Particle.news
Download on the App Store

rPlus Tops 1 GW in Idaho After Commissioning 125 MW Plant and Starting 400 MW Build

The twin projects bring more than $750 million in private investment under long-term contracts with Idaho Power, boosting local jobs and tax revenue.

Overview

  • Pleasant Valley Solar 2, which rPlus commissioned Tuesday, is a 125 MWac solar farm that will deliver power to Idaho Power under a long-term contract.
  • Construction has begun on the 400 MWac Blacks Creek Energy Center in Ada County, a project rPlus says pushes its Idaho portfolio past 1 gigawatt of solar and storage.
  • The two developments together represent more than $750 million in capital spending and are expected to create hundreds of construction jobs plus permanent onsite positions.
  • Project partners contributed $375,000 for workforce scholarships at Boise State University and the College of Western Idaho, and the developments will generate ongoing local revenue through Idaho’s 3.5% solar gross-earnings tax.
  • The moves fit into a wider state trend: Idaho had about 1,301 MW of installed solar as of June 2026 and Idaho Power is pursuing major short- and long-term storage procurements to support grid reliability.