Rural School District Wins Funding Lottery for Electric Buses 

Across the United States, an estimated 26 million students rely on a fleet of 480,000 buses to get to and from school each day. Of that number, only 4% of those buses are electric. The higher upfront cost for the vehicle and required charging infrastructure means most schools are not able to capitalize on the financial, environmental and health benefits of electric buses, especially in rural areas. 

Yet in the small town of Simla, Colo., served by Tri-State member Mountain View Electric Association, they just held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for three new electric buses and chargers. With a little over 300 students in the area, the Big Sandy School District (BSSD) of Simla may not seem like the likeliest candidate for this upgrade, but thanks to grants from the 2022 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program, nearly $1 billion went to help rural, low-income, or tribal school districts purchase clean school buses. Big Sandy was among the lottery winners. 

"Our goal is to set the school district up for the future," said Steve Wilson, superintendent of BSSD, and he is doing just that with some help from a few key partners.  

Along with the federal grants, Tri-State is proud to contribute rebates for two dual port DC fast chargers and two level 2 chargers, totaling around $21,000. Tri-State Relationship Manager Michelle Pastor was in attendance for the ceremony. “This type of project is exactly what Tri-State’s energy efficiency and electrification rebates are for and we’re thrilled to support Mountain View Electric Association’s members and the Simla community,” said Pastor. 

Electric Bus Safety and Benefits 

Those unfamiliar with the capabilities of electric vehicles may think snowy destinations like Colorado are not a good fit for electrification but the opposite has been proven to be true. Thanks to a more even weight distribution compared to their front-heavy, diesel-burning counterparts, electric buses often perform better in the snow, making them a safer option for students. These buses also have automatic chains that can be deployed with the press of a button. That increase in safety extends to environmental and health benefits as well.  

A traditional school bus will yield 363 tons of tailpipe greenhouse emissions over its lifecycle. By replacing three diesel-powered buses, BSSD is eliminating the equivalent to 106,974 gallons of diesel while also reducing nitrous oxide emissions by about 70%. 

“This transition to electric school buses will improve the air quality for thousands of children riding hundreds of school buses today, as well as for generations to come—and Big Sandy School is leading the way for Colorado and the nation,” said Laurie Anderson, the Colorado Field Organizer of Moms Clean Air Force.  

As powerful as the stats and figures are around electric buses, the impact of a project like this is farther reaching than any calculator can tally. By introducing innovative projects to students at such a young age and making sustainable technology accessible to them, we hope to inspire a lifelong passion for green solutions. The next generation has the power to change the world and Tri-State is honored to contribute to electrification projects like this and witness the collaborative spirit in action. 

Electrify and Save™  

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About Tri-State   

Tri-State is a not-for-profit cooperative of 44 members, including 41 electric distribution cooperatives and public power districts in four states, that together deliver reliable, affordable and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. For more information about Tri-State and our Responsible Energy Plan, visit www.tristate.coop.