Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association is a wholesale power provider for 43 electric cooperatives in Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Nebraska.
18 of the 22 electric cooperatives in Colorado buy power from Tri-State, and combined accounted for 63% of Tri-State's 2016 sales to member co-ops. 11 of the 19 electric cooperatives in New Mexico buy power from Tri-State, and combined accounted for 17% of Tri-State's 2016 sales to member co-ops. Eight co-ops in Wyoming and six co-ops and public power districts in Nebraska each accounted for 10% of Tri-State's 2016 sales to member co-ops. Each of those 43 electric cooperatives are required to purchase 95% of their electricity from Tri-State, which has been controversial in some communities that want to pursue more local renewable energy projects. |
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Energy mix and future plans
Tri-State reported that its energy mix in 2017 was 49% coal, 2% natural gas, 30% renewables, (including hydroelectric, wind, and solar), 9% market purchases, and 10% non-renewable purchases from Basin Electric, another generation and transmission association.
In September 2016, Tri-State announced that it would close its 100 megawatt coal plant in Nucla, Colorado by the end of 2022, and unit 1 of the Craig coal plant by the end of 2025, in order to comply with air pollution rules. In August 2017, Tri-State reported that it had determined it was unlikely to expand the Holcomb coal plant in Kansas, after spending more than a decade pursuing that project.
In August 2018, Tri-State said that it is "currently soliciting for additional renewable energy supply, and has received more than 100 proposals totaling over 10,000 megawatts." Former Tri-State CEO Mike McInnes noted In October 2018 that Tri-State has moved to benefit from the declining costs of renewable energy, and said that “as these tax credits are trailing off, developers are getting unbelievably aggressive in their pricing. And so the last time we’ve gone out, we’ve been able to justify adding renewables simply because of the economies of that.” In early 2019, Tri-State announced a 100 megawatt project expected to come online in 2023, and a 104 megawatt wind project expected to come online in 2020.
In January 2020, Tri-State announced that it would close its coal plants in Colorado and New Mexico and replace it with a gigawatt of new wind and solar projects. Tri-State CEO said the responses to its request for proposals showed that "wind and solar energy now comes in prices lower than the cost of generating with any fossil fuel, coal or gas," allowing it close coal plants early without negative rate impacts. Under its "Responsible Energy Plan," Tri-State expects to be 50% renewable by 2024, and achieve a “70% reduction in CO2 emissions associated with Colorado wholesale electric sales” by 2030, from 2005 levels.
Tri-State reported that its energy mix in 2017 was 49% coal, 2% natural gas, 30% renewables, (including hydroelectric, wind, and solar), 9% market purchases, and 10% non-renewable purchases from Basin Electric, another generation and transmission association.
In September 2016, Tri-State announced that it would close its 100 megawatt coal plant in Nucla, Colorado by the end of 2022, and unit 1 of the Craig coal plant by the end of 2025, in order to comply with air pollution rules. In August 2017, Tri-State reported that it had determined it was unlikely to expand the Holcomb coal plant in Kansas, after spending more than a decade pursuing that project.
In August 2018, Tri-State said that it is "currently soliciting for additional renewable energy supply, and has received more than 100 proposals totaling over 10,000 megawatts." Former Tri-State CEO Mike McInnes noted In October 2018 that Tri-State has moved to benefit from the declining costs of renewable energy, and said that “as these tax credits are trailing off, developers are getting unbelievably aggressive in their pricing. And so the last time we’ve gone out, we’ve been able to justify adding renewables simply because of the economies of that.” In early 2019, Tri-State announced a 100 megawatt project expected to come online in 2023, and a 104 megawatt wind project expected to come online in 2020.
In January 2020, Tri-State announced that it would close its coal plants in Colorado and New Mexico and replace it with a gigawatt of new wind and solar projects. Tri-State CEO said the responses to its request for proposals showed that "wind and solar energy now comes in prices lower than the cost of generating with any fossil fuel, coal or gas," allowing it close coal plants early without negative rate impacts. Under its "Responsible Energy Plan," Tri-State expects to be 50% renewable by 2024, and achieve a “70% reduction in CO2 emissions associated with Colorado wholesale electric sales” by 2030, from 2005 levels.
