Skip to main content
  • Board Meeting Information

Home
  • About Us
  • Responsible Energy Plan
  • Media
    • Resources
    • Blog
    • Features
    • News
  • Renewable Energy
  • Cooperative Benefits
  • Operations
  • Careers
  • Search
Menu

Search form

new field lighting Akron CO High School baseball

6/2/2022

It’s likely not the first thing on your mind when you pull into the parking lot at Akron High School. When visiting for a night game the average fan may not notice new field lighting but for the players, it’s quite literally a game-changer.

Just ask Andy Molt, the man behind the school’s recent lighting project and the proud dad of number 55. As an Akron resident, parent, school board member and employee of Y-W Electric Association for the last two decades, Andy has a unique perspective on the school’s latest improvement project.

“One of our cooperative values is concern for community so we appreciate the opportunity to support our school system and its students,” Andy stated. Y-W has a long history of working closely with the schools within its territory so when the need for new lighting presented itself Andy knew what to do.

“We looked for ways to replace our lighting for a long time,” said Akron Superintendent Brian Christensen. “With school funding, it was very hard to find a way to get our lights replaced until this opportunity came along.” The opportunity in reference was a chance for the school district to benefit from  Y-W Electric Association and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Assoc. rebates to help fund the lighting project. The total lighting cost was about $65,000 in equipment but the two cooperatives were able to provide the school with approximately $24,500 in rebates. Initially, the project was going to require a manlift rental but Tri-State lent a bucket truck and line crew to assist with installation, saving the district additional costs.

 

It was important that the lights not only looked good but performed well. With more efficient lighting the school was able to replace the existing 87 fixtures with 56 energy-efficient fixtures, saving 121 kilowatts. The LED lighting package was designed with the players in mind. Before the upgrade, it was dark in the outfield and the old lights cast an orange glow on the field, making it difficult to track the ball. Y-W worked with a lighting designer to ensure the lights were bright, but downfacing so as to not be too harsh on the players’ eyes. The improvements give the players a competitive edge and have made Akron’s field one of the nicest, if not the nicest, in northeast Colorado. An added bonus was the improved viewing experience for spectators: parents are now able to see their kids make a catch or hit.

The entire project from the initial rebate request, to lighting design, delivery equipment, and installation took only a few months from start to finish. It was a seemingly simple project that’s making a massive impact for the many players who step onto the diamond.

 

About Tri-State 

Tri-State is a not-for-profit cooperative of 45 members, including 42 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.

 

Contributor:

Writer: Brittany Willison, Editor: Jennifer Bergeron

Blog Posts

The Future of Electric vehicles EVs Air, Water, and Land

The Future of EVs: Air, Water, and Land

When it comes to the future of electric vehicles, the sky’s the limit – quite literally. In addition to continued innovation in land-based electric vehicles, we are also seeing an increase in interest and investment in air and water-based options. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting developments in each EV category.
Mike Frailey, Relationship Manager 
Read more >
Benefits of Installing an Attic Fan for Summer

Benefits of Installing an Attic Fan for Summer

If you're considering installing an attic fan but aren't sure if it would be a good fit for your house, here are a few points to consider about attic fans, how they function, and how installing one can improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Matt Fitzgibbon, Beneficial Electrification Manager
Read more >
How to Prepare Your Home for a Summer Heat Wave

How to Prepare Your Home for a Summer Heat Wave

During summer heat waves, air conditioning can be a real lifesaver.  Many homes in cooler climate states aren’t always equipped with air conditioning, so when an unexpected heat wave hits, many residents rely on other ways to stay cool without AC. No matter where you live, it’s important to be prepared for hot summer days with efficient cooling and a plan in place to stay comfortable.
Matt Fitzgibbon, Beneficial Electrification Manager
Read more >
E-Bike Friendly Trails in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska

E-Bike Friendly Trails in our Member Service Territories

Electric bikes are quickly becoming the fun, cost-effective and eco-friendly solution to inner-city commuting-and bike trails! Here's some important information to know before venturing out on your e-bike in our member service areas.
Read more >
tips to Save Energy, Money This Summer with Smart Thermostat

Save Energy and Money This Summer with a Smart Thermostat

Thermostats have evolved in the last eleven years, it’s time to take a look at what’s new on the market and there’s no better time than now as we transition into the hot summer months. 
Read more >
How to Electrify Your Outdoor Camping Adventures

How to Electrify Your Outdoor Camping Adventures

If you’re heading off the grid for an outdoor adventure this summer you’re likely hoping to unplug and relax in nature. You may not be looking for ways to stay plugged in, but would you consider a few ways to power up your campsite in an easy, convenient way? If the answer is yes, keep reading.
Read more >
Tips for Installing an EV Charging Station at Home

Tips for Installing an EV Charging Station at Home

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the future, there’s no doubt about it. It’s estimated that more than 2.5 million EVs have been sold in the United States and it’s easy to understand why; they cost less to operate, require less maintenance, don’t need gas, they’re better for the environment and they’re fun to drive! If you’ve adopted the EV lifestyle or are considering it, keep reading for tips to help you install your own home charging station.
Read more >
Summer Storm Safety Tips for Camping

Summer Storm Safety Tips for Camping

If you’ve spent some time on the plains or in the mountains across the West, where electric cooperatives serve, you know all about spring and summer storms. Especially noteworthy are the intense storms that begin in March and can last into May. For those who enjoy outdoor activities during this season, it is especially important to be aware of the dangers and take precautions while camping.
Kent Mahanna, MPH, CSP Senior Manager Safety & Security
Read more >
5 Affordable Home Purchases to Help Save Energy

5 Affordable Home Purchases to Help Save Energy

With a handful of simple purchases, you can increase your home’s energy efficiency and cut down your energy bill each month. Here are five practical items and affordable home purchases to help save energy.
Peter Rusin, Member Relations Manager
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

  • About Us
  • Leadership Team
  • Environmental, Social and Governance
  • Beneficial Electrification
  • Financials
  • Media
  • Legislation
  • Operations
  • Board Meetings
  • Careers
  • Member Tools
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • 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

©2022 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Power supplier to the rural west.

  • About Us
  • Responsible Energy Plan
  • Media
    • Resources
    • Blog
    • Features
    • News
  • Renewable Energy
  • Cooperative Benefits
  • Operations
  • Careers
  • Search