Local Groups Encourage Attendance at GCEA Annual Meeting

The following Letter to the Editor was submitted to the Crested Butte News and Gunnison Country Times on June 9, 2009.


Local Groups Encourage Attendance at GCEA Annual Meeting

Dear Editor:

You may have noticed that in recent weeks our electricity supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission, has launched a media blitz promoting its intentions of changing the way they provide power. Tri-State claims that it will invest in new technology, develop renewable energy and improve energy efficiency. Given the unprecedented acceleration and certainty of climate change coupled with legislation that will make coal-based power increasingly expensive, these measures are exactly what is needed to maintain human and environmental health while preventing your electricity bill from skyrocketing.

Your local Alliance for Clean Electricity (www.allianceforcleanelectricity.org) and the Climate and Clean Energy Program at High Country Citizens’ Alliance wholeheartedly endorse the measures that Tri-State claims to be taking. Developing renewable generation and implementing energy efficiency measures to be provided locally through Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) are among the most important ways to protect the climate and your electric rates. It is critical however, that our community can collectively hold them to their word, making sure these claims are actually delivered. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is currently considering a closer working relationship with Tri-State to assist them in achieving this New Energy Economy. By supporting the PUC’s initiative, you’ll be helping this progress and our collective future.

Several reasons exist to maintain some skepticism about Tri-State’s actual direction, including the recent approval of a 795 MegaWatt coal-fired power plant at Holcomb, Kansas. While the development of new coal-fired generation at Holcomb was blocked three times by the former Governor, the new governor of Kansas quickly drafted legislation to allow the project. Originally, Tri-State was the principal investor in this proposed coal plant(s), having invested $50 million of their members’ (including GCEA’s) money. Now, given their shift in mindset, plans to develop renewables and the recognition that new coal-fired development makes little economic sense, Tri-State is unsure about whether or not to remain a partner.

As a member and owner of GCEA (if you receive an electric bill for them you are a member/owner) you have the ability to influence their policy as well as Tri-State's. Don't let Tri-State simply market their progressive new strategies -- make sure they follow through! Attend the GCEA Annual Meeting on June 23, 2009 at 5 p.m at their headquarters in Gunnison. In addition to enjoying a free barbecue, you can meet and mingle with GCEA's staff, board of directors and manager Mike Wells. Let them know that you support a new direction that develops renewable generation and invests in energy efficiency and that you want GCEA to make sure Tri-State delivers on their advertised claims. Additionally, remember to support the Colorado PUC’s initiative to work more closely with Tri-State to help them move towards a New Energy Economy. Even if you are unable to attend the GCEA annual meeting, please consider a donation to HCCA's Climate and Clean Energy program to support efforts to advocate for our energy future.

Chris Menges,

HCCA Climate and Clean Energy Coordinator

Alliance for Clean Electricity coordinator

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