Skip to main content
Home
  • About Us
    • Annual Report
  • Powering the Future
    • Our Energy Mix
  • Electrify and Save®
    • On-Bill Repayment
    • Programs
    • Quality Install
  • Media
    • Resources
    • Blog
    • Features
    • News
    • Newsletter
    • Podcast
  • Cooperative Benefits
  • Operations
  • Search
Menu

Search form

The Power of Collaboration - Electric Engines for a Cleaner Future

3/26/2024

Electric Engines Power a Cleaner Future 

As a cooperative, we know that when people come together, we can achieve greater results than any one of us could have done alone.  Such was the case in the electrification of the Dahlia Station, a key depot along the Amarillo-to-Albuquerque pipeline managed by NuStar Energy – one of the nation’s largest independent liquids terminal and pipeline operators.  

With the station’s construction dating back to the 1950s, the diesel pumps originally installed were not only difficult to maintain, but the parts needed for repairs were becoming harder to find. This inspired NuStar’s engineering team to start looking for an answer that would improve the operational reliability of the station while also reducing emissions.  

“This project is a story about environmental stewardship and timing,” details Thomas Eitzen, Central West North Regional Engineering Manager at NuStar. After pouring a decade of research, Eitzen and his team knew that using an energy-efficient replacement meant they needed a reliable power source in the area.  

 

The Power of Collaboration 

In 2022, NuStar approached Tri-State G&T member Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative with the idea of upgrading the station’s two 800-horsepower diesel motors with electric variable frequency drive (VFD) pumps. 

With a significant reduction in emissions and new capabilities, collaborating on this project was an easy decision for CNMEC CEO Alena Brandenberger.  

“For both parties, it was a win-win,” said Brandenberger “As a co-op our sole purpose is to grow and help our rural areas flourish so that's one of the reasons we were thrilled to be able to be a part of this project.” 

Alena Brandenberger, CEO CNMEC

Over the next two years, CNMEC and NuStar would work closely together to safely and successfully pull off one of the first electrification efforts of its kind in the state of New Mexico.  

The VFD pumps provided a viable and effective answer for the aging station. They dramatically decreased the emissions associated with diesel-controlled pipelines while eliminating the use of environmentally sensitive chemicals like coolant and antifreeze. As explained in NuStar’s Sustainability Report, they also installed a drag-reducing agent which allowed them to pump the same amount of product with a lower energy output. 

While Eitzen and NuStar’s engineers handled the pumps, CNMEC, led by Manager of Operations Raymond Butler, worked out how to get the necessary level of power to the Dahlia Station.  

This involved reconductoring over 30 miles of power lines to be able to supply the new pumps, an endeavor Butler and his team welcomed. “When you get electricity [on site], there's less maintenance, there's more reliability and it's a whole lot cleaner,” he summarized. 

The Power of Collaboration - Electric Engines for a Cleaner Future

Tri-State Contributes a Six-Figure Rebate 

Tri-State was pleased to be able to contribute to this high-impact emissions reduction effort by offering a rebate of $104,273 back to NuStar Energy to offset the total cost of the upgrade.  

“Greenhouse gas emission reduction is taking center stage, not only here in the state of New Mexico, but across the US,” said Jay Mendoza, the Tri-State Relationship Manager to CNMEC. While Tri-State members may be familiar with the rebates available to them as individuals on items like EV chargers or dual-system heat pumps, we are always looking for new ways to help our co-ops and the communities we serve. This includes our Oil & Gas Program, which provides rebates for energy efficiency and electrification efforts.  

“Even if there's not a specific rebate incentive, we are always open to listening, working with our member system and trying to facilitate any beneficial electrification we can for the co-op,” continued Mendoza. 

The Power of Collaboration - Electric Engines for a Cleaner Future

The Impact of Electrification 

The two new VFD pumps at the Dahlia Station are projected to increase NuStar’s load growth to 4,374,655 kWh per year and reduce CO2 emissions by 1,089 metric tons per year. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, this is equivalent to saving 107k gallons of diesel gasoline consumed, 2.8 million miles driven by a car, or 212 homes’ electricity use for a whole year.   

 It is also estimated to lower the annual electric costs by close to $163k.  

Projects like the electrification of the Dahlia Station and the collaboration that went into it are a perfect example of how Tri-State, our members and partners are coming together to power a cleaner future and create an impact for the planet.  

 

--

About Tri-State

Tri-State is a power supply cooperative, operating on a not-for-profit basis, serving electric distribution cooperatives and public power district member-owners in four states. Together with our members, we deliver reliable, affordable and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. Visit www.tristate.coop.    

About NuStar Energy 

NuStar currently has approximately 9,500 miles of pipeline and 63 terminal and storage facilities that store and distribute crude oil, refined products, renewable fuels, ammonia, and specialty liquids. NuStar has been ranked as one of FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” 13 times and lauded for its tremendous commitment to community service. 

About Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative 

CNMEC is an electric cooperative, built by the communities we serve to deliver reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy. We answer to local members, rather than out-of-town shareholders, so our electric cooperative has a unique understanding of our local needs with many of our leaders and employees living right here in the community. 

 

Blog Posts

Beat the Chill: Effective Insulation Strategies for Winter Comfort

Beat the Chill: Effective Insulation Strategies for Winter Comfort

For those living in older homes, it's common to experience uncomfortable drafts, chilly winters, and higher utility bills compared to newer homes. But here's the good news: improving your home's insulation can help you stay warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and save money in the long run.  Here are some effective insulation strategies for a more comfortable and energy-efficient winter. 
Read more >
Energy Efficient Heating Options for Rural Communities

Energy Efficient Heating Options for Rural Communities in the West

As winter approaches, rural communities in the West face the on-going challenge of keeping their homes warm while managing energy costs. With big temperature swings, it's helpful for families to explore energy-efficient heating options that suit this unique climate. Here’s our favorite tips to get the most out of your current heating system
Peter Rusin, Member Relations Manager
Read more >
Energy Efficient Tips for Outdoor Fall Entertaining

Energy Efficient Tips for Outdoor Fall Entertaining

Summer may get more attention when it comes to outdoor get-togethers but with an autumn party, you can trade the mosquitoes, thunderstorms, and hot nights for crisp evenings and changing leaves. The cooling temperatures also mean a chance to optimize your energy use, reduce your bill and save some money heading into winter.
Peter Rusin, Member Relations Manager
Read more >
How to boost your business with EV charging, attract new clients, increase your sustainability efforts and add a new revenue stream.

Boost Your Business with EV Charging

A lack of EV chargers presents a problem for drivers but an opportunity for local business owners. If you're a business owner, here’s how you can boost your business with EV charging to attract new clients, increase your sustainability efforts and add a new revenue stream.
Mike Frailey, Relationship Manager 
Read more >
Benefits of Having Your Own EV Charger at Home

The Benefits of Having Your Own EV Charger at Home

One of the most recognizable shifts is the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). As the world embraces EVs, the need for accessible charging infrastructure has grown exponentially. While public charging stations are expanding, there's something uniquely advantageous about having your own EV charger at home. 
Mike Frailey, Relationship Manager 
Read more >
Geothermal Heat Pumps: Harnessing Earth's Energy for Your Business 

Geothermal Heat Pumps: Harnessing Earth's Energy for Your Business 

With April being National Geothermal Month, it’s a perfect time to delve into the process of installing GHPs, their benefits, what climates are the most suitable and how businesses can take advantage of rebates to offset costs while contributing to a greener future. 
Peter Rusin, Member Relations Manager
Read more >
Mastering Energy Efficiency With These Home Upgrades 

Mastering Energy Efficiency With These Home Upgrades 

Power management matters to two kinds of people: those who pay utility bills and environmentally conscious individuals. If you fall into one, or hopefully both, of those categories, here are a few tips for mastering energy efficiency with some home upgrades.  
Peter Rusin, Member Relations Manager
Read more >
Winter Comfort Tips: Transform Your Home into an Energy-Efficient Oasis

Winter Comfort Tips: Transform Your Home into an Energy-Efficient Oasis

There’s nothing better than enjoying creature comforts during the winter chill. Staying warm is a big part of that, but it comes at a price if your home isn't optimized for cold weather. This winter, consider some smart ways to conserve energy, save money, and transform your home into an energy-efficient oasis with these helpful tips
Peter Rusin, Member Relations Manager
Read more >
Winter Destinations in Colorado Promoting Energy Efficiency

5 Winter Destinations in Colorado Promoting Energy Efficiency

These five mountain towns in Colorado not only offer thrilling winter adventures but also take a pioneering stance in energy efficiency.
Read more >

Pagination

  • Currently on page   1
  • Page   2
  • Page   3
  • Page   4
  • Page   5
  • Page   6
  • Page   7
  • Page   8
  • Page   9
  • …
  • Next pageNext ›
  • Last pageLast »

Subscribe

* indicates required
Join our mailing list for
updates and member news.
 
 

Quick links

  • Leadership Team
  • Dark Fiber
  • Financials
  • Board Meetings
  • Member Tools
  • Corporate Responsibility Report
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Careers
  • Employee login

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
Office: 303-452-6111
1100 West 116th Avenue
Westminster, CO 80234

Mailing address:
PO Box 33695
Denver, CO 80233-0695

©2025 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Power supplier to the rural west.

  • About Us
    • Annual Report
  • Powering the Future
    • Our Energy Mix
  • Electrify and Save®
    • On-Bill Repayment
    • Programs
    • Quality Install
  • Media
    • Resources
    • Blog
    • Features
    • News
    • Newsletter
    • Podcast
  • Cooperative Benefits
  • Operations
  • Search