastructure challenges with integrated solutions, additional resources, and broader capabilities. With our new platform, our team is energized to be even better positioned to help customers improve performance, resilience, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.”

“We’re excited to welcome NORESCO to the OPTERRA team and bring together two organizations that share a deep commitment to customer success,” Jenkins added. “Over the past several years, we have seen tremendous opportunity growth in infrastructure modernization, driven by technologies like microgrids for enhanced resiliency, distributed energy resources, battery storage, and advanced energy management systems. These technologies are fundamentally changing how organizations prioritize energy security and sustainability. By bringing together our collective expertise and resources, we’re creating a platform that can help customers confidently navigate the energy transition and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Harris Williams served as financial advisor and McGuireWoods served as external legal counsel to LS Power and OPTERRA.

About OPTERRA Energy Services
OPTERRA Energy Services, an LS Power company, is a national energy company headquartered in Oakland, California. Following OPTERRA’s acquisition of NORESCO in 2026, OPTERRA employs 750 energy professionals across the U.S. as one of America’s premier energy services companies. The company provides comprehensive energy and infrastructure solutions to municipalities, K-16 education, special districts, businesses, and state and federal agencies. OPTERRA and its NORESCO line of business have delivered 880 megawatts of installed distributed generation, provided services to 19,000 facilities, and secured more than $8 billion in customer energy savings over the company’s 50+ year history. For more information, visit www.opterraenergy.com.

About LS Power

Founded in 1990, LS Power is a premier development, investment, and operating company focused on the North American power and energy infrastructure sector, with leading platforms across generation, transmission and energy expansion solutions. Since inception, LS Power has developed or acquired 50,000 MW of power generation, including utility-scale solar, wind, hydro, battery energy storage, and natural gas-fired facilities. Through its transmission business, LS Power Grid, the company operates 7 transmission utilities, has built 780+ miles of high-voltage transmission with another 400+ miles currently in construction or development. LS Power actively invests in and scales businesses that are meeting the growing needs of the energy expansion, including electric vehicle charging, demand response, microgrids, renewable fuels and waste-to-energy platforms. Over the years, LS Power has raised more than $85 billion in debt and equity capital to support North American infrastructure. For information, please visit www.lspower.com.

Media Contacts:

Anne Smith, Director of Public Relations, OPTERRA Energy Services

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