Clean Cooperative reports about Tri-State:
Uncooperative: Tri-State policies are limiting Colorado communities from developing local renewable energy projects
January 2018 report with the results of a survey of the 18 electric cooperatives in Colorado that buy power from Tri-State:
Delta-Montrose Electric Association, Empire Electric Association, Gunnison County Electric Association, Highline Electric Association, K.C. Electric Association, La Plata Electric Association, Morgan County Rural Electric Association, Mountain Parks Electric, Mountain View Electric Association, Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association, San Isabel Electric Association, San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, San Miguel Power Association, Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Southeast Colorado Power Association, United Power, White River Electric Association, and Y-W Electric Association.
The survey sought details about renewable energy projects that co-ops were pursuing or had already completed, and the results showed that Tri-State's limits on local renewable energy projects are a growing problem for Colorado co-ops.
The report also details how each co-op has one representative on the Tri-State board of directors, yet some co-ops are much larger than others, leading to a major inequity in representation for co-op members, as well as policies that limit the local energy development choices of co-ops that serve hundreds of thousands of Coloradans. Read the full report
Uncooperative: Tri-State policies are limiting Colorado communities from developing local renewable energy projects
January 2018 report with the results of a survey of the 18 electric cooperatives in Colorado that buy power from Tri-State:
Delta-Montrose Electric Association, Empire Electric Association, Gunnison County Electric Association, Highline Electric Association, K.C. Electric Association, La Plata Electric Association, Morgan County Rural Electric Association, Mountain Parks Electric, Mountain View Electric Association, Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association, San Isabel Electric Association, San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, San Miguel Power Association, Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Southeast Colorado Power Association, United Power, White River Electric Association, and Y-W Electric Association.
The survey sought details about renewable energy projects that co-ops were pursuing or had already completed, and the results showed that Tri-State's limits on local renewable energy projects are a growing problem for Colorado co-ops.
The report also details how each co-op has one representative on the Tri-State board of directors, yet some co-ops are much larger than others, leading to a major inequity in representation for co-op members, as well as policies that limit the local energy development choices of co-ops that serve hundreds of thousands of Coloradans. Read the full report
Uncooperative: Tri-State policies are limiting New Mexico co-ops’ access to cheap solar power
March 2018 report with the results of a survey of the 11 electric cooperatives in New Mexico that buy power from Tri-State:
Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative, Columbus Electric Cooperative, Continental Divide Electric Cooperative, Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative, Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Northern Rio Arriba Electric Cooperative, Otero County Electric Cooperative, Sierra Electric Cooperative, Socorro Electric Cooperative, Southwestern Electric Cooperative, and Springer Electric Cooperative.
The survey sought details about renewable energy projects that the co-ops were pursuing or had already completed, and the results showed that several New Mexico co-ops are pursuing solar projects, and some will soon reach Tri-State’s 5% limit.
The report also looks at how removing the restrictions on co-ops from building more community scale solar projects will grow increasingly urgent, because declining prices for smaller solar projects mean that cost savings are not only available to electric cooperatives, but also directly to co-op members. Read the full report
March 2018 report with the results of a survey of the 11 electric cooperatives in New Mexico that buy power from Tri-State:
Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative, Columbus Electric Cooperative, Continental Divide Electric Cooperative, Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative, Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Northern Rio Arriba Electric Cooperative, Otero County Electric Cooperative, Sierra Electric Cooperative, Socorro Electric Cooperative, Southwestern Electric Cooperative, and Springer Electric Cooperative.
The survey sought details about renewable energy projects that the co-ops were pursuing or had already completed, and the results showed that several New Mexico co-ops are pursuing solar projects, and some will soon reach Tri-State’s 5% limit.
