Intuit streamlines clean energy procurement with RPD Energy, now part of Arcadia

Intuit streamlines clean energy procurement with RPD Energy, now part of Arcadia

Intuit streamlines clean energy procurement with RPD Energy, now part of Arcadia

Use case

Enhance corporate sustainability through strategic renewable procurement — building on existing on-site solar generation — by securing locally-sourced clean energy to power Intuit's Mountain View headquarters campus in California.

Challenge

Intuit needed a comprehensive renewable energy strategy that went beyond their on-site solar installation to meet their carbon reduction commitments without compromising cost efficiency or operational reliability. Their key criteria specified:

• Energy sourced from a local renewable energy generator
• California Category 1 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs bundled with generation)
• Competitive pricing for an 8-year term
• Full requirements balancing and load shaping through a Retail Electric Supplier

Solution

RPD Energy, now part of Arcadia, leveraged its position as an independent energy advisor to evaluate multiple renewable generation options, assessing trade-offs between pricing structures, contract terms, and delivery risks, and qualifying options that aligned with Intuit's requirements. Through extensive market analysis and evaluation of their partner network, RPD:

• Identified Leeward Renewable Energy's Buena Vista Wind Farm, located within 50 miles of Mountain View and connected to the same grid (CASIO), to supply local renewable energy and Category 1 concurrent RECs (real-time, grid-connected renewable energy credits)
• Enlisted Just Energy (through its California subsidiary, Commerce Energy) to manage wholesale scheduling and retail balancing services, ensuring reliable power delivery during variable wind generation.

Benefits

This tailored procurement strategy solution showcases RPD’s expertise in structuring innovative renewable transactions that connect generators and corporate buyers through streamlined frameworks. As a neutral advisor, RPD handles the intricate procurement process while delivering a seamless experience that achieved Intuit's sustainability objectives, optimized costs, and minimized operational risks.

RPD designed a structured agreement that forms an auditable contract and clear scheduling path from the renewable generator to Intuit’s campus. While the electricity is supplied to Intuit via the local utility’s distribution system, each megawatt hour Intuit consumes (over and above its solar production) is supported by the physical renewable wind power from the Buena Vista Wind Farm along with the Category 1 concurrent Renewable Energy Credits.

• Operational Simplicity: Intuit receives reliable renewable power matched to their consumption without assuming any risk from variable wind output.
• Streamlined Procurement: Intuit has direct access to renewable energy through a standard retail contract structure at a competitive price without the complexity of a PPA.
• Risk-Optimized Sustainability: Intuit advances carbon reduction goals through local wind power while maintaining cost competitiveness and avoiding long-term commitments, meeting their overall sustainability objectives.
• Innovative Structuring: Leeward Energy establishes a new channel to supply corporate buyers while maintaining reliable revenue streams - expanding beyond traditional PPAs.