The People Behind the Power: Humanizing the Cooperative Model

The People Behind the Power

Welcome to The People Behind the Power™, where we showcase the extraordinary work Tri-State employees are doing to keep the lights on for nearly 1 million energy consumers in the rural West. This series pulls back the curtain to share the real stories of the individuals whose dedication powers our communities. Because when you meet the people behind the power, you see the heart, talent, and perseverance that goes into every flip of a switch.

Increasing Reliability with Large-Scale Battery Storage

As a generation and transmission cooperative, battery storage will bring a new level of flexibility to our evolving energy landscape. It’s already being used in the industry as a key solution for storing renewable power that would otherwise be wasted. With the quick response speed of battery storage, we can meet our members’ energy demands while increasing reliability and maintaining affordability.

Inside This Year’s 2025 Annual Meeting Gifts: A Reflection of Our Members

Annual Meeting gift box, title "Keeping It Local"

At this year’s Annual Meeting, we’re celebrating the diverse places our members call home with a gift box filled with thoughtful selections that reflect who we are–something members can take with them. We hope each attendee left feeling inspired, appreciated, and connected to what makes our cooperative so unique.

Wildfire Mitigation at Canyons of the Ancients: Protecting Culture and Community

Feature cover of Canyon of the Ancients, stone ruins

Exploring the balance between wildfire mitigation and cultural preservation, Tri-State highlights the collaborative efforts to protect the historic culture at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. By carefully managing vegetation and respecting Indigenous heritage, Tri-State and partners are reducing wildfire risks while protecting the area’s rich archaeological and cultural significance, ensuring a safer future for both the land and the communities it serves.

Beat the Chill: Effective Insulation Strategies for Winter Comfort

Beat the Chill: Effective Insulation Strategies for Winter Comfort

For those living in older homes, it’s common to experience uncomfortable drafts, chilly winters, and higher utility bills compared to newer homes. But here’s the good news: improving your home’s insulation can help you stay warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and save money in the long run. Here are some effective insulation strategies for a more comfortable and energy-efficient winter.

Empowering Cooperatives: Inside Mesa Hotline School’s Dedication to Excellence

Empowering Cooperatives: Inside Mesa Hotline School’s Dedication to Excellence 

Every May, over 500 line workers, teachers and volunteers gather in Grand Junction, Colorado at the Mesa Hotline School for the two-week annual learning event. The school attracts participants from across the United States, emphasizing safety and reliability in electrical transmission and distribution. It’s an energetic and transformative learning experience with the aim of equipping people with the knowledge and skills needed to keep the lights on for the communities they serve.

Energy Efficient Heating Options for Rural Communities in the West

Energy Efficient Heating Options for Rural Communities

As winter approaches, rural communities in the West face the on-going challenge of keeping their homes warm while managing energy costs. With big temperature swings, it’s helpful for families to explore energy-efficient heating options that suit this unique climate. Here’s our favorite tips to get the most out of your current heating system

Electrification Unlocks Opportunities for Rural Farmers and Their Community

Mammoth Farms Electrification

Every farm has a story, and that story often has a distinct before-and-after moment of when the farm gained electricity. For many across the rural west, that moment was in the 1940s and 50s after the Rural Electrification Act took effect and member-owned electric cooperatives emerged to bring reliable and affordable electricity to their communities. For Mammoth Farms, that moment happened in 2018.

Join our mailing list for updates and member news.