The report also looks at how removing the restrictions on co-ops from building more community scale solar projects will grow increasingly urgent, because declining prices for smaller solar projects mean that cost savings are not only available to electric cooperatives, but also directly to co-op members. Read the full report
Clean Cooperative articles about Tri-State
Tri-State will replace coal plants with a gigawatt of new wind and solar
February 9, 2020 - CEO Duane Highley said the plan will “transform Tri-State as a power supplier” and reduce costs and carbon emissions
United Power and La Plata Electric ask Colorado Public Utilities Commission to determine Tri-State exit fee
November 7, 2019 - The electric cooperatives’ filings emphasize a critical flaw in Tri-State’s governance system
Colorado Public Utilities Commissioner questions "whether or not Tri-State has been candid with us"
July 19, 2019 - Commission Koncilja: “everyone who appears before a tribunal has an obligation of candor to the tribunal.”
Tri-State explores FERC rate regulation to limit state oversight
June 14, 2019 - Tri-State believes it can choose its preferred regulator, and even simply remove itself from FERC regulation in the future
Poudre Valley Electric sets "80 by 2030" carbon free goal
June 6, 2019 - The goal is the first by an electric cooperative that is consistent with Colorado's new climate legislation
Guzman Energy proposal would finance retirement of Tri-State coal plants, add 1.2 gigawatts of new wind and solar power
May 28, 2019 - Guzman Energy executives said that the proposal would also immediately lower costs for Tri-State
Colorado Public Utilities Commission will oversee Tri-State resource planning
May 7, 2019 - Tri-State will now be required to develop a plan to significantly reduce the carbon pollution of its coal-heavy energy mix
Colorado communities and state Energy Office urge Public Utilities Commission oversight of Tri-State
May 1, 2019 - Colorado Energy Office: "stronger Commission oversight of Tri-State is a key to meeting carbon reduction goals."
Reports examine the impacts of Tri-State's high wholesale power costs
April 27, 2019 - Kit Carson Electric estimates that its deal with Guzman Energy "will save the co-op $50-$70 million" over 10 years
Tri-State executive involved with anti-Clean Air Act group since 2005
April 13, 2019 - A Tri-State executive is on the Policy and Steering Committees of UARG, now the focus of a congressional investigation
US Congressional Committee requests details of Tri-State funding to anti-Clean Air Act group
April 11, 2019 - Tri-State contributed $167,418 in 2017 to the Utilities Air Regulatory Group, which seeks to roll back clean air protections
Renewable energy projects stalled in 2018 among Tri-State member co-ops
April 3, 2019 - Tri-State policies have discouraged member co-ops from pursuing solar projects, even as solar prices have declined
Second co-op asks Tri-State to pull “Better Together” ads
March 28, 2019 - Tri-State conflates the contractual relationship between co-ops and Tri-State with the emotional qualities of a "family"
Tri-State won’t allow co-op members to attend annual meeting
March 21, 2019 - Tri-State’s CEO and board president gave inconsistent explanations for barring co-op members from the meeting
Tri-State expects member co-ops to support bylaw changes at annual meeting
March 18, 2019 - The bylaw changes would allow, but not require, the Tri-State board of directors to create new membership classes
Rocky Mountain Farmers Union calls on Tri-State to adopt flexible contracts and more clean energy
March 13, 2019 - A group of more than 20,000 family farmers urge Tri-State to reduce costs and respond to customers' demands
Co-ops in Colorado push for change at Tri-State
March 10, 2019 - Generation and transmission associations aren't usually well known, but that's changing in the Rocky Mountain West
Tri-State ad campaign tells co-ops they’re “better together”
March 1, 2019 - Tri-State appears to have developed and placed the "better together" ads without the input of its member co-ops
La Plata Electric concerned Tri-State debt will lead to higher rates
February 22, 2019 - Tri-State isn't paying down over a billion dollars of its debt, even as costs increase for its aging coal plants
Colorado Public Utilities Commission asserts jurisdiction over Tri-State
February 15, 2019 - Delta-Montrose highlights support from legislators, industry groups, towns and cities, and advocacy organizations
Ski industry climate change efforts shift to electric utilities and their regulators
February 5, 2019 - Colorado Ski Country USA supports Delta-Montrose Electric's efforts to end its contract with Tri-State
Public Utilities Commission rejects Tri-State motion to exclude Colorado Energy Office from exit charge case
January 30, 2019 - The PUC agreed that the Colorado Energy Office can “intervene as a matter of right”
Tri-State claims that co-ops "have intervened on Tri-State's behalf at the PUC” don’t add up
January 24, 2019 - Analysis of co-ops' filings shows Tri-State falsely claimed that 34 co-ops say Colorado PUC “doesn’t have jurisdiction”
Colorado state legislators urge Public Utilities Commission to determine Tri-State exit charge
January 20, 2019 - A letter from the majority of state legislators says that the PUC has clear jurisdiction to set a reasonable exit fee
United Power says Tri-State policies are turning away large customers
January 17, 2019 - United Power says it lost out on a data center customer because of Tri-State's policies and higher costs
Tri-State policy change discourages battery projects in rural Colorado and New Mexico
December 14, 2018 - The Tri-State policy change significantly reduces the value of energy storage projects for 43 electric cooperatives
Colorado Public Utilities Commission orders Tri-State to "satisfy or answer" exit charge complaint from Delta Montrose Electric
December 10, 2018 - DMEA requested that the Colorado PUC "establish an exit charge that is just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory."
