2009’s Progress at Tri-State and GCEA and the Challenges that lie ahead

Everyday it becomes increasingly clear that we must make significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid catastrophic human, economic and ecologic consequences. One of the best ways to address the climate crisis while safeguarding electricity rates and bolstering the economy is to address how efficiently the electricity we consume is used and also how it’s generated.

2009 has seen auspicious progress in this regard. Pressure from conservation groups like HCCA, ratepayers like Gunnison County residents, and the current financial and regulatory climate have influenced Tri-State Transmission and Generation and many of their member cooperatives like Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) to begin implementing energy efficiency measures and considering renewable generation over coal for future capacity building projects. Of note, in the past year, Tri-State has:

1. Announced the 30 MW Cimarron 1 photovoltaic power plant in New Mexico (operational by 2010).
2. Announced the development of the 51 MW Kit Carson wind farm in Eastern Colorado (operational by 2010).
3. Participated in launching the Together We Save campaign for energy efficiency.
4. Created rebates for energy efficient appliances and other incentives to encourage energy efficiency.
5. Developed pilot programs which they are kicking off at different cooperatives that are examining things like local renewable generation opportunities and smart grid technologies.

At the local cooperative level, progress has also been made. This year, GCEA has:

1. Reconvened their technology committee, a group of board members who works with GCEA staff to develop and implement energy efficiency and examine the potential for local renewable generation projects.
2. Launched in the Taylor Hydro feasibility study.
3. Launched an Energy Efficiency Rebate Program.
4. Created new programs to offer home energy audits to their members.
5. Designed and held outreach events like the Women's Weatherization Workshop.

While there have certainly been some positive developments, our efforts must remain vigilant. In contrast to the 81 MW of renewable capacity announced by Tri-State in the past year, they are still actively pursuing the development of an 895 MW coal plant. Additionally, the lobbying groups supported by Tri-State and its cooperatives like the Colorado Rural Electric Association and the National Renewable Electric Association are heavy organizing and lobbying presences that seek to prevent what could be negative legislative consequences to the status quo of coal-based electrification. Additionally, we hear through credible sources that many cooperative directors simply do not believe in human caused climate change or that coal has anything to do with some of the current ecological, health and resource challenges we face. Indeed, this is a challenging culture to change.

Contrary to investor-owned utilities like Xcel energy (the largest utility in the state), cooperative utilities like Tri-State (Colorado’s second-largest utility) are not regulated by the Public Utilities Commission

and therefore face less stringent renewable energy standards.

Change at our cooperative utilities lies in the ability of their membership to demand it. HCCA continues to work actively to organize a voice for this demand and produce tangible results.

HCCA’s Climate and Clean Energy Program now publishes a monthly Climate and Energy News Roundup. If you’re interested in receiving this monthly compilation of the most relevant climate and energy news, please email chris@hccaonline.org to sign up.

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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Want to help promote clean energy and slow climate change through local action? Please donate to the Climate and Clean Energy Program by clicking the button below. Your much needed tax deductible contribution is payable via credit card or PayPal.

New Year, New Energy Goals - Obama’s national energy plans and local effects

New Year, New Energy Goals - Obama’s national energy plans and local effects

Proponents say that if implemented, Barack Obama’s New Energy for America plan has the potential to help improve the national economy, create millions of jobs, dramatically decrease pollution and allow us to pass on a healthy environment to future generations.

When it comes to electricity, there are three aspects of President-elect Obama’s energy strategy that would require a positive and dramatic shift. The new presidential administration plans on proposing that 25% of our electricity come from renewable sources by 2025 and that the United States becomes a world leader in fighting climate change, initially by re-engaging with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC). Perhaps most significantly, the new administration plans on implementing an economy wide cap and trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050.

So what is a cap and trade program and how does it work? Sightline, a Seattle-based think tank defines it as a system that “enforces an economy-wide limit on greenhouse gas emissions; sets realistic goals for reducing emissions over time; and harnesses the creativity and dynamism of the market to achieve these goals." In simpler terms, the cap limits greenhouse gas emissions and the trade achieves environmental results at the lowest cost. This type of program is credited with dramatically reducing acid rain in the 1990s. The bottom line for coal-fired power plants is that their emissions will be “taxed” like never before and this formerly “cheap” energy source will become much more expensive.

How might you feel the effects here in the Gunnison Valley? Cap and trade programs may significantly affect the ability of Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) and Tri-State Generation and Transmission, GCEA’s electricity provider, to fulfill the part of their missions of providing their members (you) with affordable electricity. If Tri-State chooses to continue the pursuit of new coal-fired power plants using 20^th century technology instead of investing in energy efficiency, renewable energy technology and other zero- or low-emitting power plants, electricity users in much of Gunnison County over the long-run likely would be saddled with the increased rates for power that climate legislation would bring. Essentially, it is a near certainty that this new legislation will make old-style coal-based electricity more and more expensive as it assigns a cost to greenhouse gas emissions. In order to safeguard local consumers from increasingly expensive electricity bills, our electricity providers must look to the future and develop strategies to provide us with clean, efficient power and quickly implement local energy efficiency measures.

If you agree that moving away from dated technology like old-style pulverized coal fired power plants is essential to protecting both your long term financial well-being and the environment, you can help this effort locally in several ways. Write a letter to GCEA and Tri-State asking for more electricity produced from renewable sources and increased energy efficiency measures. A letter template is available on our website. You can also participate by attending monthly Alliance for Clean Electricity (ACE) meetings which alternate between Gunnison and Crested Butte. The time, date and location of the meetings are posted here. For more details and a list of how to take action or get involved, visit the Climate and Clean Energy page at www.hccaonline.org. Learn more about cap and trade by viewing the video about how this program defeated acid rain below -

(Video by Environmental Defense Fund)

Chris Menges,

Alliance for Clean Electricity and

Climate and Clean Energy Coordinator at

High Country Citizens' Alliance