Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Inc is a non-profit wholesale power supplier that provides electricity to 43 member distribution cooperatives and public power districts in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Wyoming. The company was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Westminster, Colorado. Tri-State is committed to providing reliable and affordable power to its members while also being environmentally responsible. The company has been expanding its renewable energy portfolio in recent years and has become a leader in developing solar and wind projects in the United States.

Solar Energy

Tri-State has been investing in solar energy projects since 2010. The company's first solar project was a 30-kilowatt (kW) array at its headquarters in Westminster, Colorado. Since then, Tri-State has developed several large-scale solar projects, including the 30-megawatt (MW) Cimarron Solar Facility in Colfax County, New Mexico. The Cimarron Solar Facility is one of the largest solar projects in the state and provides enough electricity to power approximately 9,000 homes.

Tri-State has also developed smaller solar projects in Colorado, including the 2.5-MW Escalante Solar Project in Delta County. The Escalante Solar Project was completed in 2016 and is expected to generate approximately 5,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity per year. Tri-State has also installed solar panels on its headquarters building and other facilities throughout its service area.

In addition to developing its own solar projects, Tri-State has also entered into power purchase agreements (PPAs) with other solar developers. In 2019, the company signed a PPA with a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources to purchase the output from a 100-MW solar project in northeastern Colorado. The project is expected to be operational by the end of 2021 and will provide enough electricity to power approximately 28,000 homes.

Wind Energy

Tri-State has been developing wind energy projects since 2007. The company's first wind project was the 51-MW Kit Carson Windpower Project in eastern Colorado. The project consists of 34 wind turbines and provides enough electricity to power approximately 15,000 homes. Tri-State has since developed several other wind projects, including the 67-MW Colorado Highlands Wind Project in Logan County, Colorado.

Tri-State has also entered into PPAs with other wind developers. In 2019, the company signed a PPA with a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources to purchase the output from a 104-MW wind project in eastern Colorado. The project is expected to be operational by the end of 2020 and will provide enough electricity to power approximately 30,000 homes.

Environmental Commitment

Tri-State is committed to being environmentally responsible and has set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2024, compared to 2005 levels. The company's renewable energy projects are a key part of its strategy to achieve this goal. In addition to developing solar and wind projects, Tri-State has also invested in energy efficiency programs and has retired several coal-fired power plants.

Tri-State has also committed to reducing its water usage and has implemented several water conservation measures at its power plants. The company has installed dry cooling systems at its coal-fired power plants, which significantly reduces the amount of water needed for cooling. Tri-State has also implemented water recycling programs at its power plants and has reduced its water usage by approximately 20% since 2005.

Conclusion

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Inc is a leader in developing renewable energy projects in the United States. The company's solar and wind projects provide clean and reliable electricity to its members while also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Tri-State is committed to being environmentally responsible and has set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2024. With its continued investment in renewable energy, Tri-State is helping to create a more sustainable future for its members and the communities it serves.