Local Power
Powering your home. Not a data center.
If approved, Valley Range would sell power to Empire Electric Association, Gunnison County Electric Association, San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, and San Miguel Power Association as part of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association’s Bring Your Own Resource (BYOR) program. If the project is approved by Montezuma County officials, full output solar from Valley Range would supply power equivalent to 40% of 2024 peak demand.
Demand-Stabilizing, Safe BESS
If approved, Valley Range's low-cost solar in combination with demand stabilizing BESS would generate revenue to help offset co-op infrastructure improvement and rising energy costs that would otherwise need to be recovered through electric rates.
Locally Generated and Used Power
Valley Range provides a unique opportunity for Montezuma County to generate and use a large amount of its own power. Currently, electricity used in Montezuma County is generated elsewhere in the state – meaning other Colorado counties receive tax revenue on their energy production while exporting the energy generated. Valley Range could support Montezuma County to both gain tax revenue and generate a large portion of its own electricity.
Electric Co-Ops Support Valley Range
“We support Valley Range’s permit and hope that county officials recognize the opportunity for electricity generation and tax revenue for the county.”
Empire Electric Association, Gunnison County Electric Association, San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative and San Miguel Power Association
Hear From Co-Op Leaders
Leaders from all four partner co-ops on what Valley Range could mean for their members.
“Valley Range could provide significant low-risk, long-term revenue that would reduce upward pressure on rates for our members.”
Josh Dellinger, General Manager, Empire Electric Association
“This project is a significant step forward for GCEA and our members. We're adding a substantial amount of renewable energy to our power supply while also pursuing savings that can benefit our members. It is a great example of cooperatives working together to find practical, cost-effective solutions for our energy future.”
Mike McBride, CEO, Gunnison County Electric Association
“Valley Range could help fund needed infrastructure improvements without placing the financial burden on our membership.”
Eric Eriksen, CEO, San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative
“If approved, Valley Range will have tremendous economic benefit for the partner coops and the members they serve. The revenue from this project would reduce the upward rate pressure for SMPA members for years to come.”
Brad Zaporski, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, San Miguel Power Association
Sign a Letter of Support
Add your name in support of local power for Montezuma County.
