Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Opower (NYSE: OPWR), the global leader in cloud-based software for the utility industry, will invest $10.45 million to expand its headquarters operation in Arlington County. Virginia successfully competed against Washington, D.C. for the project, which will create 70 new jobs and retain 357 existing jobs paying above the average prevailing wage in the region.
Speaking about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Keeping Opower in Arlington County has been a high priority of my administration. This high-profile energy software company is growing rapidly and making a major impact on global challenges, and we are committed to further strengthening this important corporate partnership. The technology industry is booming in Virginia, and wins like this expansion help us continue to build on the momentum in this important sector as we grow, diversify and build a new Virginia economy.”
“Opower is a great example of the type of new energy company we want to attract to and retain in the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “It is important that we continue to catalyze growth in this strategic sector. We are thrilled to see Opower’s expansion, and we look forward to seeing the company’s future success in Virginia.”
Opower is an enterprise software company that helps utilities elevate the customer experience. Energy providers use Opower’s customer engagement platform to deliver proactive, digital communications that raise customer satisfaction, manage energy demand, and lower service costs. Opower’s software is deployed to more than 95 utilities worldwide and reaches more than 50 million homes and businesses.
“We are excited to work with our partners to design what will be one of the most dynamic workplaces in the region,” said Alex Laskey, President and Co-founder of Opower. “It’s critical that Opower has access to a skilled workforce and is able to offer a compelling work environment. We look forward to continuing to call Arlington home as we work with our utility clients help build a clean energy future.”
Pending execution of a lease agreement, Opower plans to locate its global headquarters at 2311 Wilson Boulevard, a new building to be constructed over the next two years by Carr Properties. “Opower is exactly the kind of customer we had in mind when we designed 2311 Wilson,” said Oliver Carr III, Chief Executive Officer of Carr Properties. “We can’t wait to see Opower employees meeting for lunch on our roof deck, or relaxing in the park behind our building and Opower families enjoying the daycare facility planned for our ground floor. We are excited to see that Opower will take full advantage of the unique workplace environment that we are creating at 2311 Wilson.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Arlington County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $1 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Arlington County with the project. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
“We are thrilled to continue to have Opower as a key partner in our business community,” said Libby Garvey, Arlington County Board Chair. “Arlington has watched Opower grow from a startup venture to a thriving leader not only in the region, but in the entire clean technology industry. Arlington’s highly-educated workforce and easy transportation access were things Opower was looking for as the company continues to grow, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them for a long time to come.”
“I could not be more pleased to hear that Opower is staying in Arlington” said Delegate Richard ‘Rip’ Sullivan. “Opower is precisely the kind of company we should be attracting to continue to build the new Virginia economy. Opower will continue to attract an incredibly talented and educated workforce. It is a leader in an industry vital to Virginia’s economic and climate future: building a clean energy economy. I commend Governor McAuliffe for once again demonstrating why he is the Jobs Governor.”
“I am thrilled that Opower chose to stay in Arlington,” said Senator Barbara Favola. “This $10 million dollar investment speaks to Arlington County’s high quality of life and business-friendly environment. I am committed to fostering relationships with innovative technological companies such as Opower, and ensuring that Arlington remains an attractive place to start or run a business and to raise a family.”
Share
Contributors
