Keeping energy options open, Tri-State eyes coal-fired power plant to supply current membership

Environmentalists argue Holcomb 2 expansion unnecessary to meet future demand

By David O. Williams
Real AspenSeptember 2, 2011
The state's second largest power provider – Tri-State Generation and Transmission – has an all-of-the-above approach to energy resources, but that doesn't mean its interest in a coal plant expansion in Kansas is meant to transform the Westminster-based company into a larger regional power wholesaler.

“We serve 44 co-ops in four states over 200,000 square miles,” Tri-State spokesman Jim Van Someren said Thursday. “That is our one-and-only mission and our board doesn't have any intention or any philosophy to operate outside of that mission.”

Tri-State provides power to member-owned rural electric cooperatives in Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska and Wyoming. Eighteen co-ops currently get power from Tri-State in Colorado – making it the state's second largest power supplier behind only publicly owned Xcel Energy.

“We would not invest in any sort of generation resource to meet demand outside of our membership. It's not in our operating philosophy. It's not in our corporate business model. So that just doesn't reflect accurately at all,” Van Someren added.

He was responding to concerns that Tri-State's interest in the proposed Holcomb 2 coal-fired power plant expansion just over the Colorado state line in Kansas is unnecessary because the company can meet its member's needs through natural gas and renewable sources.

Prior to a Monday meeting at Tri-State's headquarters in Westminster to get public feedback on its ongoing resource planning process, there was concern among environmentalists that such an investment might lead to Tri-State selling electricity outside of its membership.

Bruce Driver, a consultant and former executive director for Western Resource Advocates, says he feels Tri-State on Monday adequately addressed his concerns about the company possibly expanding the scope of its mission. He was particularly worried about Policy 506, which was approved by Tri-State's board of directors.

“Tri-State says that [Policy 506] is intended to clarify that Tri-State provides power at wholesale to its members across state lines,” Driver said. “Apparently, Tri-State is trying to assert its authority to charge all of its members, wherever located, the same ‘postage stamp' rate for power, so that it can implement in 2013 its new rate design.

“Tri-State explained that Policy 506, which we had heard authorized Tri-State to become a wholesale power provider serving needs beyond the Tri-State membership, is not intended to do this.”

The proposed 895-megawatt Holcomb 2 expansion is primarily a project of Kansas-based Sunflower Electric Power Association, which has won approval from state regulators there but is being challenged in court by the Sierra Club.

Tri-State is listed among the project participants, but Van Someren said the company is simply keeping its options open.

“We're not really moving forward with (Holcomb 2),” he said. “We haven't made any further commitment toward it. We are monitoring that. We're certainly staying abreast of the situation, sharing information, getting information from Sunflower. But we have made no commitment and we're not moving forward on that as of today, nor do we have any immediate plans to.”

Driver said Tri-State's own resource acquisition plan shows the need for a new coal unit in only one out of 24 models, and that one scenario only calls for 302 megawatts by 2027, whereas Tri-State's share of Holcomb 2 would be 695 megawatts.

Asked if there is a Tri-State business plan calling for the company to actively recruit more cooperatives to create more demand, Van Someren said “none whatsoever.” Tri-State has been at the 44-member level since 2000.

“There are folks out there that would like us to take coal off the table and at this point in time we are not willing to do that,” Van Someren said. “We're not willing to do it with natural gas. We're not willing to do it with renewable. We're not willing to do it with nuclear. We are adamant about keeping all options on the table at this point. That said, we have not made any commitment to any of them.”


comments: 25 Comments on "Keeping energy options open, Tri-State eyes coal-fired power plant to supply current membership"

lepetiw688 – Dec. 27, 2022, at 11:21 a.m.

When I saw this page was like wow. Thanks for putting your effort in publishing this article. jaguarqq

lepetiw688 – Jan. 18, 2023, at 5:49 a.m.

It’s rare knowledgeable individuals on this topic, however, you be understood as guess what happens you are speaking about! Thanks jackpot338

lepetiw688 – Jan. 19, 2023, at 1:14 a.m.

This would be the appropriate weblog for everyone who is wants to check out this topic. You know a lot its virtually hard to argue along (not that I really would want…HaHa). You actually put a fresh spin using a topic thats been discussed for years. Excellent stuff, just fantastic! selling payment processing

lepetiw688 – Jan. 19, 2023, at 7:14 a.m.

