Electric cooperatives bring unique value to local communities

Electric cooperatives stand out from other types of businesses because we are built and led by the communities we serve. As independent, not-for-profit electric utilities, we are owned and governed by our local members— not by outside shareholders or investors. That is a powerful differentiator.
Here are a few ways electric co-ops like San Luis Valley REC bring unique value to the local communities they serve:
We put people before profits. Co-ops are not-for-profit and provide at-cost electric service. Any excess revenue is returned to our members in the form of capital credits, typically as a bill credit or check.
Community comes first. We live and work here too, and we care deeply about our local communities. That’s why we engage in development and revitalization projects, sponsor local students for scholarships and youth programs and give back to local organizations like the Monte Vista Food Bank and La Puente to help our neighbors in need.
Affordable, reliable power is our priority. SLVREC purchases electricity from Tri-State Generation and Transmission, our wholesale energy partner. Tri-State is a generation and transmission cooperative formed by a group of electric co-ops in Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming and New Mexico. This cooperative business structure allows us to pool local resources and provide electricity at a lower cost than if we purchased it from outside sources.
As a new year begins, we’re focused on our members’ energy needs— not only for today but for the long haul. We’re advocating for smarter energy policies that prioritize reliability and affordability for all. We recognize we must be inclusive of all energy sources, which is why we work closely with Tri-State to ensure use of a diverse mix of sources, including hydropower, wind and solar, and from a highly dependable and cost-effective fleet of coal and natural gas power plants, to generate the electricity we provide to our members.
Reliable, affordable electricity is more important than ever before, and our focus will continue to be the best interest of the local communities we serve. To learn more about SLVREC, visit slvrec.com.