New Energy Equity's Lift as We Climb Foundation Donates $100,000 to Civic Works to Expand Solar Access in Baltimore

ANNAPOLIS, Md., March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New Energy Equity's Lift as We Climb Foundation has donated $100,000 to Civic Works, a Baltimore-based nonprofit, to support its mission of expanding solar access for local households. The funds were raised during the Lift As We Climb Foundation's annual charity golf tournament in October 2024 and will directly impact families in Baltimore City by improving access to clean, affordable energy.

The donation will support education and outreach initiatives to help 80 Baltimore households receive free solar installations, reducing their electricity bills by 80% to 100%. Additionally, the funding will allow Civic Works to expand its in-house rooftop solar team by hiring two new employees, ensuring long-term, sustainable solar deployment in the community.

Civic Works, founded in 1993, is dedicated to strengthening communities through education, skills development, and community service. By increasing access to clean energy, the organization empowers local residents and builds a more sustainable future.

Melvin Brennan, Director of Energy Programs at Civic Works, recently visited New Energy Equity's office in Annapolis, Maryland, to formally accept the donation. During Brennan's visit, Kevin Nguyen, NEE Director of Finance and a Foundation board member, reflected on NEE's values-based culture that is rooted in increasing access to clean energy for as many people as possible while driving innovation and maintaining a standard of excellence.

Brennan expressed his appreciation for New Energy Equity's commitment to clean energy and the company's values.

"As New Energy Equity and the Lift As We Climb Foundation look around the landscape of improved access for vulnerable households to affordable energy in ways that support decarbonization, we know there are a number of organizations and efforts seeking to deliver on that work," he said. "We're truly thankful to be recognized among that cohort, and to partner now, and in ongoing ways, with New Energy Equity to continue to deliver on shared aspects of our mission, and the broad work of expanding access where we can. Your graciousness and commitment to your value-pillars is noteworthy!"

Jim Wrathall, General Counsel of New Energy Equity and President of the Lift as We Climb Foundation, said, "on behalf of the New Energy Equity team and all those who have contributed their time and financial support to the Lift As We Climb Foundation, we are honored to support Civic Works in creating clean solar energy jobs and reducing electricity costs in Baltimore. This is a great example of the opportunities solar energy offers for communities in Maryland and around the country."

About New Energy Equity

New Energy Equity LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLETE (NYSE:ALE), develops, finances, operates, and manages solar power generation assets, providing clean electricity to commercial, industrial, municipal, and utility customers under long-term contracts. New Energy Equity has successfully developed over 550MW of solar projects and closed more than $1.2 billion in clean energy investments. To learn more, visit http://www.newenergyequity.com.

About The Lift As We Climb Foundation

New Energy Equity created the Lift As We Climb Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, as a way to give back and uplift local communities. Each year, New Energy Equity donates a portion of its profits, based on achieving company-wide goals set throughout the year. The foundation deploys these funds to support nonprofits dedicated to leaving behind a better world within their communities, including the installation of solar energy projects, education, and workforce training. Through this initiative, New Energy Equity continues to make a lasting impact by fostering clean energy access and sustainability.

Melvin Brennan (second from right), Director of Energy Programs at Civics Works, recently formally accepted a $100,000 donation from New Energy Equity's Lift As We Climb Foundation. From left to right: Kevin Corcoran, New Energy Equity; Brennan; Jim Wrathall, NEE General Counsel and Foundation President; Deborah Taylor, New Energy Equity; and Kevin Nguyen, New Energy Equity Director of Finance. Corcoran, Taylor and Nguyen also serve on the Foundation board.

Contact: Kyle Wehnes
Director - Marketing
New Energy Equity
262-366-9223
[email protected]

SOURCE New Energy Equity