Reducing Emissions

Eliminate emissions from our coal plants in CO and NM by 2030

100% reduction in CO2 emissions from coal generation in New Mexico by end of 2020.
100% reduction in CO2 emissions from coal generation in Colorado by 2030.
90% reduction in CO2 emissions across generation we own or operate in Colorado by 2030.
80% reduction in CO2 emissions associated with wholesale electricity sales in Colorado by 2030.

Progress in 2022

Retired Rifle Generating Station in September 2022 following PUC approval of unanimous settlement to close the 85 MW combined-cycle natural gas power plant.
Established our glide path to reduce emissions associated with wholesale electricity sales in Colorado relative to a 2005 baseline by 26% in 2025, 36% in 2026, 46% in 2027, and 80% by 2030.*

To learn more, download the Responsible Energy Plan: Progress Highlights.

*Tri-State filed a landmark, uncontested settlement with more than two dozen parties on Phase I of its Colorado Electric Resource Plan in January 2022. A Colorado Administrative Law Judge recommended approval of the settlement in March 2022, with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approving in April 2022.

Case Study: Collaboration in Action

As we developed our Responsible Energy Plan (REP) commitments, we collaborated with a diverse advisory group, facilitated by Colorado State University’s Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE) and Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, on key elements regarding emission reductions.

This group included representatives from across the states Tri-State serves from academic, agricultural, cooperative, electric industry, environmental, rural, and state and local government groups. These advisors gathered to learn with us, share with us, challenge us, and roll up their sleeves to work with us on some of the details that will make our energy transition vision a reality.

To learn more about this engagement process, goals and outcomes, download the joint report Transitioning Tri-State.

Download Report