Tri-State highlights benefits of participation in SPP RTO’s western expansion
(April 2, 2026, Westminster, Colo.) In a foundational move that will provide better value, greater reliability and long-term savings to its members, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association has joined the Southwest Power Pool’s expansion of its regional transmission organization services into the Western Interconnection, which began Wednesday.
“Tri-State and its members constantly look for ways to build long-term reliability and lower costs. For Tri-State members, our participation in the SPP RTO’s western expansion is about building a more efficient, resilient and affordable energy future – one that delivers real value today and positions our communities well for decades to come,” said Duane Highley, CEO for Tri-State.
Tri-State noted additional benefits for its member cooperatives and public power districts, as the SPP RTO’s western expansion also provides greater access to:
- Economic benefits: An estimated $20 million in annual net benefits for Tri-State alone, as part of more than $230 million in potential annual regional benefits;
- Efficient dispatch: Optimized use of regional generation and transmission, and more efficient resource integration, including intermittent renewable energy resources;
- Transmission system optimization: Coordinated regional use of transmission assets to meet growing energy demand;
- Single consolidated transmission tariff: Elimination of "pancaking" of transmission rates and losses by consolidating all transmission owner tariffs;
- Reductions in seams: Reduction in balancing authority and transmission owner market “seams,” by consolidation of balancing authorities and transmission owner tariffs;
- Environmental performance: Ability to meet greenhouse gas reduction requirements more cost-effectively, with robust tracking and reporting mechanisms; and
- Improved generator interconnection: New interconnection procedures and queue reforms to make integrating new resources more efficient.
RTOs are independent, non-profit organizations that coordinate how electricity moves across large, multistate regions. By operating a shared transmission system and competitive energy markets, RTOs help utilities work together instead of operating in isolation. That cooperation leads to more efficient planning, more reliable service and lower overall costs.
About Tri-State
Tri-State is a wholesale power supply cooperative, operating on a not-for-profit basis, with electric distribution cooperatives and public power district members in four states, including Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming. Together with its members, Tri-State delivers reliable, affordable and responsible power and energy services to nearly a million electricity consumers across roughly 200,000 square miles of the West.
Contact
Amy Robertson, 303-254-3743, amy.robertson@tristategt.org
Mark Stutz, 303-254-3183, mark.stutz@tristategt.org
Certain information contained in this press statement 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.