United Power seeks solutions to "increasingly outmoded G&T business models"
December 4, 2018 - United Power has "grave concerns about key elements of Tri-State’s key generation products and services."
Clean Energy Means Business Summit highlights renewable energy opportunities and challenges in rural Colorado
November 16, 2018 - Head of the Colorado Rural Electric Cooperative Association discussed Tri-State's limits on local energy projects
Electric cooperative officials discuss cheap renewable energy and an “eroding monopoly”
November 1, 2018 - Tri-State CEO said Tri-State has received “unbelievably aggressive” bids for new renewable energy projects
Delta Montrose Electric members vote for new financing options, supporting a potential buyout of Tri-State contract
October 18, 2018 - DMEA: "Our supplier Tri-State has increased rates by more than 30% over the past ten years."
Poudre Valley Electric requests Tri-State policy changes and fuel mix study
October 4, 2018 - Co-op seeks new Tri-State policies to support "member-side electric supply resources"
Report: Tri-State could save $600 million by shifting from coal to renewable energy
August 23, 2018 - Rocky Mountain Institute report highlights risks if Tri-State fails to cut costs and continues to rely on higher cost coal
Delta Montrose Electric seeks new financing options to end contract with Tri-State
August 15, 2018 - DMEA is concerned about “losing jobs when businesses go elsewhere because power costs are too high.”
Latest coal plant subsidy proposal could hit electricity bills in the West
June 4, 2018 - Tri-State urged the Trump administration to expand its coal plant subsidy proposal to include the Western US
Moody’s report: “High quality renewable resources” could help Tri-State and Basin Electric navigate rising carbon transition risks
May 25, 2018 - Moody's says Tri-State and Basin could "benefit from abundant wind resources in their rural service territories"
Senator Heinrich highlights “frustrations in New Mexico” with Tri-State’s limits on local solar
April 20, 2018 - "We’ve had recently a member co-op elect to leave, because they wanted to be responsive to their own customers."
Moody’s report shows Tri-State’s coal plants are more expensive than new renewable energy
April 12, 2018 - All of Tri-State's coal units cost more than $30/MWh - "more expensive than long-term PPAs for utility-scale renewables"
Tri-State’s limits on local energy development are a growing problem for co-op members
April 4, 2018 - 13 co-ops are at or near Tri-State's 5% limit on local renewable energy projects - including Tri-State's largest customers
Governor Hickenlooper discusses Tri-State at the Climate Leadership Conference
March 1, 2018 - "Tri-State is going to either be part of the team or they’re going to really face some withering criticism from the public"
Blocked from building more solar projects, United Power shifts to community batteries
November 8, 2017 - Tri-State's 5% limit on local renewable energy projects prompted United Power to pursue a 16 MWh Tesla battery
Economic reality sets in for Tri-State efforts to expand the Holcomb coal plant
September 14, 2017 - "We could sell it, but I don’t know who would want to buy it. I don’t think there’s going to be any coal plants built.”
