A historic announcement for clean energy in Colorado - Western Colorado Alliance for Community Action

After years of pressure from citizens and member co-ops for cleaner, cheaper power, Tri-State made a historic announcement this week that will see the organization transition to 100% clean energy in Colorado by 2040.

Beyond the 100% clean energy goal, Tri-State’s Wednesday announcement included several other breakthroughs:

Altogether, this represents a massive first step towards cleaner, cheaper energy for Western Colorado that can save co-op customers millions. Unaddressed in this announcement are any potential reforms to Tri-State’s famously restrictive contracts that limit member co-ops to 5% self-generation, transparency and governance reforms for greater accountability to member co-ops, and the fate of remaining large coal facilities in Wyoming and Arizona.

We also understand that this shift will mean big changes for communities and workers in NorthWestern Colorado. Western Colorado Alliance is organizing in communities impacted by coal plant and mine closures as part of our broader commitment to Homegrown Prosperity and a healthy, just, and self-reliant economy in Western Colorado. Stay tuned for more details.

About the author

Joel Dyar

Joel Dyar joined our Alliance as organizer for clean and renewable energy in 2019. As a 15-year veteran of community organizing in Colorado and six countries, Joel has worked to help social movements and everyday residents discover their power and make their voices heard on a broad spectrum of sustainability, social, and legislative issues. Joel brings a Masters of Community Development and graduate studies in renewable energy and green business to his work on behalf of our energy future.