Veregy joined Adams County School District 14, Xcel Energy, and community leaders to celebrate the district’s new electric bus fleet and clean energy infrastructure in Commerce City, Colorado. The celebration recognized the district’s leadership and vision in bringing together electric transportation, solar generation, and a forthcoming battery storage system.
As the district’s energy partner, Veregy helped unlock more than $7 million in grants, pilot program funding, rebates, and tax credits while providing turnkey project design and construction services. This collaborative approach helped Adams 14 add 14 electric school buses at almost no out-of-pocket cost to the district.
Leaders from Adams 14, Veregy, and Xcel Energy
“The Adams County School District 14 (Commerce City, CO) reached out to Veregy in September of 2023 for assistance with the 2023 EPA Clean School Bus Rebate Program. With a responsiveness, a thoroughness and a transparency that only the best operate with, Account Executive Ashlee Kruger and Director of Vehicle Electrification Solutions Scott Wisner patiently and expertly led us and taught us through the whole process of application for grants and rebates, project management, engineering, procurement, and construction. We now have a 3-canopy solar station and a 14-vehicle fleet of electric buses on the road. This has been a true, hands-on professional turnkey service. We consider Veregy to be much more than a vendor; Veregy is a Business Partner”.
— Mario Márquez, Chief Business Officer, Adams County School District 14
an integrated approach to cleaner transportation
The project combines new buses with the infrastructure to charge them and generate electricity on site:
- 14 new Blue Bird electric school buses.
- Three solar bus canopy systems totaling 423.4 kW.
- Seven dual-port Level 2 ChargePoint chargers and two ChargePoint DC fast chargers.
- A 150 kW / 406 kWh battery energy storage system planned for spring 2027.
The solar canopies began generating electricity in February 2026, and the electric buses began serving routes on August 1. In addition to producing on-site power, the canopies help protect the district’s fleet from the elements. Veregy estimates the transition from diesel to electric buses will save Adams 14 approximately $77,668 annually in fuel and maintenance costs.
partnerships make the project possible
Xcel Energy provided nearly $2.4 million through its Electric School Bus Program, and the district received a $2.86 million award through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Rebate Program. Additional support includes an anticipated $1.16 million federal investment tax credit payment for the solar carports, along with Xcel Energy Solar*Rewards incentives. Together, these funding sources help reduce upfront costs and support long-term value for the district.
The next phase will add an Xcel Energy-funded battery energy storage system in spring 2027. Veregy is managing the battery project from start to finish, coordinating program requirements and installation.
The system will store solar energy for use during periods of higher demand and provide backup power for buses and other critical loads. Integrated controls will coordinate the solar array, battery, and EV chargers based on utility rates and bus charging schedules, helping the district manage energy costs while preparing for future grid programs.
Veregy is proud to support Adams 14’s commitment to cleaner transportation and responsible energy management. We thank Xcel Energy for its significant funding and partnership, the district for its leadership, and the dignitaries and community partners who joined us to celebrate this milestone. Also thank you to CBS News for featuring our story (read here)!
Three solar bus canopy systems totaling 423.4 kW installed at Adams County School District 14.