Tri-State will replace coal plants with a gigawatt of new wind and solar
February 9, 2020 - CEO Duane Highley said the plan will “transform Tri-State as a power supplier” and reduce costs and carbon emissions
United Power and La Plata Electric ask Colorado Public Utilities Commission to determine Tri-State exit fee
November 7, 2019 - The electric cooperatives’ filings emphasize a critical flaw in Tri-State’s governance system
Colorado Public Utilities Commissioner questions "whether or not Tri-State has been candid with us"
July 19, 2019 - Commission Koncilja: “everyone who appears before a tribunal has an obligation of candor to the tribunal.”
Tri-State explores FERC rate regulation to limit state oversight
June 14, 2019 - Tri-State believes it can choose its preferred regulator, and even simply remove itself from FERC regulation in the future
Poudre Valley Electric sets "80 by 2030" carbon free goal
June 6, 2019 - The goal is the first by an electric cooperative that is consistent with Colorado's new climate legislation
Guzman Energy proposal would finance retirement of Tri-State coal plants, add 1.2 gigawatts of new wind and solar power
May 28, 2019 - Guzman Energy executives said that the proposal would also immediately lower costs for Tri-State
Colorado Public Utilities Commission will oversee Tri-State resource planning
May 7, 2019 - Tri-State will now be required to develop a plan to significantly reduce the carbon pollution of its coal-heavy energy mix
Colorado communities and state Energy Office urge Public Utilities Commission oversight of Tri-State
May 1, 2019 - Colorado Energy Office: "stronger Commission oversight of Tri-State is a key to meeting carbon reduction goals."
Reports examine the impacts of Tri-State's high wholesale power costs
April 27, 2019 - Kit Carson Electric estimates that its deal with Guzman Energy "will save the co-op $50-$70 million" over 10 years
Tri-State executive involved with anti-Clean Air Act group since 2005
April 13, 2019 - A Tri-State executive is on the Policy and Steering Committees of UARG, now the focus of a congressional investigation
US Congressional Committee requests details of Tri-State funding to anti-Clean Air Act group
April 11, 2019 - Tri-State contributed $167,418 in 2017 to the Utilities Air Regulatory Group, which seeks to roll back clean air protections
Renewable energy projects stalled in 2018 among Tri-State member co-ops
April 3, 2019 - Tri-State policies have discouraged member co-ops from pursuing solar projects, even as solar prices have declined
Second co-op asks Tri-State to pull “Better Together” ads
March 28, 2019 - Tri-State conflates the contractual relationship between co-ops and Tri-State with the emotional qualities of a "family"
Tri-State won’t allow co-op members to attend annual meeting
March 21, 2019 - Tri-State’s CEO and board president gave inconsistent explanations for barring co-op members from the meeting
Tri-State expects member co-ops to support bylaw changes at annual meeting
March 18, 2019 - The bylaw changes would allow, but not require, the Tri-State board of directors to create new membership classes
Rocky Mountain Farmers Union calls on Tri-State to adopt flexible contracts and more clean energy
March 13, 2019 - A group of more than 20,000 family farmers urge Tri-State to reduce costs and respond to customers' demands
Co-ops in Colorado push for change at Tri-State
March 10, 2019 - Generation and transmission associations aren't usually well known, but that's changing in the Rocky Mountain West
Tri-State ad campaign tells co-ops they’re “better together”
March 1, 2019 - Tri-State appears to have developed and placed the "better together" ads without the input of its member co-ops
La Plata Electric concerned Tri-State debt will lead to higher rates
February 22, 2019 - Tri-State isn't paying down over a billion dollars of its debt, even as costs increase for its aging coal plants
Colorado Public Utilities Commission asserts jurisdiction over Tri-State
February 15, 2019 - Delta-Montrose highlights support from legislators, industry groups, towns and cities, and advocacy organizations
Ski industry climate change efforts shift to electric utilities and their regulators
February 5, 2019 - Colorado Ski Country USA supports Delta-Montrose Electric's efforts to end its contract with Tri-State
Public Utilities Commission rejects Tri-State motion to exclude Colorado Energy Office from exit charge case
January 30, 2019 - The PUC agreed that the Colorado Energy Office can “intervene as a matter of right”
Tri-State claims that co-ops "have intervened on Tri-State's behalf at the PUC” don’t add up
January 24, 2019 - Analysis of co-ops' filings shows Tri-State falsely claimed that 34 co-ops say Colorado PUC “doesn’t have jurisdiction”
Colorado state legislators urge Public Utilities Commission to determine Tri-State exit charge
January 20, 2019 - A letter from the majority of state legislators says that the PUC has clear jurisdiction to set a reasonable exit fee
United Power says Tri-State policies are turning away large customers
January 17, 2019 - United Power says it lost out on a data center customer because of Tri-State's policies and higher costs
Tri-State policy change discourages battery projects in rural Colorado and New Mexico
December 14, 2018 - The Tri-State policy change significantly reduces the value of energy storage projects for 43 electric cooperatives
Colorado Public Utilities Commission orders Tri-State to "satisfy or answer" exit charge complaint from Delta Montrose Electric
December 10, 2018 - DMEA requested that the Colorado PUC "establish an exit charge that is just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory."
