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CEO Column: A Balanced Team for Reliability


A Balanced Team for Reliability

March 1, 2024

The winningest basketball teams in history are ones that are consistent and have players with a variety of abilities. Some are better at shooting three-pointers, some are best at defense. Having a balanced mix of skills makes the team a powerhouse on the court. The way to keep electricity reliable is a bit like that too.

The power team requires a foundation of consistent resources that can be put in the game any time they’re needed. Having enough “always available” fuel sources like natural gas can ensure consistent power generation.

Just like a team needs different players for different situations, our power grid requires multiple sources to keep the grid running. Relying solely on one player to win every game is not an effective strategy—if they get injured, you’ll likely lose. Similarly, using a single fuel source for electricity generation poses a significant risk to energy reliability. A diverse mix of energy sources acts as a safeguard, ensuring that the grid remains operational even in the face of unexpected challenges.

A diverse energy mix also enhances grid flexibility by accommodating the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Renewable energy offers an array of cost and sustainability benefits, but to thrive it needs the support of battery storage systems and “always available” power.

Diverse fuel sources contribute to the stability and reliability of the electric grid. The different sources have varying characteristics, including generation patterns, responsiveness and storage capabilities. This diversity allows for a more balanced and resilient energy system that can adapt to fluctuating demand and unforeseen circumstances.

A diverse set of energy sources is essential, but that’s not the only thing we need to have reliable electricity—or a winning team. Trico is constantly innovating to maintain reliability for today and tomorrow.

In that spirit, when we talk about Power Supply our goal is to ensure ample resources incorporating traditional, distributed, and Member-owned assets. That means building new, high-efficiency gas units, operating our Avion and Chirreon Solar and Battery facilities efficiently, and supporting over 5,000 Members with solar at their homes. In the future, it will mean new demand response programs and working closely with our Members to take on power supply challenges.

Like a great team, each one of our resources brings something special to the table, and together, they make sure we have the power we need, whenever we need it.

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Annual Membership Meeting Learn and Win Prizes


Annual Membership Meeting is great chance to learn and win prizes!

March 1, 2024

Trico’s Annual Membership Meeting is a fun community event that includes food, raffle prizes, workshops, and informational tables on Trico’s programs, allowing Members to learn more about the benefits of being a Member.

The 2024 Annual Membership Meeting takes place on April 6, 2024 at Casino del Sol Resort – 5655 W. Valencia Rd.

Registration opens at 9 a.m. Please bring a copy of your bill for fast check-in. The meeting starts at 11 a.m. and will last one hour. Before the meeting, check out our workshops on Member-owned solar and our informational booths.

Trees will be available for purchase for $10 each (up to 3 per active account).

Raffle prizes include a 2006 Chevy Silverado truck, an electric bicycle, Trico bill credits and more. See the box on the right for a list of prizes. Must be present to win.

There are three Board of Director positions up for re-election. See page 3 for information about the candidates.

For Members unable to attend in person, you can watch via Facebook Live.

Win these great raffle prizes at Annual Membership Meeting:

  • 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500
  • 4×4 regular cab truck
  • Electric bicycle
  • Kitchen Aid Mixer
  • 42” TV
  • iPad
  • Beats headphones
  • 1 night stay at Casino del Sol
  • Trico bill credits

*Must be present to win

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Vote for 2024 Board of Directors


Vote for Your Board of Directors

March 1, 2024

It’s time to vote for your Board of Directors

The following candidates are running for a seat on the Board of Directors in the Districts listed.

Online voting and candidate videos are available on our website www.trico.coop. Just log into your SmartHub account and select the “Vote Now” button from the top, right-hand corner. If you don’t have a SmartHub account, you can still vote on our website, or pick up a ballot at Trico.

In order to be counted, your online votes must be received by April 3, 2024 at 11 a.m. Another option is to vote in person at the Trico Annual Membership Meeting on April 6, 2024.

District 1 (Dove Mountain, Marana)

Jerry Rutherford

Jerry has served on the Trico Board of Directors for 15 months. He was a Senior Vice President for 20 years for a cooperative in Kansas that served over 40 children’s hospitals in the U.S. He has also been chair of the Financial Affairs Committee for The Highlands at Dove Mountain and has many years of board experience, including serving as a board member at a savings bank, children’s hospital and a landscaping company.

I have extensive experience in finance and strategic planning which are areas of importance in any organization, particularly in this increasingly challenging financial market.

The key challenges facing electric utilities include capital requirements for capacity to serve significant business expansion, a growing population and climate changes, while dealing with technology changes for responses to environmental concerns, particularly in the Southern Arizona climate.

Balancing responsible fiscal management with responsiveness to change will be critical challenges to meeting customer expectations and needs.

The best way to better serve Members is through strategic financial planning to anticipate and prepare for the future, while managing the current day-to-day business operations. Focus, authenticity, courage, empathy and timing are critical leadership qualities that are needed to meet current and future Member needs.

