Released on Jan. 21, 2026
(Kansas City, Kan.) – The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has received a $10,000 contribution from Accelergen Energy (Accelergen) to support BPU’s Customer Hardship Fund, which provides one-time utility bill assistance to customers experiencing financial hardship.
The Customer Hardship Fund offers eligible customers up to $500 in one-time assistance to help cover electric or water utility charges. In 2025, the fund provided more than $168,000 in assistance to 441 households, helping families remain connected to essential utility services. Accelergen’s contribution will be directed entirely toward 2026 customer assistance through the same program.
“Access to safe, reliable utility service is essential, and when customers face unexpected hardship, support matters,” said Jeremy Ash, General Manager of the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities. “Accelergen’s contribution directly helps families in our community stay connected and reflects a shared commitment to stewardship and service. We’re grateful for partners who understand the real impact of investing locally.”
Customers who may need assistance or want to learn more about available support programs are encouraged to contact BPU Customer Care at 913-573-9190 or custservice@bpu.com.
Accelergen’s contribution aligns with its broader investment in the region through proposed energy storage projects designed to support long-term grid reliability and community benefits.
The proposed East Side and Wolf Creek battery energy storage system (BESS) projects are designed to store up to 500 megawatts of low-cost energy during periods of low demand and release it back to the grid when energy is needed most. As energy demand continues to grow in Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties, these projects are expected to help improve power reliability, reduce the risk of outages, and support future growth. In addition, the projects are expected to generate at least $40 million in tax revenue, benefiting local school districts, public safety, and fire departments.
The East Side and Wolf Creek battery energy storage projects are separate from BPU-owned generation resources and are being developed independently by Accelergen.
“We see a significant community benefit of energy storage projects like East Side and Wolf Creek, being that they are small project footprints making meaningful tax revenue contributions without increasing the burden on public infrastructure or services,” said Josh Skogen, Senior Vice President of Development and co-founder of Accelergen Energy. “While we work toward developing the Wolf Creek and East Side energy storage projects to provide clean, affordable energy solutions, we are glad to be able to contribute toward BPU’s payment assistance program.”
Both Wolf Creek and East Side are proposed battery energy storage projects, with Accelergen currently working through the permitting and compliance phases. Construction is targeted to begin as early as 2027, with operations expected as early as 2028.
For media inquiries, please contact Amber Oetting, director of communications and marketing, at aoetting@bpu.com or (913) 573-9049.
About BPU
The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility providing electric and water services to more than 67,000 electric and 53,000 water customers in Wyandotte County, Kansas. BPU’s mission is to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient utility services that support our community. Learn more at bpu.com.
About Accelergen Energy
Founded in 2023 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Accelergen Energy is an energy developer, owner and operator dedicated to advancing the transition to zero-carbon power generation by delivering high-quality solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects that benefit local communities. Accelergen’s community-focused and analytics-driven approach ensures its energy projects are strategically positioned to meet the United States’ evolving demands for reliable and affordable energy. For more information, visit www.accelergen.com.