United Power seeks solutions to "increasingly outmoded G&T business models"
December 4, 2018 - United Power has "grave concerns about key elements of Tri-State’s key generation products and services."
Clean Energy Means Business Summit highlights renewable energy opportunities and challenges in rural Colorado
November 16, 2018 - Head of the Colorado Rural Electric Cooperative Association discussed Tri-State's limits on local energy projects
Electric cooperative officials discuss cheap renewable energy and an “eroding monopoly”
November 1, 2018 - Tri-State CEO said Tri-State has received “unbelievably aggressive” bids for new renewable energy projects
Delta Montrose Electric members vote for new financing options, supporting a potential buyout of Tri-State contract
October 18, 2018 - DMEA: "Our supplier Tri-State has increased rates by more than 30% over the past ten years."
Poudre Valley Electric requests Tri-State policy changes and fuel mix study
October 4, 2018 - Co-op seeks new Tri-State policies to support "member-side electric supply resources"
Report: Tri-State could save $600 million by shifting from coal to renewable energy
August 23, 2018 - Rocky Mountain Institute report highlights risks if Tri-State fails to cut costs and continues to rely on higher cost coal
Delta Montrose Electric seeks new financing options to end contract with Tri-State
August 15, 2018 - DMEA is concerned about “losing jobs when businesses go elsewhere because power costs are too high.”
Latest coal plant subsidy proposal could hit electricity bills in the West
June 4, 2018 - Tri-State urged the Trump administration to expand its coal plant subsidy proposal to include the Western US
Moody’s report: “High quality renewable resources” could help Tri-State and Basin Electric navigate rising carbon transition risks
May 25, 2018 - Moody's says Tri-State and Basin could "benefit from abundant wind resources in their rural service territories"
Senator Heinrich highlights “frustrations in New Mexico” with Tri-State’s limits on local solar
April 20, 2018 - "We’ve had recently a member co-op elect to leave, because they wanted to be responsive to their own customers."
Moody’s report shows Tri-State’s coal plants are more expensive than new renewable energy
April 12, 2018 - All of Tri-State's coal units cost more than $30/MWh - "more expensive than long-term PPAs for utility-scale renewables"
Tri-State’s limits on local energy development are a growing problem for co-op members
April 4, 2018 - 13 co-ops are at or near Tri-State's 5% limit on local renewable energy projects - including Tri-State's largest customers
Governor Hickenlooper discusses Tri-State at the Climate Leadership Conference
March 1, 2018 - "Tri-State is going to either be part of the team or they’re going to really face some withering criticism from the public"
Blocked from building more solar projects, United Power shifts to community batteries
November 8, 2017 - Tri-State's 5% limit on local renewable energy projects prompted United Power to pursue a 16 MWh Tesla battery
Economic reality sets in for Tri-State efforts to expand the Holcomb coal plant
September 14, 2017 - "We could sell it, but I don’t know who would want to buy it. I don’t think there’s going to be any coal plants built.”
