Blue Ridge Power Layoffs: What Happened & What's Next
Clear, quick answers on the Blue Ridge Power shutdown: who was affected, how WARN may help, and the steps workers should take now.
Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company | Blue Ridge Power (an EPC arm of Pine Gate Renewables) |
| Workers affected | 517 total: 348 in Fayetteville, 169 in Asheville |
| Action | Company is winding down operations and conducting mass layoffs |
| Deadline | Terminations expected on or before Nov. 18, 2025 |
| Source notices | State WARN filing and coverage by pv-magazine, WRAL, and local reporting at HERE Asheville |
Short answer
Blue Ridge Power, the construction arm created by Pine Gate Renewables, is shutting down operations and will lay off 517 employees across Asheville and Fayetteville. The company cites broad "market headwinds" in the solar industry as the reason.
What happened?
Blue Ridge Power filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) with the state to alert officials about mass layoffs. News outlets report the company will cut 348 jobs in Fayetteville and 169 in Asheville. The company says it tried other options before deciding to wind down operations. See the local coverage at 828newsNOW and the company notice cited by Charlotte Business Journal.
Why did this happen?
Company leaders blame "market headwinds" affecting the renewable energy sector. That means several hard business pressures at once, such as changes to rules or incentives, higher costs, and fewer new projects. Industry outlets link the cuts to recent regulatory and market shifts that make some solar projects harder to build. For background, read the reporting at pv-magazine.
What the WARN Act means for employees
Quick explanation
The WARN Act is a federal law that covers many large employers. It generally requires 60 days notice before a mass layoff or plant closing. Employers who do not give proper notice may owe affected workers pay and benefits for the missed notice period.
Key points for Blue Ridge Power workers
- Blue Ridge Power filed a WARN notice with North Carolina officials. That is the formal alert that triggers review.
- If you were told your job ends suddenly, you may be owed up to 60 days of pay or benefits under WARN if the law applies.
- Not every worker is covered by WARN. Coverage depends on company size and number of jobs lost. A lawyer or your state labor office can explain whether you qualify.
Law firms are already investigating possible WARN Act violations. See one such notice at Strauss Borrelli.
What to do now: a simple checklist
- Save your notice. Keep any layoff letter, email, or WARN notice you received.
- Check benefits and final pay. Ask HR about final paycheck date, unused vacation pay, health insurance, and COBRA options.
- Ask about severance. Companies sometimes offer severance even when not required. Get any offer in writing.
- Confirm WARN coverage. Contact the North Carolina Department of Commerce or a labor attorney to see if WARN applies to your situation.
- File unemployment. Apply for state unemployment benefits right away. Benefits can start days after you file.
- Look for support. Use local job centers, unions, or community groups for help with resumes and job search.
Community and industry impact
Losing 517 jobs is a big hit for Asheville and Fayetteville. Local businesses may feel fewer customers.
The wider point is that this is not just one company. Several solar firms have reported pressure from market and policy changes. Industry watchers are tracking how rules and demand shifts affect construction and development of solar projects.
Is Blue Ridge Power the same as Blue Ridge Energy?
No. Blue Ridge Power is separate from utilities named Blue Ridge Energy or Blue Ridge Electric. The company was created by Pine Gate Renewables in 2021 to serve as its construction arm. Reporting at HERE Asheville and Charlotte Business Journal emphasizes this distinction.
Frequently asked questions
Will Pine Gate Renewables keep other operations running?
Pine Gate says it will support ongoing projects while winding down Blue Ridge Power. That means some project work might continue under Pine Gate or other contractors, but the construction arm itself is closing.
Can I join a class-action or WARN lawsuit?
Possibly. If you think WARN was violated, speak with a labor attorney. Firms have posted contact forms for affected workers, such as the notice from Strauss Borrelli. A lawyer can explain next steps and deadlines.
Final notes
If you are affected, act fast: file for unemployment, save paperwork, and get legal or government help to check WARN rights. For industry readers, this shutdown is a signal that construction and project finance are under strain right now.
Sources: pv-magazine, HERE Asheville, 828newsNOW, WRAL, Strauss Borrelli.
Phoenix tracks environmental policy developments and their real-world impacts. Former congressional staffer who now analyzes climate legislation and corporate environmental commitments.
