Sunrise Power Alliance addresses community concerns during Lowndes County meeting after online backlash

LOWNDES COUNTY, Ala. (WSFA) — A company hoping to bring renewable energy opportunities to Lowndes County spent Saturday trying to answer questions from residents after facing criticism and confusion on social media.

Sunrise Power Alliance hosted a community meeting at the Collirene Volunteer Fire Department, inviting residents to learn more about the organization’s mission, ask questions and discuss what company leaders describe as opportunities for landowners to benefit from renewable energy development.

The event comes as conversations surrounding proposed data centers in Lowndes County continue to generate debate online. In recent weeks, social media posts have criticized Sunrise Power Alliance, with some residents mistakenly identifying the company as a data center developer and expressing concerns about the impact solar projects could have on the community.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer Marc Steward said those misconceptions are exactly why the company organized the meeting.

“Our business is a renewable energy development business,” Steward said. “We recruit landowners and farmers to help them build renewable energy on their property. With the data centers that are coming and the increased demand for electricity, we want local landowners to be able to benefit by producing energy and creating generational wealth.”

According to Steward, Sunrise Power Alliance works with property owners interested in leasing land for solar panel installations. He said participating landowners would not sell their property but instead lease portions of it for long-term renewable energy production.

Steward said the company would conduct land surveys before construction begins and make improvements to access roads as needed. He also said the company believes additional renewable energy generation could help meet growing electricity demands while reducing pressure on the existing power grid.

“The goal is for neighbors to help produce the energy that’s needed,” Steward said. “Instead of electricity costs increasing because of new development, we want local communities to benefit from producing that energy.”

Despite significant discussion online, only a small number of residents attended Saturday’s meeting.

Steward acknowledged he had hoped for a larger turnout but said the company remains committed to continuing conversations throughout the county.

“We’re out here making sure everybody gets fed and has an opportunity to learn about solar development in Lowndes County,” he said.

Chief Operating Officer Norris Mason said much of the criticism stems from confusion about what Sunrise Power Alliance actually does.

“I don’t think there’s a clear understanding about Sunrise and what it is that we do,” Mason said. “We’re not advocates for data centers. We’re advocates for landowners.”

Mason explained that Sunrise Power Alliance does not build or operate data centers. Instead, the company focuses on helping landowners lease property for solar energy projects that could supply electricity to large industrial customers, including data centers and manufacturing facilities.

He said the organization also hopes those projects could create long-term lease income for families while encouraging investment in underserved communities.

“Our goal is to make sure that when new industry comes into a community, local landowners have an opportunity to personally benefit from it,” Mason said.

Mason added that the company has already received 21 letters of intent from landowners interested in learning more about leasing their property for future solar development.

Company leaders say they plan to continue hosting community meetings, sharing information and answering questions as discussions surrounding renewable energy and economic development continue in Lowndes County.

As conversations about future development move forward, Sunrise Power Alliance says its focus will remain on educating residents and helping them better understand what role the company hopes to play in the county’s future.

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