Aldrin Energy Storage | Texas, Brazoria County

Engagement Strategy

Following is our strategic analysis based on the community assessment for navigating approval for an energy storage facility in Brazoria County, Texas.

BAM Analysis

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Brave. The strengths that give us confidence to move forward.

1. Grid stability. In an area where outages are top of mind, we provide a solution adjacent to an existing substation and no other surrounding land uses.

2. Solar and industrial hotbed. This is a fiercely pro-business, libertarian-minded county.

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3. Strong favorable demographics. This region strongly supports property rights, and standalone storage does not come with the political baggage associated with wind and solar.

Alert. The dangers that we must overcome or avoid.

1. Making waves. We don’t want to stand out amongst a large crowd of routinely allowed land uses.

2. Shakedowns. We need to avoid any perception that we’re uniquely vulnerable to unfair treatment.

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3. Neighbors and competition. We should be aware of surrounding landownership and competing interests.

Motivated. The opportunities that we should pursue for success.

1. Be polite. Build relationships quietly and respectfully.

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2. Make a business case. Describe why energy storage is specifically use fuel at this location..

3. Move fast. Tie up the land and get a permit before any competing interests materialize.

Message Plan

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We’re providing a solution for improved grid stability that supports overall energy and economic development in the area. This privately funded and developed project meets all state and local requirements and will be a long term contributor to the county’s tax base.

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Tactical Approach

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1. Engage key county stakeholders. Reach out to the county engineer and follow his advice. Be alert to surrounding landowners and potential competitors, and monitor local political sentiment closely.

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2. As needed, identify and activate the low hanging fruit. Quietly find friends who will carry our message for us, starting with state level elected officials and county commissioners.

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Goal: Introduce ourselves to key thought leaders and decision makers.

We will start our outreach with Supervisor Desmond's Chief of Staff: Vanessa McCarthy-Olmstead. Our project is in Supervisor Desmond's district, so early contact with his office will be key. Vesper should introduce themselves, the project and its benefits, and get a download from his Chief of Staff on what we need to know about Desmond and his district as we work through the permitting process.
At the same time, Vesper should begin developing a relationship with the Sacramento County Planning Director. This will be a key relationship as we navigate the permitting process, and having the planning department on our side throughout will be an important pice of getting through the process smoothly and efficiently.

Lastly, we should begin building relationships with respected and knowledgeable thought leaders in the county. This includes the County Economic Development Director and the president of the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce, which is the closest chamber to the project. Our goal here is to foster good relationships, get their take on the community, and get intel on Board of Supervisors. We also want to make sure we are talking about the benefits that this project will bring.

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Goal: Use what we learned in Phase I as we reach out to the broader community, prioritizing any connections the initial group of stakeholders recommends. We will build relationships, garner positive press, and educate the community on the project and its benefits.

Lean on economic development. Leverage our relationships we've built with thought leaders in the community to educate others in their organizations on project economic benefits and build a base of support there.
Non-profits, schools, energy and religious organizations. Continue to expand our outreach to leaders in other areas, tailoring messaging as appropriate to each group.
Launch a coordinated digital and earned media campaign. Content should be aimed at driving the positive narrative about how solar energy is important for economic development in the region, as well as Vesper being a proactive, good neighbor.