22 minute read
A RESPONSIBLE ENERGY PLAN
A RESPONSIBLE ENERGY PLAN Transition to greener power underway for co-op power supplier
BY KENT SINGER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In January, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (a member of the Colorado Rural Electric Association) announced that over the next 10 years it will retire its coal-fired power plants in Colorado and replace those sources of electricity generation with wind and solar power. By the end of 2030, Tri-State will no longer operate any coal-fired plants in Colorado, thus reducing the company’s carbon emissions from its Colorado plants by 90% and reducing carbon emissions from all electric sales in Colorado by 70%. (Tri-State will continue to import some coal-fired power from sources outside of Colorado.)
This is an historic decision by Tri-State, which provides wholesale power supply to every Colorado electric distribution co-op except Grand Valley Power, Yampa Valley Electric Association, Holy Cross Energy and Intermountain Rural Electric Association. Along with the announcement of the coal plant retirements, Tri-State announced the addition of nearly 1 gigawatt (1,000 megawatts) of new renewable energy capacity to its generation resources. These new wind and solar projects will be located across Colorado, creating temporary construction jobs as well as permanent maintenance positions. After its Responsible Energy Plan is completed, Tri-State will have more than 2,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity on its 3,000 megawatt system.
Tri-State’s new direction regarding its power portfolio is driven by several factors. In 2019, the Colorado General Assembly adopted legislation (H.B. 19-1261) that requires significant reductions of greenhouse gas emissions from all industries operating in the state. Although the rules for the implementation of this legislation have not been finalized, it’s clear that electric utilities will be required to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels in the near future. Tri-State’s need to comply with the Colorado law is an important factor in its recent announcements.
But even absent a legislative mandate, the rapidly decreasing costs of renewable energy make those resources more attractive today than they were just a few short years ago. You may recall that, in 2013, Tri-State, along with CREA, opposed Senate Bill 13-252 that increased the renewable energy requirements for Colorado’s electric co-ops. As recently as seven years ago, the cost of renewable energy was significantly higher than it is today and, at that time, we were concerned that a requirement for more renewables would increase rates to co-op consumer-members. With improved technology and economies of scale, wind and solar generating plants today can provide cost-effective energy while at the same time reducing carbon emissions.
Perhaps the most important driver in Tri-State’s course change, however, is the desire by many of Tri-State’s members for the co-op to diversify its power supply and include more renewable energy. Tri-State is owned by its 43 distribution co-op and public power district members who are in turn owned by their consumer-members. One of the key principles of the cooperative business model is “democratic member control” and that means the members at the end of the line have input into Tri-State’s resource decisions. In making these adjustments to its power supply portfolio, Tri-State is also honoring this core co-op principle.
KENT SINGER
This new path for Tri-State does not come without challenges. On the operations side, Tri-State will have to figure out how to best balance its members’ power needs with an ever-increasing array of intermittent generating resources. This may require the deployment of new technologies and operating procedures in order for Tri-State to maintain the same level of reliable power supply that Colorado’s electric co-ops have enjoyed for decades.
More important than the reliability challenges, however, is the impact of Tri-State’s new direction on current Tri-State employees. Several hundred men and women who currently work at the Tri-State coal plants and coal mines that are being retired will be affected by this decision. These are folks who, in many cases, have spent their careers and much of their adult lives serving you, the citizens of rural Colorado. They have done this difficult and sometimes dangerous work so you could have light and power. They did it without asking for recognition or praise, but simply for the satisfaction of helping their communities.
They deserve to be thanked and supported in this time of transition.
Kent Singer is the executive director of the Colorado Rural Electric Association and offers a statewide perspective on issues affecting electric cooperatives. CREA is the trade association for your electric co-op, the 21 other electric co-ops in Colorado and its power supply co-op.
