Q&A: Tri-State's Chris Pink Talks Dispatchable Generation, Transmission, and Growth

haileeclaycomb — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 14:26:25 +0000

Posted 4/24/2025

Transforming Energy Reliability and Committing to a Sustainable Future: A Q&A with Chris Pink

As we further diversify our generation portfolio, how important is having dispatchable generating resources to maintain reliability? 

Very important. Tri-State is in the midst of a fundamental transformation to strengthen our grid, move us closer to our renewable goals, and position us as a leader in reliable and responsible energy. We are building new transmission lines, entering a regional transmission organization, and investing in various generating resources. These are exciting times. 

Renewable power from wind and solar provides tremendous advantages, especially in cost and sustainability. Our Dolores Canyon and Axial Basin solar projects, totaling 255 MW, are expected to be online by late 2025. In 2024, we also added 340 MW through the Escalante Solar, Spanish Peaks and Spanish Peaks Solar II power purchase agreements. 

Yet, as we integrate more intermittent resources, it becomes equally essential to maintain dispatchable generation that can respond quickly to changes in demand or fluctuations in weather. Our investments in our existing natural gas fleet, the potential construction of new dispatchable resources, including natural gas, and energy storage highlight this balanced approach. These resources and the professionals who operate them complement our intermittent generation, providing a strong foundation to keep the lights on regardless of weather conditions. 

How does our transmission system bring value to our members?

Our nearly 6,000-mile transmission network is the backbone of Tri-State, spanning an area larger than California. We’re embarking on one of the most ambitious transmission expansion projects in recent history, adding and upgrading nearly 300 miles of 230-kV lines in eastern Colorado. This expansion will accommodate more than 700 MW of new generation, reduce current generation curtailments, and establish a wheel-free path between our Colorado and northern New Mexico systems, a game-changer for our grid’s robustness and reliability. 

Maintaining such a vast system around the clock requires a committed and skilled workforce. More than 170 Transmission Maintenance professionals are in the field 24/7, rain or shine, ensuring critical repairs are made swiftly and safely.

Our annual investment in transmission structure upgrades—and numerous staff hours dedicated to vegetation management—further safeguard our infrastructure from wildfires and weather-related interruptions. 

By making strategic investments, embracing regional collaboration, and relying on the skill and dedication of our team, Tri-State’s transmission system remains critical to delivering reliable, affordable and responsible power—no matter how our energy landscape evolves.

Is there potential for large load growth in our service territory, and how will we manage that for our members? 

Absolutely. Many utilities nationwide, including Tri-State, have received gigawatts of requests to serve large power loads like data centers and artificial intelligence facilities. This represents an exciting opportunity, potentially lowering costs by spreading expenses over a larger base; however, it also brings real risks. Building infrastructure to supply these loads could cost billions of dollars, and our members would ultimately bear the financial responsibility if speculative projects don’t materialize or exit prematurely. 

We’ve convened a dedicated high-impact load task force to safeguard our members and ensure new loads bring net benefits. This team is developing a fair, repeatable approach for integrating significant new loads into our system without compromising reliability, affordability, or cooperative ideals.  

We’re seeking input from members, our board, and industry experts as we design a process that shares risks appropriately between Tri-State and prospective large loads. 

What is your vision in leading Tri-State’s Operations teams? 

Our employees are the driving force behind Tri-State’s reliability and service to our members. In an industry where every action has the potential to affect public well-being and personnel safety, safety will always be our top priority.  

Above all, my vision rests on empowering each individual in Operations. From lineworkers and engineers to plant operators and support staff, every role is essential in driving our cooperative forward. I want each person to take pride in their work, knowing their expertise and dedication make a tangible difference. By investing in professional development, celebrating successes, and promoting a culture of respect, we will continue to attract, retain and inspire the talent that secures our future. 

I see a dynamic, forward-thinking team leading the way for Tri-State—upholding our safety, reliability and affordability values while staying true to our Cooperative Principles. We are embarking on a historic transformation. There will be risks and challenges, but with agility, hard work, leadership, and the right decisions, I’m excited for the company we are becoming—one where our employees are proud to contribute and one our members are proud to own.  

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.  

Certain information contained in this post are forward-looking statements including statements concerning Tri-State’s plans, future events, and other information that is not historical information. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described from time to time in Tri-State’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Tri-State’s expectations and beliefs are expressed in good faith, and Tri-State believes there is a reasonable basis for them. However, Tri-State cannot assure you that management’s expectations and beliefs will be achieved. There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein. 

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Q&A

Transmission

Reliability

Sustainability

cooperative members

Operations

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