BREI
Butte Renewable Energy Inc.
About BREI
Building the generation infrastructure for Oroville's energy independence.
Our Mission
Butte Renewable Energy Inc. is developing local generation resources that will support Oro Verde’s future municipal electric system.
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Our mission is straightforward: deliver clean, reliable power at rates that benefit local ratepayers. When Oroville established Oro Verde through Resolution 9417 (November 2025), it created an opportunity to build an energy system that serves community interests first. BREI is the generation side of that equation.
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We're not here to maximize short-term returns. We're here to build infrastructure that serves this community for decades—starting with ~16 MW of solar in 2027, and expanding as demand requires.
Why Municipal Generation Matters
Municipal utilities are governed locally and designed to prioritize the needs of their communities.
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By developing generation specifically for Oro Verde, BREI helps ensure that:
Rate Stability
Isn't sacrificed for quarterly earnings.
Energy Decisions
Made by and for the people who live here.
Reliability Investments
Serve local needs, not systemwide corporate priorities.
Economic Benefits
Stay in Butte County.
Leadership
Our leadership team brings decades of experience in renewable energy development, utility operations, project finance, and forestry management. Together they guide the development of local generation resources supporting Oro Verde Public Utility District
Michael Spencer
Michael Spencer is the Managing Partner of Albion Energy and leads commercial strategy for the BREI joint venture. He brings more than 25 years of global experience in renewable energy infrastructure, project finance, and public-private partnerships. Michael guides BREI’s investment strategy and long-term development roadmap
Benjamin Talbott
Benjamin Talbott is Technical Director at Albion Energy and leads engineering design for BREI’s biomass facility. A veteran engineer specializing in biomass gasification and emissions control systems, Ben has overseen installations across Europe and the United States. He ensures the project meets California’s strict air quality and performance standards.
Douglas Lindgren
Douglas Lindgren is the owner of Tubit Logging, a respected forestry company serving Butte County. With decades of experience in sustainable timber operations and biomass logistics, Doug advises BREI on forest management and feedstock supply. His long-standing ties to the Oroville community inform the project’s local engagement strategy.
Hollis (Les) W. Day
Les Day has been a foundational leader in the BREI project since its early development. He has guided site selection, coordinated with regulatory stakeholders, and built relationships with local landowners and community leaders. Les also oversees site management and contributes forestry and land-use expertise to the project’s solar and biomass development.
Our Partners
BREI collaborates with experienced partners in energy development, engineering, forestry, and infrastructure to deliver reliable renewable
generation for the Oroville community.
Albion Energy LLC
Project Developer
Albion Energy brings deep international experience in renewable energy infrastructure and project finance. As BREI’s joint venture partner, Albion leads the commercial strategy, system integration, and technical delivery of the biomass power facility and its connection to the local energy ecosystem.
Mountain F. Enterprises, Inc.
Biomass Supply & Processing
Mountain F. Enterprises operates the grinding and processing yard supporting the BREI site, supplying woody biomass generated through regional vegetation management and wildfire-mitigation work. The company specializes in forestry operations, vegetation management, and utility right-of-way clearing across California.
Tubit Enterprises, Inc.
Forestry Logistics & Feedstock Strategy
With decades of experience in sustainable forest management and fire fuel reduction, Tubit Logging plays a vital role in informing BREI’s biomass feedstock strategy. Their regional expertise ensures that forest health, wildfire mitigation, and rural economic development remain core to the project.
Relationship with Oro Verde PUD
BREI is a generation developer—we build and operate power plants. Oro Verde PUD is the distribution utility—they deliver electricity to homes and businesses and manage customer relationships.
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Think of it this way: BREI generates the power. Oro Verde delivers it to you.
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This structure allows each organization to focus on what it does best while ensuring alignment around a shared goal: reliable, affordable, clean electricity for Oroville.
BREI
Generates Power
Oro Verdi PUD
Delivers to You