The legacy of Colorado electric co-op heroes FROM THE EDITOR
BY MONA NEELEY EDITOR
This is the Colorado Rural Electric Association’s 75th year of representing Colorado’s electric cooperatives as their statewide trade association. CREA and the co-ops are excited for the next 75 years, but before we move ahead, let’s take a quick look back.
When I was hired back in 1994, there were still CREA board members who remembered the lights coming on, including the late Mick Geesen from Mountain View Electric and the late Ray Macht from La Plata Electric.
Mick was only 21 when he arrived in Colorado in 1941 to start ranching on family land. He moved from an area with electricity and knew what a difference it would make for his home outside of Agate. So, he went to work to sign up enough members that the fledgling local co-op could qualify for a Rural Electrification Administration loan to build its system. And he stayed for
MONA NEELEY 50 years, guiding the local co-op.
R a y w a s another young rancher who saw the benefits of electricity. Pagosa Springs, only 4 miles from his place, had power and when the nearby La Plata Electric bought the city system and started expanding, Ray was ready. He rented equipment and began digging holes for power poles along his driveway and toward town, even using dynamite in the rocky spots.
Ray believed in the rural electric program so much that he immediately got elected to the board and spent the next 50 years helping guide the growing co-op.
These men are just two of so many heroic co-op pioneers. Their legacy is now carried into the future by the dedicated directors serving your electric co-op today.
Mona Neeley is the statewide editor of Colorado Country Life, which is published in coordination with your local electric cooperative.
RULES: Colorado Country Life is looking for pet stories explaining what makes your pet special or what amazing things your pet has done. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and runners up published in the magazine will be awarded cash. Stories will be published in the September magazine. Rules for the contest are as follows: 1. Story must be told in no more than 300 words. 2. Deadline to enter is May 22. Entry must be received in the office by 4:30 p.m. 3. Entries may be typed or handwritten. 4. Photo of the pet must be included with the entry. If the photo is sent digitally, it must be at least 4X5 inches in size at 300 dpi. 5. Digital entries must be sent to info@coloradocountrylife.org. 6. Mailed entries must be sent to Pet Story Contest, Colorado Country Life, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216.
Questions may be sent to info@coloradocountrylife.org. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Compassion Via a Lightbulb I can’t thank you enough for the inspirational and heartwarming piece about the Colorado and Oklahoma linemen who performed philanthropic work last summer in Guatemala (“Bringing Light, Finding Joy” December ’19). Citizens of Central America and poor nations around the world are often casti gated as being unworthy of the compassion and generosity we take for granted in America. And many Americans have never experienced firsthand the extreme poverty and injustices evident in poor countries around the world.
The article correctly notes that, in spite of unimaginable economic conditions, these citizens are able to find joy and hope in something as simple as a single lightbulb brought into their homes. The 20 lineworkers who participated undoubtedly also discovered joy and hope in their mission, and I’ll bet their lives will forever be changed for the better. Jim Little, Wetmore San Isabel Electric consumer-member
A Lower Carbon Footprint Reading the December issue, [I saw] a picture of former Gov. Bill Ritter and Tri-State Generation and Transmission CEO Duane Highley at the CREA Energy Innovations Summit. I noticed about six plastic bottles of water on a table in front of them. On the next page is an article on co-ops working to lower carbon energy use. Let’s try to use glass or reusable water containers as much as possible and we will work to lower carbon energy use together. M. Cary, Kremmling Mountain Parks Electric consumer-member
More Energy Efficiency The coal plant retirements and new renewable energy projects announced by Tri-State Generation and Transmission are big steps in the right direction. But more should be done if Tri-State is to truly respond to the threat of catastrophic climate change in a responsible manner. In particular, Tri-State should expand the energy efficiency programs it implements together with its member cooperatives. Howard Geller, executive director Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
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Editor Mona Neeley at 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or at mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org. Include full name and contact information.
