Wildfires leave lasting scars on rural communities—something our cooperatives know all too well. During the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, Tri-State member Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative (MSMEC) sprang into action, exemplifying how cooperatives become vital to emergency response and recovery. Their crews, many personally affected by the devastation, worked side by side to rebuild, protect, and restore. This story highlights not only the destruction wildfires bring, but the resilience of these communities and the unwavering commitment of lineworkers, contractors, and support teams who help them rise again.

Vegetation management plays a vital role in wildfire mitigation, especially across the rugged landscapes of southern New Mexico. For Tri-State member Otero County Electric Cooperative (OCEC), a pivotal moment came when they acquired both the workforce and equipment from their longtime vegetation management contractor, owned by a former Otero lineworker with deep local knowledge. This transition allowed OCEC to retain a highly skilled team, enabling the cooperative to craft a more effective, locally attuned vegetation strategy that benefits everyone.

Rather than waiting for disaster to strike, High Plains Power took decisive action—backed by years of wildfire mitigation planning in the Horse Creek area of the Wind River Ranger District. This forward-thinking initiative was made possible through close collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and local stakeholders, combining expertise, resources, and insight. The result? A project that not only fortifies the region’s electric infrastructure but also protects the livelihoods of those who live, work, and depend on reliable power.

Leadership teams from Tri-State G&T and Poudre Valley REA volunteered with local nonprofits, Combat Recovery Foundation and the Heart-J Center at Sylvan Dale Ranch, to clear thistles as part of a vegetation management project in Loveland, Colorado.

Welcome to The People Behind the Power, where we showcase the extraordinary work Tri-State employees are doing to keep the lights on for nearly 1 million energy consumers in the rural West. This series pulls back the curtain to share the real stories of the individuals whose dedication powers our communities. Because when you meet the people behind the power, you see the heart, talent, and perseverance that goes into every flip of a switch.

In our Q&A with Tri-State's Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, Todd Telesz, he shares his insights on our cooperative’s 2024 financial progress, capital strategy, and outlook for reliable, affordable energy. He highlights key initiatives like funding for new solar projects, maintaining rate stability, and building a clean energy portfolio.

Chris Pink is our Senior Vice President of Operations at Tri-State. We sat down with him to discuss how we are achieving reliability, affordability, and responsibility while diversifying our energy portfolio and making strategic investments that benefit our members. The leadership vision continues to focus on empowering employees, prioritizing safety, planning for sustainability, and fostering a culture of respect and professional development to secure our cooperative's future.

At this year's Annual Meeting, we're celebrating the diverse places our members call home with a gift box filled with thoughtful selections that reflect who we are--something members can take with them. We hope each attendee left feeling inspired, appreciated, and connected to what makes our cooperative so unique.

Exploring the balance between wildfire mitigation and cultural preservation, Tri-State highlights the collaborative efforts to protect the historic culture at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. By carefully managing vegetation and respecting Indigenous heritage, Tri-State and partners are reducing wildfire risks while protecting the area's rich archaeological and cultural significance, ensuring a safer future for both the land and the communities it serves.