Whatever the future holds
we'll power it

We serve nearly 200,000 square miles of the U.S.

As a wholesale power supplier to our members, of electric utilities across rural Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming, we have a fleet of electric resources. They include natural gas, wind and solar facilities. We also own and operate nearly 6,000 miles of transmission line to move that power.

Learn how we do it

70%

of our members’ energy mix will come from clean resources in 2030. Learn about our energy mix.

homes and businesses powered in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.

50+

years in operation. Together with our members, we’ve been serving the rural West since 1952.

Robert Hurd, Hinsdale County Commissioner in Lake City, CO

We are a not-for-profit electric cooperative

As a cooperative, we don’t answer to shareholders, we answer to our neighbors. Each electric utility in our association has a locally-elected representative with a vote and seat on Tri-State’s board. We work together—from supporting each other in times of need to low-cost utility scale renewables—that’s the cooperative difference.

Our members

Supplying the West with the power they deserve

Reliable

Backed by 20 years of data, we've developed our own set of industry-leading reliability metrics to make sure we can serve members' power into the future. Tornadoes, heat waves or blizzards: we're planning for it all.

Affordable

As a not-for-profit, we work hard to keep rates affordable by investing in low-cost renewable power, participating in regional power markets to buy and sell power at the best rates, and as we build for the future.

Responsible

We are stewards of nearly 200,000 square miles, and we take that seriously. We strive to meet standards set by both the government and our members to protect ecosystems and communities.

Flexible

Tri-State is democratically governed and that's reflected in our bylaws. Members have the ability to self-supply a portion of their power by developing electric resources.

Western Watts Podcast

Learn what it takes to power the West. Our podcast dives into the heart of energy issues. From reliability to wildfire mitigation, we’re sharing firsthand insights relevant to rural, agricultural and mountain communities across our service territory.

Podcast episodes and more Podcast episodes and more

Beneficial Electrification Truck — Learn about our Electrify and Save® Program

Together, we can serve growth, reduce risks and hedge against tightening energy markets to benefit our members and the communities they serve across the West, remaining focused on the needs of all of our members as we move forward together.

Duane Highley, Tri-State CEO

Trucks on dirt road near transmission lines — We're building for the future

Hero Image: People Behind the Power Adrian Garcia Lineworker

Built for Reliability: A Ride‑Along with Lineworkers

Lineworkers are often the most visible part of the electric utility. Whether performing planned rebuilds or working energized lines to avoid outages, their skill and teamwork are essential to reliability. Ride along with Line Foreman Adrian Garcia to see what goes into maintaining the backbone of the grid, day in and day out.

Hero Image: People Behind the Power John Swanson Substation

Precision That Protects: How Substations Keep Power Flowing

Substations are where power is controlled, protected, and prepared for delivery—but the expertise behind them often goes unnoticed. From protective relays to SCADA systems, substation teams ensure thousands of components work flawlessly together. Join Journey Level Substation Technician John Swanson as he performs critical testing that helps keep power flowing safely to our communities.

Hero Image: People Behind the Power Nick Franklin Telecommunications

The Invisible Network Powering Our Electric System

Not all of the work that keeps the lights on happens on poles or inside substations. Our telecommunications team designs and maintains the critical communication systems that allow crews, substations, and control centers to work together safely and in real time. Join Telecommunications Foreman Nick Franklin on a ride-along to see how this often unseen work keeps the grid smart, responsive, and reliable.

Theme showcased Tri-State's pursuit of a designed, long-term strategy and corresponding milestones in 2025.

SPP RTO to provide more efficient planning, more reliable service and lower overall costs.

LPEA provided an unconditional notice to leave Tri-State in late March 2024.

Whatever the future holds
we'll power it

We serve nearly 200,000 square miles of the U.S.

We are a not-for-profit electric cooperative