Telling our stories

Mobile substations are a vital but often unseen resource that help keep power flowing during maintenance, equipment failures, and emergencies. By sharing these specialized assets across the cooperative network, Tri-State and its members can restore service faster, improve reliability, and ensure communities have dependable power when it matters most.

Whether it’s for recreation or a professional task, drones are becoming more popular each year. As the number of people flying drones increases, so does the need to educate the population about how to stay safe while operating one. Overhead powerlines, substations, and electrical infrastructure pose a serious threat to the drone pilot and the community powered by the equipment. To keep both parties safe, here’s what drone pilots need to know about power line safety.

As Wildfire Mitigation Manager and Avian Protection Program Lead, Diana Leiker helps ensure that protecting birds and habitats also strengthens the electric system communities depend on. Her work highlights how utilities can play a critical role in addressing both environmental challenges and energy needs, demonstrating that safeguarding ecosystems and delivering reliable power go hand in hand.

Annual meetings are a cornerstone of the cooperative model, providing a space for transparency, engagement, and shared decision-making. Tri-State’s 74th Annual Meeting brought together member-owners and employees to connect around our cooperative’s shared direction.

Lineworkers are often the most visible part of the electric utility. Whether performing planned rebuilds or working energized lines to avoid outages, their skill and teamwork are essential to reliability. Ride along with Line Foreman Adrian Garcia to see what goes into maintaining the backbone of the grid, day in and day out.

Not all of the work that keeps the lights on happens on poles or inside substations. Join Telecommunications Foreman Nick Franklin on a ride-along to see how his work maintaining the critical communication systems keeps the grid smart, responsive, and reliable.

Substations are where power is controlled, protected, and prepared for delivery—but the expertise behind them often goes unnoticed. Join Journey Level Substation Technician John Swanson as he performs critical testing that helps keep power flowing safely to our communities.

Ride-Along with Adrian Garcia from Line Maintenance

Ride-Along with John Swanson from Substation Maintenance

Ride-Along with Nick Franklin from Telecommunications

High Voltage, High Stakes

Law & Order: Water Court with Jackie Brown

Mend the Gap with Duane Highley

Energy Shavings with Demand Response

Battery Banter with Sarah Ruen