Thx for your post. I’d like to write my opinion that the expense of car insurance varies from one insurance plan to another, due to the fact there are so many different facets which contribute to the overall cost. Such as, the model and make of the auto will have a massive bearing on the price. A reliable outdated family motor vehicle will have an inexpensive premium compared to a flashy sports vehicle. Indiana Fake ID

lepetiw688 – Jan. 20, 2023, at 2:29 p.m.

camping have been the best activity that we can have during the summer, i love to roast marshmallows on a campfire.. cord gitar

lepetiw688 – Jan. 21, 2023, at 1:50 p.m.

I have to express my appreciation for your generosity in support of women who really want help on in this concern. Your personal commitment to getting the message around appeared to be especially beneficial and have specifically made regular people like me to attain their endeavors. The interesting help signifies a lot to me and much more to my fellow workers. Thanks a ton; from each one of us. צימרים עם בריכה פרטית

lepetiw688 – Jan. 26, 2023, at 5:14 a.m.

Установки лазерной очистки предназначены для выполнения операций по лазерной очистке поверхности. Благодаря импульсному лазерному излучению, аппараты лазерной очистки металла деликатно очищают не только поверхности металлов и их сплавов, но и других неметаллических материалов: мрамора, гранита, гипса, бетона и пр. Лазерная очистка позволяет удалить с загрязненной поверхности: ржавчину, окислы, мас УСТРОЙСТВО ЛАЗЕРНОЙ ОЧИСТКИ МЕТАЛЛА ОТ РЖАВЧИНЫ ИМПУЛЬСНОГО ТИПА XTL-QXP500

lepetiw688 – Feb. 04, 2023, at 12:38 p.m.

I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your website? slot gacor 2023

lepetiw688 – Feb. 09, 2023, at 3:20 p.m.

I would really love to guest post on your blog.”*”. S77

lepetiw688 – Feb. 14, 2023, at 12:04 p.m.

I am frequently to blogging and i also genuinely appreciate your posts. The article has truly peaks my interest. My goal is to bookmark your site and maintain checking choosing details. tips on selling merchant services

lepetiw688 – Feb. 15, 2023, at 1:46 p.m.

You ought to experience a tournament for example of the greatest blogs on the internet. I’ll recommend this website! newborn photoshoot

lepetiw688 – Feb. 17, 2023, at 9:59 a.m.

An impressive share, I just now given this onto a colleague who has been carrying out a small analysis with this. And the man the truth is bought me breakfast due to the fact I discovered it for him.. smile. So i want to reword that: Thnx to the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to talk about this, I feel strongly concerning this and adore reading much more about this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with increased details? It can be extremely great for me. Massive thumb up because of this writing! AMB78

lepetiw688 – Feb. 20, 2023, at 3:51 a.m.

Slot online adalah permainan terkenal dari 2018 apa lagi anda bermain dalam situs slot gacor bersama lumbung 138 ataupun lumbung138. Apapun yang terjadi pasti anda bisa merasakan profit yang sangat mendukung anda untuk membuat anda kaya raya. Slot online di situs terkenal lumbungslot138 bukan lah main main. Situs slot gacor kami sangat terkenal se asia. Lumbungslot138

METASEO – Feb. 24, 2023, at 7:57 p.m.

Slot gacor adalah sebutan dari slot gampang bocor yang disediakan oleh SAMUDRA123 untuk merangkai sebuah kemenangan judi slot online. Jika Anda bergabung menjadi member SAMUDRA123 Asia, maka keuntungan yang bisa Anda dapatkan yaitu menjadi terkenal di dunia perjudian.

METASEO – Feb. 24, 2023, at 7:58 p.m.

Slot gacor adalah sebutan dari slot gampang bocor yang disediakan oleh SAMUDRA123 untuk merangkai sebuah kemenangan judi slot. Jika Anda bergabung menjadi member SAMUDRA123 Asia, maka keuntungan yang bisa Anda dapatkan yaitu menjadi terkenal di dunia perjudian.

METASEO – Feb. 24, 2023, at 7:58 p.m.

Slot gacor adalah sebutan dari slot gampang bocor yang disediakan oleh SAMUDRA123 untuk merangkai sebuah kemenangan judi slot gacor. Jika Anda bergabung menjadi member SAMUDRA123 Asia, maka keuntungan yang bisa Anda dapatkan yaitu menjadi terkenal di dunia perjudian.

METASEO – Feb. 24, 2023, at 7:58 p.m.

Slot gacor adalah sebutan dari slot gampang bocor yang disediakan oleh SAMUDRA123 untuk merangkai sebuah kemenangan judi SAMUDRA123. Jika Anda bergabung menjadi member SAMUDRA123 Asia, maka keuntungan yang bisa Anda dapatkan yaitu menjadi terkenal di dunia perjudian.

