Dedicated to
Energy Excellence
About
Kelvolta was founded with one goal: to raise the performance and profitability of America’s gas turbine power plants with proven upgrades such as power augmentation and straightforward project financing. We deliver customized solutions that are partner- and technology-agnostic, allowing plant operators to improve generation output, boost financial results, and increase grid reliability and efficiency.
Our Expertise
Founded by veteran power systems engineers, project developers, and structured finance experts, Kelvolta combines:
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Turbomachinery Insight: Exhaustive knowledge of Brayton cycle physics, combustion and gas-path dynamics, and heat-transfer systems.
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Digital Innovation: In-house expertise spanning AI/ML analytics, edge computing, cloud architecture, and control systems.
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Operational & Financial Acumen: Skilled in optimizing project economics through operational realization and project finance structuring.
National Delivery with Local Support: From generation fleets and independent power producers to industrial cogeneration sites—we adapt to diverse regulatory and infrastructural environments.
Our Team
Russell Blades
Founder & Chair
Russell Blades is a seasoned energy executive with over 40 years of leadership experience in energy services (Enron, Grapevine Energy, Phoventus, Alstom), utilities (Mississauga, Ontario Hydro), industrial operations (Barrick Gold), and engineering (Bassai, AMEC). At Hill International, Mr. Blades successfully managed the business line for power augmentation, improving clients’ gas turbine output, heat rate and overall performance in a variety of locations. Rusty holds energy and process-based patents and maintains his Senior Member status with the Association of Energy Engineers. With degrees in Energy Engineering and Industrial Management, he is a trusted advisor to utilities and industrial operators worldwide.
Jon Guice, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
With 25 years of experience building utility and industrial energy businesses, Jon Guice has originated and closed financing for over $1 billion in thermal and renewable power projects. As former COO and project development executive at Qcells, Greenskies and Open Mountain, he brings a proven track record of managing complex projects in dynamic energy markets. He is the author of pioneering publications on power purchase agreements, advanced control systems, and energy storage for grid stability. Before energy, Dr. Guice worked in computer science and AI at Stanford and NASA. He holds a Ph.D. in technology management from UC San Diego. His deep proficiency in advanced technologies and project delivery drives substantial improvements in power plant performance.
Elizabeth Stephens, PhD
Chief Financial Officer
Elizabeth Stephens, a Harvard-educated CPA, has more than 20 years of experience and has managed over $5 billion in assets and transactions in technology and energy. Based in Silicon Valley, Stephens led finance for a Sumitomo subsidiary and has held senior roles in venture capital, private equity, Arthur Andersen and Deloitte. She has provided expertise in more than 300 complex corporate, tax and investment cases. Stephens managed financial operations for Sumitomo Corporation's Silicon Valley subsidiary, overseeing international capital flows and corporate investment functions. She directed fund accounting for Francisco Partners, Venrock and TriplePoint Capital, managing complex investment structures and reporting to institutional limited partners. Stephens holds a master's in accountancy and a doctorate, and is trusted by leading technology and energy clients for strategic financial guidance.
Casey Gilley
Chief Investment Officer
Casey Gilley brings deep expertise in structured finance and investment management to Kelvolta. Over his career, he has structured and arranged more than $1.4 billion in debt and equity for energy projects. Casey has served in investment leadership roles in energy project and real estate development, and has led Solar CFO, a platform that optimizes capital deployment for commercial, industrial and distributed generation power project portfolios. Renowned for his work in large-scale project financings and asset management, Casey’s background in capital structuring and risk management ensures robust investor outcomes. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and is a former Certified Public Accountant.
