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.

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.

Every May, over 500 line workers, teachers and volunteers gather in Grand Junction, Colorado at the Mesa Hotline School for the two-week annual learning event. The school attracts participants from across the United States, emphasizing safety and reliability in electrical transmission and distribution. It’s an energetic and transformative learning experience with the aim of equipping people with the knowledge and skills needed to keep the lights on for the communities they serve.  

Building off last year’s award-winning theme of Co-op Campus, our most recent Communications and Energy Services Conference provided another dynamic two days of learning and connection, centered around a 70s-inspired theme of 'More Power to Ya.'