Reflecting on progress, planning for the future by Eric Eriksen
As we’ve closed another year, I want to pause and express gratitude for you, the members of San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative and Ciello Broadband, for your continued trust and support. Our cooperative was built on the promise of people coming together to improve the quality of life in their communities, and that promise still guides everything we do today.
Each decision, whether it’s about delivering reliable electricity, innovating for the future or advocating for smart energy policies that impact our local community, comes back to one simple question: What’s best for the members we serve?
Thank you for completing the annual SLVREC member survey. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) is a national industry-specific survey that measures how satisfied you are. Instead of a percentage, this number represents a weighted average of three key member perception factors: satisfaction, expectation and performance. It helps us learn what we are doing right and what we can do better to serve you. The chart below shows that SLVREC members are happier than most electric consumers across the country.
As we look ahead to a new year, I see both challenges and opportunities on the horizon. The energy industry is undergoing significant change driven by the rising need for more electricity, new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), a changing environment increasing the risk of wildfires and drought and energy policies transitioning towards a clean energy future.
The path forward requires innovative thinking and member-focused solutions. I’m confident that with the dedication of SLVREC employees and the continued support of our members, we are well-positioned to adapt and meet challenges head-on. Through it all, our promise to you remains steadfast: Safe, reliable and affordable power for today – and tomorrow.
2025 progress
The SLVREC team delivered exceptional progress for you in 2025. Completing 94 percent of our project goals while maintaining better than budget expenses. We continue to be more reliable than the national average and were recognized for an exceptional safety program by the Colorado Rural Electric Association. Here are a few notable accomplishments:
• Customer satisfaction is better than average
• Controllable expenses are less than the budget
• Reliability better than average
• Awarded $850K in grants (electric)
• New Wildfire Mitigation Plan
• New Technology Plan
• Employees provided ~540 hours of service to benefit community organizations
• Saved approximately $750K in Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement Projects and avoided costs
• Offered improved internet and phone services
Like we’ve done over the past 88 years, our amazing employees and supportive members will always persevere. Your San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative closes out 2025 financially sound and reliable. We are ready for 2026.
Top 5 broadband service provider in the USA: Ciello
Ciello, owned by REC members, is a best-in-class broadband service provider and has been recognized as one of the Top 5 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) scores for broadband services in the nation. Thank you, San Luis Valley! If you want the best, then sign-up for Ciello today. (Source)
Powerful value
The cost of electricity has been historically stable and will be in the future. However, we are entering a period the industry is referring to as the “Energy Transition.” The increasing presence of electricity in your life is undeniable. As of 2023, U.S. households had on average 21 connected smart devices (Source: Consumer Affairs). The future of energy is electrification, powered by cleaner technologies with lower variable costs such as renewables. Colorado’s energy policies are leading this energy transition, requiring electric utilities to be 80 percent renewable by 2030 and aiming for 100 percent by 2050 (Colorado’s House Bill 19-1261). In the short-term, we will see the cost of power increase more than we are accustomed to in order to invest in our future. In the long-term, we expect to experience stable energy rates due to less dependency on fossil fuels and the operation of advanced power generation.
You can be assured SLVREC works every day to ensure electricity remains the best value for your money. In 2025, an estimated $750,000 in savings or avoided costs was realized due to continued workforce development, process improvements and technology advancements. Our controllable expenses outperformed the many challenges we face and resulted in a zero increase to base electric rates in 2026. The cost of wholesale energy is increasing by about 3.5 percent as the industry invests in the Energy Transition. The VALUE of those kilowatts just keeps growing – with more uses, cleaner resources and advanced technology.
2026 Road Map
SLVREC Team has developed a 2026 plan supported by a budget approved at the December Board of Directors meeting. Expect to find the updated 2026 Road Map on our website in the month ahead and a presentation at our annual membership meeting. Please reach out to request a “road show” presentation for your business or organization and feel free to walk in and visit any time. Here are a few notable goals:
• New AI Enhanced – Member Services & Grid Inspections
• Website Modernization Planning
• New Member Focused Program – HomeServe
• Improved Member Terms & Conditions
• Improved Outage Communication
• Expanded Grid Automation
• Wildfire Mitigation Project
• Strategic Business Planning
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. Tom Bodett said it best, “We’ll keep the lights on for you.”
I wish you a Blessed and Happy New Year!