Other articles and reports about Tri-State
Denver Post, May 2019: From now on, regional utility Tri-State will be subject to oversight from Colorado regulators
Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, April 2019: Kit Carson electric co-op gains from breakup with coal-centric Tri-State
Durango Herald, April 2019: La Plata Electric’s energy supplier funded firm that fought clean air rules
Durango Herald, April 2019: La Plata Electric could save money if it left energy supplier
The Western Way, April 2019: Rural Energy at a Crossroads: Electric Cooperatives Trapped in System Causing High Energy Costs
Center for the Energy Economy report, March 2019: Powering Cooperatives - A primer on Colorado's local cooperative utilities and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
High Country News op-ed, February 2019: Push for renewables vexes Western power supplier
Denver Post, January 2019: Tri-State’s contentious contract dispute with Western Slope cooperative ends up in court
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, January 2019: Lawmakers back utility's push to exit its contract
Gunnison Country Times, January 2019: Could Gunnison County Electric Association cut ties with Tri-State?
Utility Dive, January 2019: Tri-State members increasingly unsatisfied as the rise of distributed resources upends the G&T model
Longmont Times-Call, January 2019: United Power urging other Tri-State members to consider move toward partial contracts with wholesaler
Colorado Public Radio, December 2018: Colorado’s Largest Battery Comes Online As The State Pivots To Cleaner Energy
San Juan Citizen Alliance, December 2018: Tri-State in trouble
WildEarth Guardians, December 2018: Tri-State Generation Faces Writing on the Wall
Energy News Network, December 2018: Unhappy Colorado co-ops increase pressure on coal power wholesaler
Denver Post, December 2018: Tri-State Generation and Transmission faces loss of member over rates, renewables
Durango Herald, December 2018: Co-op seeks to change Tri-State rules to boost renewable energy buying power
High Country News, October 2018: A utility in coal country doubles down on renewables
Colorado Sun, October 2018: Fight over prices, renewable energy spurs second rural cooperative to leave Tri-State Generation
Energy News Network, October 2018: How refinancing could help retire Colorado coal plants sooner
Durango Herald, September 2018: LPEA studies power alternatives to wholesale supplier
Rocky Mountain Institute, August 2018: A Low-Cost Energy Future for Western Cooperatives: Emerging Opportunities for Cooperative Electric Utilities to Pursue Clean Energy at a Cost Savings to Their Members
Colorado Politics, August 2018: Rural electric cooperatives look at cutting the cord
Energy News Network, August 2018: Mine cleanup funds at risk as coal power suppliers lose customers
Denver Post, July 2018: World’s largest investment fund drops two investments with Colorado ties
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, May 2018: Co-ops consider flying the coop
Lamar Ledger, May 2018: Dedication held for Twin Buttes II wind farm in Prowers County
Craig Daily Press, April 2018: Tri-State leadership gives more details of Craig Station Unit 1 closure, Colowyo Mine’s Collom expansion
Energy News Network, April 2018: Colorado co-ops consider dropping their energy provider
Montrose Daily Press, April 2018: Tri-State touts renewable energy milestone
Durango Herald Op-ed, February 2018: Bresnahan: Kit Carson leading the way with distributed energy
Craig Daily Press, January 2018: Craig Station’s Unit 3 expected to be offline for months to complete repairs and maintenance
Mountain Town News, August 2017: Is Kit Carson’s renewable goal also the answer to rural America’s woes?
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, December 2016: FERC Ruling Paves Way for Increased Local Renewable Energy Generation
High Country News Op-ed, August 2016: An electric-power giant is poised to fail
High Country News, April 2015: A rural utility bucks against its power supplier
Clean Energy Action, October 2014: Tri-State Generation and Transmission: Time for a New Equation for Affordability
Denver Post, May 2019: From now on, regional utility Tri-State will be subject to oversight from Colorado regulators
Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, April 2019: Kit Carson electric co-op gains from breakup with coal-centric Tri-State
Durango Herald, April 2019: La Plata Electric’s energy supplier funded firm that fought clean air rules
Durango Herald, April 2019: La Plata Electric could save money if it left energy supplier
The Western Way, April 2019: Rural Energy at a Crossroads: Electric Cooperatives Trapped in System Causing High Energy Costs
Center for the Energy Economy report, March 2019: Powering Cooperatives - A primer on Colorado's local cooperative utilities and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
High Country News op-ed, February 2019: Push for renewables vexes Western power supplier
Denver Post, January 2019: Tri-State’s contentious contract dispute with Western Slope cooperative ends up in court
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, January 2019: Lawmakers back utility's push to exit its contract
Gunnison Country Times, January 2019: Could Gunnison County Electric Association cut ties with Tri-State?
