Ascend Analytics Partners with AMP for Advanced Resource Planning in the Power Industry

Ascend Analytics Partners with AMP for Advanced Resource Planning

In a significant move to address the evolving needs of the power industry, Ascend Analytics has been selected by American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) to enhance the integrated resource planning (IRP) capabilities for over 130 municipal electric utilities. This collaboration aims to facilitate superior planning and risk management strategies amid growing demand for electricity.

Overview of the Partnership

On January 21, 2026, Ascend Analytics announced this partnership, expressing its commitment to support AMP's strategic objectives. AMP serves more than 665,000 customers across nine states and has recognized the pressing requirement for a robust IRP solution. As the electric grid undergoes significant transformations, driven by various factors such as load growth and evolving supply dynamics, AMP understands the necessity for flexible resource management.

The Role of Ascend's Solutions

Ascend Analytics, renowned for its market intelligence and analytics prowess, will leverage its specialized software, PowerSIMM, to aid AMP in formulating an adaptive IRP tailored to the unique demands of its member utilities. This software is designed to enable utilities, independent power producers, and data centers to optimize their power supply strategically and assess multiple resource mix scenarios effectively.

Paul Beckhusen, AMP's Senior Vice President of Power Supply and Generation Operations, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, "As power demand continues to rise in municipalities across the country, AMP is committed to providing our Members with cost-effective, innovative and risk-managed power supply solutions." The collaboration with Ascend is poised to strengthen AMP's capabilities in navigating the complexities of the energy market as it shifts towards new paradigms.

Navigating the Future of Energy

One of the key aspects of this partnership is to focus on creating diversified electricity portfolios. This approach aims to mitigate risks related to potential policy changes and market fluctuations, ensuring that AMP can provide reliable and affordable energy solutions to its members. With the energy landscape changing rapidly, having an agile and customized planning framework is essential for sustainability and adaptation.

Gary Dorris, the CEO of Ascend Analytics, praised AMP's proactive stance, stating, "AMP is a visionary organization that recognizes the importance of flexibility amid the structural change underway in power markets." By combining Ascend's analytics capabilities with AMP's extensive experience, member utilities stand to gain invaluable support as they adjust to the new realities of energy supply and demand.

Importance of Integrated Resource Planning

Integrated resource planning is critical in today’s grid environment, as utilities must balance reliability, cost, and environmental considerations. The partnership between Ascend and AMP underscores the growing recognition of the need for utilities to be prepared for fluctuations in demand and changes in supply sources. Effective IRP not only involves technical analysis but also encompasses stakeholder engagement, which is crucial for the long-term viability of energy projects.

As Ascend Analytics embarks on this journey alongside AMP, the implications for municipal utilities are profound. This collaboration holds the potential to redefine how these utilities operate in a rapidly evolving market, enabling a more resilient and responsive energy infrastructure.

In conclusion, the partnership between Ascend Analytics and American Municipal Power represents a forward-thinking approach to the challenges facing the power industry today. By prioritizing flexibility and customized solutions, this alliance is setting a precedent for how utilities can successfully navigate the complexities of modern energy demands.