Entries by CREA Admin

Ski and Sun in the San Luis Valley

San Luis Valley Rural Electric Association, a Monte Vista-based electric cooperative, is proud to power the thriving Wolf Creek Ski Area with solar power. Ski lifts and buildings at Wolf Creek came on line with the Penitente Solar Project in November 2017. The ski area is the largest consumer of power in the San Luis […]

Mountain Co-op Opts to Build Fiber Backbone

Nationwide, electric cooperatives install automated metering systems, energy efficiency and demand response programs, and grid monitoring systems that all require real-time communication in order to provide members the safe reliable electricity they are accustomed to receiving 24 hours a day. As technology advances in the electric industry, cooperatives are requiring more sophisticated telecommunications technology. A […]

3,000 Pounds of Recycled Lights Benefits Local Nonprofit

Sedalia-based CORE Electric Cooperative (formally Intermountain Rural Electric Association) held its first-ever holiday light recycling program. It was hugely successful and co-op members brought in much more than expected — over 3,000 pounds of recyclable holiday lights. CORE took the lights to Western Metals Recycling center where it was paid 20 cents per pound to […]

Co-op Rebates, Updates Help Local Businesses Shine

Since January 2018, Colorado electric co-op, Empire Electric Association, has presented over $15,700 in rebates to 10 local businesses that built, updated or retrofitted their spaces with LED lighting. A new cider brewing company in Mancos outfitted its tasting room lighting with LED pucks for a pleasant and inviting look and feel. It also installed […]

Mountain Co-op’s Green Power Rebates

Granby-based Mountain Parks Electric members who installed renewable energy systems received nearly $21,000 in total rebates in 2017. This is the program’s biggest rebate year yet, increasing from $14,490 in 2016. The electric co-op started the Green Power program in 1999, then purchasing renewable energy credits on behalf of customers who wanted to support the […]

Colorado Co-op Brings LEDs to Businesses

Sam Christensen, owner of a home furnishings store in downtown Durango, retrofitted his poorly lit showroom with LED bulbs. Durango-based La Plata Electric Association’s project specialist Ray Pierotti advised Christensen on which bulbs to buy to transform his store into a bright and colorful retail space. Pierotti also helped the retailer process rebates on the […]

Gunnison Co-op Promotes Efficiency Innovations

Infrared thermography imagery is a fast and accurate way to find suspect areas around homes and businesses where electric efficiency is less than ideal. In an innovative approach, Colorado electric co-op Gunnison County Electric Association has provided IR energy audits to its members since 2011 and it continues to offer this service today. Not only […]

Efficient Lighting for Fire Station in Co-op Territory

In an innovative effort, Colorado electric co-op San Miguel Power Association in Ridgway was called on to help brighten and increase efficiency at the Norwood fire station in southwestern Colorado. Fire chief Joe Conway took advantage of the expertise and rebates offered by SMPA, his local electric co-op, to upgrade the lighting of three truck […]

Co-op Upgrades Power Lines During Wildfire Rebuild

Wildfires ravaged northwestern Colorado this summer, with at least three fires in Routt and Moffat counties. Steamboat Springs-based electric co-op, Yampa Valley Electric Association experienced the harsh effects of the lightning-caused Moffat County Pine Tree Fire, which was not well-contained until mid September and the Winter Valley Fire, which was spread quickly due to 50 […]