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Energy-Saving Landscaping Tips
The decisions you make about your home’s landscaping can help you stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. With summer around the corner, take a look at how strategic planting can help cool your home. Direct sunlight hitting windows is a major contributor to overheating the home during summer months. By planting trees that block sunlight, you can improve comfort and reduce air-conditioning energy use. If the trees eventually grow tall enough to shield the roof, that’s even better.
The most important windows to shade are the ones facing west, followed by windows that face east. Morning and evening sunlight hits the home more directly than midday sunlight. Also, an eave on the south side of the home can help shade windows during midday sun.
If you live in one of Colorado’s cooler areas, planting deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the fall will shield your windows in summer and allow sunlight in during winter to help warm your home. A simple approach that can deliver some shade the first year is to plant a “living wall” of vines grown on a trellis next to the home.
There are two other important factors to consider in some areas of Colorado: 1. Water is becoming more precious and expensive. When you pay your water bill, much of that cost is for the energy required to pump water to your home, or perhaps you have your own well. Either way, reducing water use saves money and reduces energy use. 2. If you live in an area that has wildfires, definitely take it into consideration as you develop a landscaping plan. What and where you plant on your property can either increase or decrease the risk of fire reaching your home. Planting a row of shrubs a foot from the home can provide more efficiency in cooler climates. By stopping air movement, it can form a dead air space around the home that acts as “bonus” insulation.
These are just a few ideas to help you get started. Also remember that, as with any landscaping projects that require digging, it’s important to call 811 to ensure all underground utility lines are properly marked and flagged before you start the work. Happy planting! BY PAT KEEGAN AND BRAD THIESSEN
BY TOM WALCH CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER A s partisan and political divides have deepened over the past few years, we are constantly reminded that elections have consequences. These consequences take the form of legislative enactments, executive orders and bureaucratic regulations, rules and policies. Whatever form they take, individuals, families, communities and businesses all deal with these outcomes. Sometimes the impacts are immediate; sometimes it can be years before they play out.
Most Coloradans are aware of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association’s announcement that it will be shuttering all its coal mines and coal-fired generating facilities in Colorado. We’ve all heard how this will impact the northwestern corner of the state. Primary and secondary jobs, direct and indirect, will be lost. Businesses will struggle and property values will decrease. Schools and local governments will see a large portion of their tax base disappear. Many observers have said that this was market driven, due to dropping costs for competing solar and wind generation. This is not the complete story. Tri-State’s hand was forced by actions taken and threatened by the governor, the Public Utilities Commission, the legislature and some of its member cooperatives over the past years. In large part, this was a consequence of recent elections.
Things are happening on the national front that could impact the utility industry. Many of the announced 2020 presidential candidates have already released climate change plans committing to policies that target net-zero emissions, implementing carbon taxes and ending new fossil fuel projects. The November 2020 elections will bear consequences that could affect the cost, reliability and environmental attributes of our cooperative’s power supply for years to come.
Back at home, the consequences of elections impacting Grand Valley Power and its consumers extend beyond power supply and environmental issues. The Colorado assembly will consider ambitious measures ranging from an overhaul of the oil and gas industry, paid family and medical leave, funding for full-day kindergarten and efforts to address rising health care costs. If passed, these measures will likely cause our costs of doing business to rise, and that in turn could impact electric rates.
For the first time in the Centennial State, due to a newly enacted Colorado Votes Act, 17-year-olds will have the opportunity to vote in the presidential primary election, as long as they turn 18 on or before November 3 — the day before the general election. This also means that every college campus in Colorado must have a voting center and ballot drop-off location made available. Coloradans will have two primaries and one general election where they can cast ballots this year.
