Tri-State announces retirement of all coal generation in Colorado and New Mexico

On Jan. 9, not-for-profit cooperative wholesale power supplier Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association announced the retirement of its remaining New Mexico coal-fired power plant by the end of 2020 and its remaining Colorado coal plants and coal mine by 2030. Highline Electric Association, which is headquartered in Holyoke, is one of the cooperatives that receives power from Tri-State.

Collectively, the closure of the power plants and mine will impact approximately 600 power plant and mine employees, who have been integral to Tri-State’s and its predecessor generation and transmission cooperatives’ ability to supply reliable and affordable power to cooperatives for decades.

“Serving our members’ clean energy and affordability needs, supporting state requirements and goals, and leading the fundamental changes in our industry require the retirement of our coal facilities in Colorado and New Mexico,” said Rick Gordon, chairman of the board of Tri-State and a director of Mountain View Electric Association in eastern Colorado. “As we make this difficult decision, we do so with a deep appreciation for the contributions of our employees who have dedicated their talents and energy to help us deliver on our mission to our members.”

Tri-State will work with state and local officials to support affected employees and their communities during the transition. “Our focus is on making these changes with the care and respect our employees and their communities deserve — easing the transition whenever and wherever possible,” said Duane Highley, chief executive officer of Tri-State.

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Holyoke Enterprise

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