Utility Dive, January 2019: Tri-State members increasingly unsatisfied as the rise of distributed resources upends the G&T model
Longmont Times-Call, January 2019: United Power urging other Tri-State members to consider move toward partial contracts with wholesaler
Colorado Public Radio, December 2018: Colorado’s Largest Battery Comes Online As The State Pivots To Cleaner Energy
San Juan Citizen Alliance, December 2018: Tri-State in trouble
WildEarth Guardians, December 2018: Tri-State Generation Faces Writing on the Wall
Energy News Network, December 2018: Unhappy Colorado co-ops increase pressure on coal power wholesaler
Denver Post, December 2018: Tri-State Generation and Transmission faces loss of member over rates, renewables
Durango Herald, December 2018: Co-op seeks to change Tri-State rules to boost renewable energy buying power
High Country News, October 2018: A utility in coal country doubles down on renewables
Colorado Sun, October 2018: Fight over prices, renewable energy spurs second rural cooperative to leave Tri-State Generation
Energy News Network, October 2018: How refinancing could help retire Colorado coal plants sooner
Durango Herald, September 2018: LPEA studies power alternatives to wholesale supplier
Rocky Mountain Institute, August 2018: A Low-Cost Energy Future for Western Cooperatives: Emerging Opportunities for Cooperative Electric Utilities to Pursue Clean Energy at a Cost Savings to Their Members
Colorado Politics, August 2018: Rural electric cooperatives look at cutting the cord
Energy News Network, August 2018: Mine cleanup funds at risk as coal power suppliers lose customers
Denver Post, July 2018: World’s largest investment fund drops two investments with Colorado ties
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, May 2018: Co-ops consider flying the coop
Lamar Ledger, May 2018: Dedication held for Twin Buttes II wind farm in Prowers County
Craig Daily Press, April 2018: Tri-State leadership gives more details of Craig Station Unit 1 closure, Colowyo Mine’s Collom expansion
Energy News Network, April 2018: Colorado co-ops consider dropping their energy provider
Montrose Daily Press, April 2018: Tri-State touts renewable energy milestone
Durango Herald Op-ed, February 2018: Bresnahan: Kit Carson leading the way with distributed energy
Craig Daily Press, January 2018: Craig Station’s Unit 3 expected to be offline for months to complete repairs and maintenance
Mountain Town News, August 2017: Is Kit Carson’s renewable goal also the answer to rural America’s woes?
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, December 2016: FERC Ruling Paves Way for Increased Local Renewable Energy Generation
High Country News Op-ed, August 2016: An electric-power giant is poised to fail
High Country News, April 2015: A rural utility bucks against its power supplier
Clean Energy Action, October 2014: Tri-State Generation and Transmission: Time for a New Equation for Affordability
Key documents relating to Tri-State
Tri-State 2018 Annual Progress Report to its 2015 Electric Resource Plan
La Plata Electric April 2017 Resolution to Tri-State Urging Increase in 5% Limit
Tri-State 2017 10-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission
Tri-State 2017 SEC filing showing it had “assessed the probability of us entering into construction for the Holcomb Expansion as remote.”
Tri-State 2016 challenge of FERC decision in favor of Delta Montrose Electric Association, that PURPA supersedes Tri-State's 5% limit
La Plata Electric April 2017 Resolution to Tri-State Urging Increase in 5% Limit
Tri-State 2017 10-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission
Tri-State 2017 SEC filing showing it had “assessed the probability of us entering into construction for the Holcomb Expansion as remote.”
Tri-State 2016 challenge of FERC decision in favor of Delta Montrose Electric Association, that PURPA supersedes Tri-State's 5% limit