We encourage each one of you to register and vote. We also want to provide the tools for you to reach out to our state legislators about issues you feel you want to be heard on. You can download the Colorado Legislative Directory app (available in the Google Play and Apple store) for free. It provides you with all Colorado assembly and U.S. Congress contact information, email and official social media pages. We also provide a free copy in our office as well. While it’s our number one priority to provide safe, reliable and affordable power, we also are deeply connected and committed to our communities. We want to help them thrive. This requires us to go beyond our power lines and poles. It
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requires us to focus on what our elected leaders are doing in Denver and in Washington, D.C., and to ensure they hear our collective voices — regionally and nationally. It is what we have to do if we are to continue to deliver value to all we serve. Consequences of Elections
COMMENTS TO THE CEO You are a member of a cooperative and your opinion does count. If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please let me know by writing to Ask the CEO, P.O. Box 190, Grand Junction, CO 81502, or send an email to me at twalch@gvp.org. Check out our website at gvp.org.
BOARD MEETING NOTICE Grand Valley Power board meetings are open to the members, consumers and public. Regularly scheduled board meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the headquarters building located at 845 22 Road, Grand Junction, Colorado.
The monthly agenda is posted in the lobby of the headquarters building 10 days before each meeting, and posted on the GVP website. If anyone desires to address the board of directors, please let us know in advance and you will be placed on the agenda.
The clocks spring forward one hour Sunday morning on March 8, 2020, at 2 a.m. You’ll lose an hour of sleep, but the daylight will last longer in the evening.
After 29 years, Darrell Gilbert retires from Grand Valley Power. Darrell is always willing to serve his community and participated in a number of service projects over the years, including St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
My Home Away From Home
BY DANA POGAR COMMUNICATIONS INTERN I t is with a heavy heart and mixed emotions that Grand Valley Power announces the retirement of Mapping and Graphics Technician Darrell Gilbert. After 29 years of devoted service, Darrell is ready to embark on the next chapter of his life. For those who don’t have the privilege of knowing him, Darrell is well-known for bringing immense joy and laughter to those who surround him. Not only was he responsible for brightening the lives of others, but Darrell also was an essential part in growing the cooperative. “For the past 29 years, my job has consisted of mapping GVP’s territories and graphing the location of new electrical lines,” he explained.
Darrell has enjoyed his time working for Grand Valley Power because each day has provided him with a new challenge and new opportunity to better serve its members. Prior to GVP, Darrell worked in the oil fields where his role was focused on drafting environmental and electrical lines for a local drilling company. He was first introduced to the cooperative when a close friend mentioned a recent job opening, and he was eager to apply. Two days later, Darrell became a vital member of the cooperative family on July 2, 1991.
“There are so many things to be grateful for here at Grand Valley Power, but I am truly blessed to have made the relationships I have with my fellow colleagues over the past 29 years. Grand Valley Power is my home away from home,” Darrell said.
Though he is sad to leave, Darrell is excited to start yet another chapter of his life, enjoying time with his friends and family. He has big plans to work on home improvement projects and is excited to finally have time to explore the great outdoors with his wife in their camper. “I will miss everyone greatly but will enjoy sleeping in,” Darrell said. Please join us in congratulating Darrell Gilbert on his retirement and honoring him for his dedication and service to the cooperative.
DO WE OWE YOU MONEY?
SCAN M E
One of the many benefits of being a member of a cooperative is the way that members participate in the business. Members contribute to the capital of their cooperative. They also contribute to the co-op’s economic success and any excess margins are paid back over time to those members.
We at Grand Valley Power strive to ensure we have your updated address to mail you credit checks, even if you move off our lines. Despite these efforts, we receive checks back and they are unclaimed.
We updated our list and encourage you to check the website, either by visiting gvp.org/member-credits or by scanning the QR code to the left, to see if you know any of the individuals or businesses that have unclaimed cash. If your name is listed (or if someone you know is listed), please contact us at 970-242-0040.
Haley Gray Caprock Academy
Izzy Mease Home school
Amarah Thompson Palisade High School
GVP Committee Selects Washington D.C. Youth Tour
The Grand Valley Power member and community relations committee, comprised of current board of directors, has selected this year’s Washington D.C. Youth Tour and Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp award winners.
