How many employees are being laid off by Blue Ridge Power?

Blue Ridge Power will lay off 517 employees.

When are the layoffs scheduled to occur?

The layoffs are scheduled to occur by November 18.

What is the reason for the layoffs?

Blue Ridge Power attributed the layoffs to 'market headwinds' affecting the entire renewable energy industry.

September 23, 2025

Blue Ridge Power to Lay Off 517 Employees Amid Closure

Asheville, North Carolina, September 23, 2025

News Summary

Blue Ridge Power, a solar company based in Asheville, is set to lay off 517 employees as it ceases operations due to market challenges. The layoffs will affect 348 positions in Fayetteville and 169 in Asheville, with termination dates scheduled by November 18. The company cites broader market headwinds impacting the renewable energy sector, particularly following recent legislative changes. Pine Gate Renewables, the parent company, has committed to supporting ongoing projects and assisting employees with the transition.

Asheville, North Carolina – Blue Ridge Power, an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) solar company formed by Asheville-based Pine Gate Renewables, is set to lay off 517 employees as it ceases operations. The layoffs will impact 348 positions in Fayetteville and 169 in Asheville, with the terminations scheduled to occur by November 18.

The announcement of these layoffs was made through a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filed with the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Blue Ridge Power, which was established in 2021 as Pine Gate’s EPC arm, had plans for its headquarters in Asheville, including additional offices located in Fayetteville, Charlotte, and Midland, Michigan. According to its website, Blue Ridge Power previously employed more than 700 individuals.

It is important to note that Blue Ridge Power operates independently and is not affiliated with Blue Ridge Energy or Blue Ridge Electric. The decision to lay off its staff stems from “market headwinds” affecting the entire renewable energy industry, suggesting broader challenges beyond its control.

The renewable energy sector has been facing significant difficulties, particularly stemming from legislative changes made during President Donald Trump’s administration. In July, Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which eliminated subsidies for solar and wind energy projects more rapidly than initially anticipated. Analysts warn that this legislation could lead to a considerable decline in renewable energy installations over the next decade.

Pine Gate Renewables has stated that it explored various options to sustain operations before ultimately deciding on an orderly wind-down of Blue Ridge Power. The parent company expressed a commitment to support ongoing projects and assist customers in transitioning to other EPC providers. Pine Gate also acknowledged its employees’ hard work and emphasized that the layoffs do not reflect their contributions.

Additionally, it is noted that Blue Ridge may have the ability to extend the layoff date for some workers based on unspecified factors. Workers at Blue Ridge Power are not part of a union. Meanwhile, Pine Gate Renewables, which was established in 2016, currently employs roughly 300 staff members and has secured over $7 billion in project financing and capital investment. The company operates over 100 solar facilities, contributing more than 2 gigawatts of installed capacity, and has 30 gigawatts of projects in development. Blue Ridge Power alone has constructed 7 gigawatts of solar infrastructure across 14 states.

Key Points

Blue Ridge Power lays off 517 employees as it ceases operations.
348 layoffs in Fayetteville and 169 in Asheville.
Layoffs anticipated to be completed by November 18.
Company cites broader market challenges impacting the renewable energy sector.

Impact of Legislative Changes

The renewable energy sector’s challenges are exacerbated by recent legislative changes, particularly those enacted during Trump’s administration. The removal of subsidies through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has placed significant strain on solar and wind project viability, prompting concerns about future installations.

Key Features

Feature	Details
Total Layoffs	517 Employees
Locations Affected	Fayetteville (348), Asheville (169)
Layoff Date	By November 18
Company Established	2021
Pine Gate Renewables Established	2016