We Are Your Tribal Energy Champions

Extending Your Energy Sovereignty

Colusa Indian Energy is a Tribal owned corporation that brings decades of experience in the energy industry to your project. Specializing in identifying and applying for grant funding opportunities, turnkey EPC energy project services, and long term operations, Colusa Indian Energy aims to electrify Indian Country, provide reliable and affordable alternatives to the big utilities, and promote the use of green technologies.

⚡️ Tribal energy independence

⚡️ micro-grid construction & operation

⚡️ energy efficiency projects

⚡️ renewable power

⚡️ engineering

⚡️ cogeneration for casinos, reservation housing, cannabis, and more

Top Rated

Colusa Indian Energy stands out as the top-rated Tribal energy company due to its unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. With a strategic focus on harnessing clean and efficient energy sources, such as solar, wind, and CHP power, the company has not only significantly reduced carbon emissions but has also paved the way for a greener future.

Investing In Us

Colusa's consistent investment in cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure has ensured the most reliable supply of energy to its customers. Moreover, the company's proactive involvement in Tribal communities, through educational initiatives and partnerships, demonstrates its dedication to fostering a broader understanding of energy needs across Indian Country.

Industry Leaders

Combining environmental responsibility, technological advancement, and Tribal community empowerment, Colusa Indian Energy is at the forefront of the Tribal energy sector.

Personalized Solutions

At our Tribally owned energy company, we take pride in offering personalized solutions that cater to the unique needs and values of each customer. By collaborating closely with our clients, we design and implement sustainable energy plans that not only harness the power of nature but also respect and honor the cultural heritage of your Tribe.

Careers

email info@colusaindianenergy.com to join our growing team

Leadership Team

Wayne R. Mitchum, Jr.

Wayne R. Mitchum, Jr. (President and CEO) is serving his fifth elected term as Chairman of the Colusa Indian Community Council. As President of the Colusa Indian Community’s Economic Development Corporation Board, Chairman Mitchum is also the leader of Colusa Indian Energy.

Chairman Mitchum has over two decades of combined experience on the EDC Board and on Tribal Council. As head of the EDC, he has had his hand in directly developing many profitable businesses for the Tribe, including the Wintun Mini-Mart, Three Sisters Collective, Smokey River Tobacco, and Colusa Indian Energy.

His life’s work is in caring for his family and for his Tribe. Chairman Mitchum has been an integral part of negotiations with the State of California on the gaming compact for the Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community. He is also a major voice in the opposition towards the State’s Sites Reservoir project, which will affect the Tribe for generations to come.

Kenneth Ahmann

Ken Ahmann (COO) has worked in Indian Country for two decades and serves also as the Tribal Utility Authority Director for the Colusa Indian Community. He is an evangelist for Tribal energy sovereignty who seeks to help empower Tribes from coast to coast to hold control of their own energy futures.

Ken serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Tribal Energy Solutions, a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to electrify the 13,500 families with no access to electricity across the Navajo Nation. Ken also serves on the Colusa Indian Community’s Economic Development Corporation Board.

Ken has a BSBA from San Diego State University, degrees in Political Science and Interdisciplinary Studies, and multiple energy industry certifications. He has constructed, operated, and managed more than 50 cogeneration micro-grids across the country.

Natanya Sell

Natanya (VP of Programs) brings decades of expertise in program management, customer relationship management, leadership development, and organizational growth.

Her industry experience spans power generation, renewable energy, oil & gas, aerospace, manufacturing, construction, and hospitality/resort sectors, across roles in operations, customer service, field service, and engineering.

Natanya has a Masters from University of Arizona in
Comparative Cultural and Literary Studies and she graduated
Summa Cum Laude from UC Irvine with a BA in Humanities.
She has also earned a Change Leadership Certificate from Cornell University, among many other industry related certifications.

Chris Ezell

Chris (VP of Engineering) is a mechanical engineer with 20 years of engineering, management, and consulting experience in the energy sector. He worked for EOG Resources as operations manager and lead engineer and also as lead facility engineer for new ventures and Permian developments for Devon Energy.

Chris qualified as a nuclear engineering officer in the U.S. Navy aboard a submarine. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in engineering management.

Operations Team

Jason Desautels

Jason (VP of Operations) has worked in Indian Country since 2017 as Lead Technician for the Colusa Indian Community Council’s Tribal Utility Authority. Jason is a US Marine Corps and Army Infantry combat veteran. Jason is responsible for managing all in house technical training and mechanical maintenance across Colusa Indian Energy’s sites.
Jason earned a History degree from Sierra College. He is also factory certified by Generac, Jenbacher, Caterpillar, Trane, Wonderware, and Woodward.

