Bravery Brewing Becomes First Commercial Partner in Lancaster’s Power Choice Program

Lancaster, CA — Bravery Brewing has officially become the first commercial business to join the City of Lancaster’s Power Choice program, a partnership with Participate Energy designed to lower energy costs and promote renewable power for local businesses.

The announcement was made during a celebratory event on Thursday, September 18th, that began with the Pledge of Allegiance and included remarks from city officials, community leaders, and business representatives.

Addressing Rising Energy Costs

City Manager Trolis Niebla shared the story that inspired the initiative: a local business owner facing soaring electricity bills, which had more than doubled in recent years. “We knew we couldn’t do a lot with Edison,” Niebla explained, “but we thought, maybe there is a power choice.” That conversation set in motion a collaboration between Lancaster Energy and Participate Energy that now provides Bravery Brewing with affordable, renewable power and battery backup.

“This program means local businesses can reinvest their savings and grow,” Niebla said.

A Partnership Built on Collaboration

Brent Kuykendall, Director of Energy Retailer and Government Relations at Participate Energy, praised Bravery Brewing for stepping forward as the first commercial partner. “As a first partner, there are always bumps in the road,” Kuykendall noted. “But their patience and commitment made this possible. They now have renewable energy, battery support, and will be saving money while supporting the community.”

To mark the milestone, Participate Energy presented Bravery Brewing with a commemorative plaque.

Bravery Brewing’s Commitment to Community

Bravery Brewing Co-Founder/ Brian Avery thanked the city and Participate Energy for helping his family-run business regain control over a critical expense. “Utilities are something you can’t control,” Avery said. “Now, being able to get power under control gives us peace of mind and allows us to focus on what matters — making the best possible beer and supporting our community.”

He recalled a past council meeting where Mayor Rex Parris predicted that Bravery would become the program’s first commercial partner, calling the collaboration “exactly the kind of relationship I want to see between our businesses and local government.”

Recognizing Community Support

Certificates of recognition were presented to Bravery Brewing from the City of Lancaster, the Antelope Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the office of Assemblymember Juan Carrillo. Speakers praised the project as a model for how collaboration can strengthen small businesses across the region.

“This is what collaboration is all about,” said Victoria Ventura, representing Assemblymember Carrillo. “When we come together as a community, we can do a lot more. This will help Bravery and serve as a resource for other small businesses.”

Looking Ahead

As Bravery Brewing energized its new system, city officials expressed hope that other local businesses would follow suit.

“If you’re a business, we want to support you,” Niebla said. “This partnership shows what’s possible when we work together.”

The event closed with cheers, applause, and refreshments — a fitting toast to a program aiming to create a brighter, more sustainable future for Lancaster’s business community.

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