Electric utilities play a critical role in society by providing the essential service of electricity. However, this service also carries significant responsibilities, especially in areas prone to wildfires. Wildfires have a massive impact on electric utilities in several ways including structural damage, power outages, and increased costs. For those living in wildfire areas, it’s a growing concern.

Located about five hours away in Buena Vista, Colorado, served by Tri-State member Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, real estate developer Fading West is finding solutions to meet the needs of affordable housing for essential workers in the community.

Last week, cooperative colleagues joined Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association at the annual 2023 Communications and Energy Services Conference in Westminster, Colorado. Tri-State has hosted the event for over two decades, bringing together 42 members and key partners from across 200,000 square miles of the West. The theme of “Co-op Campus” this year provides opportunities for members to learn from each other.

Cooperatives like Big Horn are always looking for ways to better serve their member-owners. One way of doing that is by offering rebates for energy-efficient home and business upgrades.

High West Energy recognized its role in growing the rural EV charging network and looked to Tri-State for support in opening two new charging stations in their service territory. By taking advantage of funds through Tri-State's EV Infrastructure Program, High West received $45,000 for the installation of the two chargers.

In addition to being eco-friendly, e-bikes are a fantastic option for older adults seeking enhanced mobility. E-bikes provide a gentle, assisted pedaling experience, allowing riders to cover greater distances with less effort. Whether it's running errands, visiting friends, or enjoying leisurely rides through the park, e-bikes help to maintain independence and freedom of movement for older adults. Understanding the many benefits of e-bikes, 4CORE set out to increase accessibility to older adults in the Cortez area.

On National Intern Day, Tri-State proudly recognizes and celebrates the invaluable contributions that our interns play in helping our company grow and succeed. Since its beginning in 2014, Tri-State's Internship Program has offered approximately 70 students experience and enrichment in their desired field.

San Isabel Electric Association supported Southern Colorado Trail Builders in enhancing Carhart Trail in Pueblo Mountain Park with a grant of $2,500 in 2022. The grant was matched by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Assoc. and Basin Electric Power Cooperative. Apart from SIEA’s connection to the trail, it’s one that should be appreciated by all outdoor enthusiasts. Nicknamed the “birthplace of recreation,” the trail leads to the National Forest Service's first recreational area, the Davenport Campground.  

Not all spuds are created equal. In fact, more than 1,000 varieties of potatoes are grown across the globe but there’s only one type suitable for potato chip production. Tri-State caught up with the crew at Walther Farms in Lisco Nebraska, a third-generation, family-owned chipping potato business operating in eight states.