METASEO – Feb. 24, 2023, at 7:58 p.m.

Slot gacor adalah sebutan dari slot gampang bocor yang disediakan oleh SAMUDRA123 untuk merangkai sebuah kemenangan judi SAMUDRA 123. Jika Anda bergabung menjadi member SAMUDRA123 Asia, maka keuntungan yang bisa Anda dapatkan yaitu menjadi terkenal di dunia perjudian.

METASEO – Feb. 24, 2023, at 7:58 p.m.

Slot adalah game online penghasil uang asli yang populer di semua situs judi online terpercaya, salah satu yang terbaiknya adalah SAMUDRA123 Asia. Dengan layanan daftar dan login yang mudah, Anda bisa bermain judi slot online jackpot terbesar di link alternatif SAMUDRA123 tanpa harus deposit.

METASEO – Feb. 24, 2023, at 7:58 p.m.

Slot adalah game online penghasil uang asli yang populer di semua situs judi online terpercaya, salah satu yang terbaiknya adalah SAMUDRA123 Asia. Dengan layanan daftar dan login yang mudah, Anda bisa bermain judi slot jackpot terbesar di link alternatif SAMUDRA123 tanpa harus deposit.

METASEO – Feb. 24, 2023, at 7:58 p.m.

Slot adalah game online penghasil uang asli yang populer di semua situs judi online terpercaya, salah satu yang terbaiknya adalah SAMUDRA123 Asia. Dengan layanan daftar dan login yang mudah, Anda bisa bermain judi slot gacor jackpot terbesar di link alternatif SAMUDRA123 tanpa harus deposit.

METASEO – Feb. 24, 2023, at 7:58 p.m.

Slot adalah game online penghasil uang asli yang populer di semua situs judi online terpercaya, salah satu yang terbaiknya adalah SAMUDRA123 Asia. Dengan layanan daftar dan login yang mudah, Anda bisa bermain judi SAMUDRA123 jackpot terbesar di link alternatif SAMUDRA123 tanpa harus deposit.

METASEO – Feb. 24, 2023, at 7:58 p.m.

Slot adalah game online penghasil uang asli yang populer di semua situs judi online terpercaya, salah satu yang terbaiknya adalah SAMUDRA123 Asia. Dengan layanan daftar dan login yang mudah, Anda bisa bermain judi SAMUDRA 123 jackpot terbesar di link alternatif SAMUDRA123 tanpa harus deposit.

lepetiw688 – March 12, 2023, at 10:12 a.m.

Hello! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a outstanding job! whipped cream chargers cracker

lepetiw688 – March 30, 2023, at 12:57 p.m.

The term cliché is the best way to describe every character, when one convenient character suddenly announced she is a veterinarian you have to stifle back snickering. voyance telephone gratuite

COMMENT
Comment Form Info  Comment Information
Real Aspen encourages you to post comments on our articles and blogs. Logged in email is required for monitoring purposes. Your email will not be published and will not be distributed to any third-party. Abusive, obscene, profane, threatening, libelous or defamatory comments are prohibited. By posting a comment, you agree to this policy and our terms of use. To report an abusive posting, please contact us.

To make a comment, please log in or create an account. This helps us prevent spam and other malicious attacks.

Please log in to comment

 

Create a user account to comment

Snow Report

  24hr snow mid dpth snow cond.
A-Basin n/a n/a
Aspen n/a n/a closed
BC n/a n/a closed
Breckenridge n/a n/a closed
Buttermilk n/a n/a closed
Copper n/a n/a closed
Crest. Butte n/a n/a closed
Eldora n/a n/a closed
Heavenly n/a n/a closed
Highlands n/a n/a
Howelsen n/a n/a closed
Keystone n/a n/a closed
Kirkwood n/a n/a closed
Loveland n/a n/a
Monarch n/a n/a closed
Northstar n/a n/a closed
Powderhorn n/a n/a closed
Purgatory n/a n/a closed
Silverton n/a n/a closed
Ski Cooper n/a n/a closed
Ski Granby n/a n/a closed
Snowmass n/a n/a closed
Steamboat n/a n/a closed
Sunlight n/a n/a closed
Telluride n/a n/a closed
Vail n/a n/a closed
WinterPark n/a n/a closed
Wolf Creek n/a n/a closed
More Weather Reports
VIDEO GALLERY
Vail powder day snow snake
Airing it out at Crested Butte
Feb. 17, 2011 Surprise 14 inches of Fresh Powder