Avant’s Native American division to focus on tribal goals for self-determination and sustainable energy
Minneapolis, Minn. (June 6, 2012) – Indian tribes that seek energy self-sufficiency by developing tribal-owned utilities and energy infrastructure have a new resource. Avant Energy of Minneapolis, with 25 years of guiding and managing energy development projects, has established a Native American division to advise tribes regarding their energy opportunities.
The Native American division will help tribes own and operate their own utilities and electric generation and is managed by Michael Roberts of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribe, Vice President of Business Development, and Craig Oberg, Vice President of Consulting. “We take a holistic view of energy development,” says Oberg. “The Avant Energy approach is to customize energy management for a community based on its specific needs as well as its values,” he explained.
“We want to help tribes own and operate their own utilities and energy infrastructure, rather than lease their land to private developers to build large wind and solar farms,” says Roberts. “Tribes need an alternative to gaming for revenue generation and job creation and energy is a viable option.” Avant believes that tailoring an energy solution to the needs and resources of a tribe will ensure long-term success and promote self-determination.
Oberg outlined several areas where Avant Energy seeks to assist Native American communities with energy services:
· Planning, designing and forming tribal-owned utilities;
· Planning, permitting, designing, constructing and operating energy projects, including wind, bioenergy, geothermal, solar and natural gas-powered facilities; and
· Assisting Native American communities in obtaining federal and state assistance for energy projects.
“Many tribes are seeking energy independence based on systems that minimize use of fossil fuels and align with cultural values. At Avant Energy, we are dedicated to helping make that happen,” Roberts said.
Michael Roberts can be reached at
Avant Energy (www.avantenergy.com) is a Minneapolis-based energy management company founded in 1984. From its origins as consulting firm Dahlen, Berg & Co., Avant Energy has evolved into an innovative supplier of energy project development, management, trading, consulting and utility operations services.