Gregory Eixenberger

Greg (Regional Operations Director - NorCal) has worked in the power generation industry since 1998 as a senior technician and master mechanic, most recently for Peterson CAT. He brings decades of Caterpillar, Jenbacher, and Waukesha expertise to Colusa Indian Energy's power plant operations division.

Jeremy Blankenchip

Jeremy (Co-Gen Manager) has decades of experience working in Indian Country as a master mechanic, welder, fabricator, rigger, pipe fitter, and power plant operations and maintenance manager. Jeremy is factory certified by Jenbacher, Caterpillar, Woodward, ABB, and Trane.

Marty Castillo

Marty (Co-Gen Technician) heads up our Co-Gen electrical projects and manages any medium voltage integration and maintenance. He is a journeyman electrician certified by the Western Electrical Contractor's Association who is also a Jenbacher factory trained operator.

Joe Cunningham

Joe (Electrical Manager) has been a journeyman electrician since 1987, when he worked for his father's residential electrical business in Oregon. From 1992-2006, Joe worked primarily in commercial construction, managing large electrical projects at Home Depot, Walmart, and Lowes. Joe has been with the Tribe for a decade and is now manager of all commercial and residential electrical projects.

Kevin Tribble

Kevin (Co-Gen Operator) started his career in the petroleum industry in 1989 and has worked in power generation since 2000. Kevin is an expert power plant operator who has been in Colusa since 2005. He holds many industry certifications from Jenbacher, Caterpillar, Trane, Woodward, etc.

Neil Bossard

Neil (Co-Gen Operator) has been a power plant operator since 2007. He came to the Tribe after serving in the US Marine Corps as a diesel mechanic. Neil holds factory certifications from Jenbacher, Caterpillar, Trane, Woodward, and VAC.

Dave Minear

Dave (Master Electrician) has worked with the Tribe for decades leading multiple, complex micro-grid expansions, managing all medium voltage work, and overseeing crews of electricians and apprentices. He is a US Marine Corps veteran with unparalleled expertise in island Co-Gen micro-grid systems.

John Haviland

John (Journeyman Electrician) went to WyoTech where he earned a diploma in Electrical Technology. He has been with the Tribe since 2014 and is experienced with custom residential, commercial, and industrial electrical applications.

Cristobal de la Sotta

Cris (Journeyman Electrician) has 11 years of experience in the construction trades. He specializes in solar PV, battery system, and HVAC electrical installation and maintenance. He is also a Jenbacher factory trained operator.

Telly Thitphaneth

Telly (Journeyman Electrician) has been in the industry for 20 years doing residential, commercial, and industrial wiring and service work.

Alex Ahmann

Alex (Co-Gen Operator) has been with the Tribe since 2020. He is an engineering major at Butte College and is a Jenbacher certified power plant operator.

Victor Navarro

Victor (Co-Gen Operator) came from the agricultural industry where he operated and repaired various pieces of equipment. He is a Jenbacher certified plant operator.

Manuel Mancilla

Manny (Co-Gen Operator) has decades of experience working with low and medium voltage electrical systems. He also has experience as a heavy machinery operator and technician in both industrial production and agriculture. Manny joined the team in 2023 and is now a Jenbacher factory trained operator.

Ernie Townsend

Ernie (Electrician Apprentice) is a descendent of the Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians. He began his career with Colusa Indian Energy as a Tribal intern in 2019 and was promoted to Electrician Apprentice in 2020.

Ulises Urtes

Ulises (Co-Gen Operator) joined the team in 2024 and has several years of experience in solar PV installation. He also has a background in HVAC, low voltage electrical, and diesel engine repair.

Solar Projects Team

Daniel O'Connell

Daniel (Solar Projects Operations Manager) is a 5th generation Colusa County farmer/rancher with nearly two decades of experience in the renewable energy sector. He has worked as an independent solar consultant specializing in permitting, contract negotiations, project development, and financial analysis.

Daniel graduated from St. Mary's with a degree in Business Administration and Economics.

Eric Fischer

Eric (Solar Projects Product Manager) brings over 20 years of solar PV design, sales, and product support expertise to CIE’s Solar Division, including the last 10 years focused on structural elements and code compliance. Eric has a degree in Electronics Engineering.

Dawn Krepela

Dawn (Solar Projects Utility Manager) has been in the solar industry for 9 years. She has been a Project Coordinator for the Design & Engineering department, managing project workflow, scheduling, and checking documents for accuracy. Most recently, Dawn has been an interconnection specialist working with utility companies to ensure projects reach permission to operate. Dawn works hard to ensure that customers are happy and benefitting from their solar investment.