A Shift In Power: Obodo Energy Offers Sustainable Energy And Business Solutions

Energy costs in Arizona are continuing their upward trajectory. Some estimates peg energy costs to increase as much as 47% by 2050. For business owners, particularly those with narrow margins, rising costs not only eat into profits but they diminish the control they have over the sustainability of their operation. 

Partner and Chief Development Officer, Chris Mejia

Obodo Energy gets that. And that’s why the Local First Arizona coalition member provides commercial and industrial clean energy solutions that reduce energy costs and offer businesses a more sustainable footprint. According to Chris Mejia, a partner at Obodo Energy, clean energy just makes sense in Arizona.

“We need every electron we can get on the grid as quickly as possible,” Mejia said. “We’re faced with an energy deficit right now.”

For years, Arizona has been one of the fastest growing states in the country in terms of population. That trend doesn’t seem to be slowing, putting additional pressure on the electrical grid. The commercial and industrial sector is no different, experiencing robust growth as massive manufacturers, data centers and tech companies open operations in the state. All of it creates increased demand at a time when utility prices are already experiencing sharp increases. 

And other options for clean energy have a much longer on-ramp than solar. 

“We simply do not have enough energy with our existing fleet of power plants,” Mejia said. “The solar industry can get massive projects built and operating in very short time periods. We recently constructed a 4MW industrial solar project in 90 days.”

Clean Energy Options That Offer Sustainable Solutions

Obodo Energy works to offset that energy deficit primarily with solar solutions, which Mejia said were the “fastest to deploy and the lowest cost” among clean energy options. Grocers use them to capture energy in covered parking lots, schools utilize both carport and ground-mounted systems to stabilize budgets, and large manufacturers and warehouses install arrays that help them hedge against rising energy costs. 

In addition to solar arrays, the company offers battery storage, energy audits, building envelope optimization, EV charging, energy efficiency upgrades and power conditioning. Earlier this year, Obodo expanded its service capabilities by obtaining a CR-11 electrical contracting license in addition to our general contracting license, which means it can offer electrical contracting for clients, rather than relying on external partners.

That new, in-house specialty allows Obodo Energy to better control timelines and costs, which in turn benefits clients.

While the clean energy industry has recently experienced new “speed bumps,” as Mejia describes select policies that aim to dampen the availability of solar solutions, it also has some compelling momentum on its side. For starters, the cost of solar equipment and battery storage has sharply declined over the past decade. 

On its face, reduced costs make solar more attractive. And when held up against the rising cost of traditional electricity, it becomes even more enticing. 

“We have been seeing double-digit rate increases from the utilities over the past few years,” Mejia said. “As those costs increase year over year, our solutions just get cheaper and cheaper in a relative sense.”

Another tailwind for the industry, according to Mejia, is the sustained desire of individual companies and organizations to maintain a posture of sustainable business practices even if it breaks with local, regional or national energy priorities. Put simply, green and climate smart practices earn companies business from clients who are committed to utilizing sustainable supply chains.

From cost savings to increased revenue, an interest in solar ultimately comes down to — either way — financials, Mejia said. In an environment where future energy costs are uncertain, there is real value in investing in increased predictability now. Hedging, Mejia said, improves independence. 

It shifts power, in both a financial and a literal sense, from utility companies into the hands of Arizona businesses.

“Airlines will sign fuel contracts years in advance to hedge against volatility of fuel prices,” he said. “By locking in a portion of energy costs today, it provides a hedge against electric price volatility.”

Supporting A Clean Energy Economy

“The reality is, clients don’t need to look outside the state for advanced energy solutions — they can find that capability right here in Arizona, often with a more responsive and competitive partner.”

Arizona does not corner the market on solar solutions or other clean energy services. There are a number of players in the market, including those with global reach and international home bases. While Obodo Energy does offer its services outside of Arizona, it is a homegrown company based in Tempe. 

And the bulk of its work is completed within the state, which means the investments businesses make in solar energy solutions with Obodo Energy support the state’s local economy. Local First Arizona supports keeping the beneficial financial loop created when local businesses receive local support. 

“Our team regularly competes with national firms and delivers the same level of sophistication, expertise, and execution. Mejia said. “The reality is, clients don’t need to look outside the state for advanced energy solutions — they can find that capability right here in Arizona, often with a more responsive and competitive partner.”

Obodo Energy’s expertise isn’t limited to the electrical side of the business, it encompasses the financial side, too. To that end, it works with clients and partners to develop financial structures that meet the specific needs of individual projects including those in the public sector.

“Everybody’s budgets are squeezed these days,” Mejia said. “It’s worth looking into clean energy solutions. With electricity costs rising, it’s putting a strain on a lot of small business owners. We’re here to help if we can.”

• Learn more about Local First Arizona’s sustainability programs here.