Haley Gray from Caprock Academy and Izzy Mease, who is a home school student, will attend the Washington D.C. Youth Tour this June. “Attending the Youth Tour would mean I could expand my knowledge and understanding of our government, speak with legislators, and learn more about the cooperative business. I am passionate about affecting positive change in my community and I believe this is a gateway to help me do that,” expressed Gray. Izzy Mease, a longstanding FFA member, is no stranger to leadership roles. As past Youth Tour recipient, this year she hopes to be selected into the Youth Leadership Council, where she will be invited back for a leadership workshop which will focus on the electric cooperative industry, public speaking skills and legislators. “I discovered a new passion for educating my peers and community about the importance of cost effective and ecologically efficient energy, and what co-ops like Grand Valley Power, are doing to provide that to rural areas,” explained Mease.
The committee also selected Amarah Thompson from Palisade High School to attend the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp, hosted in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in July. Amarah Thompson, who is a part of the National Society of High School Scholars, is very familiar with what the #westslopebestslope is all about: the great outdoors and access to many summer and winter activities. “I love to experience new things constantly, learning and being a part of something that will grow me as a person is something I am all for,” Thompson said.
Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s 2020 Washington D.C. Youth Tour and Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp. and Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp Recipients
Promotions Promotions
P A T K A N D A GVP Finance Manager
M A R K S H A F F E R GVP Operations Supervisor T R E V O R L E T T M A N GVP Foreman
Retirements
D A R R E L L G I L B E R T GVP Mapping & Graphics Technician
B I L L B A R L O W GVP Operations Manager P A T K A N D A GVP Finance Manager M A R K S H A F F E R GVP Operations Supervisor T R E V O R L E T T M A N GVP Foreman Retirements D A R R E L L G I L B E R T GVP Mapping & Graphics Technician L ife is fast, and it can be hectic, but it doesn’t all have to be complicated. SmartHub can help you take control summer, if you want to compare costs. Not only will you see your billing history, but you’ll be able to view your actual use. You outage text or email notifications. We’ll alert you on when your power is out and when it is restored. WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER WITH SMARTHUB
T R E V O R L E T T M A N GVP Foreman of your Grand Valley Power account like never before, giving you more time to focus can see how your use is trending over time, which will allow you to take steps to lower
Retirements on other responsibilities. Energy your way
D A R R E L L G I L B E R T GVP Mapping & Graphics Technician SmartHub has several features that make managing your account as easy as possible. Whether through the web, your smartphone
or tablet (Android or iOS), you’ll be able to pay your bill, view your hourly usage, contact customer service and get the latest news. View your hourly usage As soon as you log in, you’ll be able to view your billing history and make a payment with just a couple of clicks — or taps, if you’re using the app. You’ll be able to see your current bill, along with bills from the previous month or even the previous your bill. Payments made easy Paying your Grand Valley Power bill shouldn’t be a complex task, and with our SmartHub web and mobile app, it won’t be. Making payments through SmartHub is fast and easy. The first time you make a payment either through the web or through your mobile device, you’ll be able to securely store your payment information for future transactions. The next time you need to pay your bill, it will only take a couple of clicks. New! Outage notifications by text or email It’s a new decade and we’ve launched some new features this year. Now, you can receive
Service issues are no problem Reporting a service issue is also quick and easy from the SmartHub mobile app. There’s no need to call the office, just let us know about the issue with a few taps. SmartHub’s contact feature makes it quick and easy.
Learn more about SmartHub by visiting gvp.org/SmartHub or by downloading the app on your mobile device through the Apple App Store (iOS devices) or Google Play Marketplace (Android devices). Just search for “SmartHub” and select GVP as your service provider.
Plenty of things in life are complicated. Manage your Grand Valley Power account simply, quickly and easily with SmartHub.
WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER
Grand Valley Power
As a cooperative we are taking bold steps to change how your energy is produced. That means fewer emissions and 50 percent of your electricity coming from renewable energy by 2024. Because whatever the future holds, we’ll power it.
