2024 Road Map shared
Have you ever lost focus on a 4-hour drive to Denver’s airport, maybe even missed a turn or passed an exit while listening to your favorite podcast? According to Forbes Advisor research a person is distracted 1-2 minutes per hour while driving (Forbes Distracted Driving Statistics). Now imagine driving toward a destination 43,800 hours away.
That is exactly the number of hours it takes to drive towards our 5-Year Strategic Plan destination (2022-2027). You can imagine the size of the road map as we move toward our destination, where every year is a new page. This January we just turned a new page. Please find the 2024 Road Map in this edition of the Newsboy or online at slvrec.com.
One Cooperative
I would like to first draw your attention to the SLVREC/Ciello logo, which has been updated from prior years. This update makes an important association by incorporating both REC and Ciello into the same logo as one cooperative. Ciello is a division of San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative and not a separate entity. Our employees stand together working for one cooperative with the same mission and values, which is represented by the mantra “A Powerful Connection” within the logo. I hope you’ll notice this change on our vehicles as we start to make updates.
As you scan down the 2024 Road Map, you’ll notice updates to our mission and value statements too. This was initiated by listening to employees asking for clarification. During the second half of 2023, we engaged in employee-driven work sessions to collect ideas and comments. The result is not a change of mission and values. The result is clear, concise statements owned by employees— the beating heart of SLVREC. We really do care about you.
2024 Goals
Moving further down the 2024 Road Map you’ll notice the middle section summarizing our 5-Year Plan. Here you’ll notice four strategic areas of focus with measurable results. Toward the bottom of the map, you’ll find the 2024 goals. These are grouped according to the strategic focus area each one supports. We pick the best goals.
Now it’s not uncommon for an organization to use the first quarter of the year to plan and the remaining three quarters to implement. However, we do it a little differently. SLVREC hits the ground running starting in January. Delivering better results over a full year’s work. Items we’ve already started working on in 2024 include:
•Two megawatts of new solar generation— We are strategically leveraging resources through a partnership with Aerinet Solutions Corporation to maximize our chances of winning grant funds. Aerinet specializes in electric cooperative grant services in Colorado and across the nation. To date we have submitted over $8 million in requests for funds specifically for solar facilities. The timing associated with receiving grant funds will affect when we complete construction. Minimally, we intend to break ground this year. The project(s) consist of one megawatt built at Creede Substation and one megawatt to be built at Moffat Substation on SLVREC properties. A construction agreement has been awarded to a company called AgriPower Solar.
• In addition to solar facilities, we are leading efforts to pursue over $250 million in grants with a consortium of 19 cooperatives/G&Ts across eight states for projects associated with electrical system hardening, re-siliency, efficiency, tech-)nologies, broadband and so much more. We have a team of engineers, grant consulting companies and strong partners working to bring real dollars into the San Luis Valley. March 1 will be the launch of our new Electrify and Save on-bill repayment program. This program will change lives by directly saving members money through home, business and irrigation efficiency improvements. Currently we are “piloting” the program internally with employee homes to ensure we can deliver the best experience to you. You will be able to find more information on our website at (slvrec.com) in the future.
• Lean Six Sigma process improvement certification will be delivered to SLVREC employees over three months starting Jan. 29. Think of this as the SLVREC “shark tank.” Employees will be learning and applying process improvement methodology on real projects. They will be empowered to do more with less, therefore saving members money. Check out the Lean Six Sigma Institute link for more information (leansixsigmainstitute.org)
SLVREC is leading the way forward and stands by our commitment to serve you. As the second oldest electric cooperative in Colorado, SLVREC has a long tradition of serving its more than 7,500-member community and improving quality of life in the San Luis Valley. Innovating new energy resources and programs are another way that SLVREC is demonstrating its commitment to our members and the wellbeing of the San Luis Valley.
We’re here whenever you need us. Connect with us online, in person or through our social media channels. However you choose to connect, please let us know how we can serve you better.