District 2 (Marana, Avra Valley)

David Proctor

David joined the Board in October 2023. He is the Vice President of BKW Farms, which has been a Trico Member for 73 years. As Vice President, I have maintained great relationships with multiple key Marana entities and am involved in the planning for multiple long-term projects in the Marana/Avra Valley area. BKW also supports Marana High School programs and multiple community events in and around Marana.

For decades, BKW has cultivated relationships with residents and business owners within the Marana/Avra service area, giving me great insight on how best to represent them as a director. I have worked with Trico on several occasions over the years and believe it’s a well-run organization with great people. I am committed to maintaining the great service and rates Trico Members have become accustomed to.

I believe some of the challenges going into the future will be the demand on the current, aging infrastructure. With a growing population and more electric vehicles, I believe the demand will grow significantly over a short period of time. Another challenge will likely be maintaining affordable rates for customers as inflation continues to drive the cost of material goods up.

District 5 (Three Points, Altar Valley, Arivaca, Sasabe, Green Valley)

Joe King

Joe has served on the Trico Board for three years and is the current Treasurer. I have learned a lot in my first term as director. Trico directorship has been a great opportunity to watch how our Cooperative works and governs its operations. I am excited to continue serving our Members. Our family ranch has been in this valley since 1895 and we have been happy Trico Members since power arrived in the Altar Valley in the 1950s. Living in rural Pima County, I understand living remote from major services but we definitely appreciate the reliability the team at Trico ensures to membership.

I live and work full-time on our family’s cattle ranch and as such, I sit on a few various farm and ranch industry groups in Southern Arizona. I am currently Vice President of Pima County Farm Bureau. I am past President of Southern Arizona Cattlemen’s Protective Association.

Running our ranch, I have seen the rise in costs of production over the years and have had to manage costs of inputs. Another issue I deal with is finding and keeping good employees. It’s a balance that has always existed and it doesn’t seem to get easier.

Electric vehicles are a complicated topic. Discussions of where to build infrastructure, how much, and does Trico take on the servicing of charging stations and what requirements are future housing developments going to need if regulated to have charging capabilities.

Long term power generating is a very big issue. As coal plants get older or close, what sources can Trico go after and not be subject to outrageous demand charges when demand is high, and supply is low?

Trico does much to participate in the many communities to which it serves power. As a director of a more rural district, I appreciate Trico’s service to rural communities.

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Fall 2023 POWER Grant Recipients


Six nonprofits receive $35,000 in POWER Grants

February 1, 2024

Trico has awarded a total of $35,000 to six non-profit organizations providing critical services in southern Arizona. The grants are part of Trico’s POWER Grants program and are awarded twice a year to charities throughout our service area.  

Non-profits are selected through an application process and reviewed by a six-person committee made up of Trico employees, Members, and Board Members.

Junior Achievement of Arizona received a grant of $10,000 to provide financial literacy to students at DeGrazia Elementary School in the Marana Unified School District.

Hard Hitters for the Kingdom, Inc., received a grant of $8,000 for the Clean-Start Mobile Shower Program, which provides clean showers, hygiene supplies, clean towels and new clothing to people experiencing homelessness.

Receiving grants of $5,000 each were Gabriel’s Angels, Literacy Connects, and Wheel Fun. Gabriel’s Angels will use the funds for its pet therapy program, which allows children to read to dogs to enhance the child’s social and emotional development. Literacy Connects partners with pediatric clinics to distribute free books to children to encourage families to read together. Wheel Fun offers free after-school mountain bike clubs to students with a focus on rural public schools.

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation received a $2,000 grant to help pay for extracurricular activities, sports, camps, supplemental clothing, individual academic tutoring and more, for children and youth in Arizona foster care.

In March, the next round of POWER Grants will be available, and Trico will be accepting applications from organizations that provide the following services: Food and Basic Needs, Housing, Health and Mental Care, and Fire and Emergency Response.

Since 2008, the POWER Grant program has awarded $840,000 in grants. POWER Grants are supported by the Trico Electric Charitable Trust, which is funded through Operation Round Up. To learn more about POWER Grants and how to donate to Operation Round Up, visit our website www.trico.coop/power-grants.  

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Rooftop Solar Considerations


Questions to consider before installing rooftop solar

February 1, 2024

The benefits of installing rooftop solar panels may seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is, not every home (and homeowner’s situation) is always right for solar.

There are several factors to consider before installing a rooftop solar system, like determining if your home will receive enough sun to achieve your goals, finding the right contractor, negotiating contracts and other important details.

Investing in solar for your home is a major decision. If you’re considering rooftop solar, Trico can help. We are committed to providing information and guidance to assist Members in determining if solar is right for them. Our Energy Solutions Program Managers are available to serve as your energy partner throughout the solar interconnection process. To get started, visit our website at www.trico.coop/sustainable-energy or call us at 520-744-2944.

Here are questions to consider before installing rooftop solar panels.

  1. What are my goals? If your primary goal is to save money on electric bills, you may be able to achieve this by improving the energy efficiency of your home. Visit our website for a full list of energy efficiency tips and to see our upcoming free webinars and resources.
  2. Is my roof suitable for solar? Your roof should be in good condition before installing solar panels. If your roof is old and in poor shape, it may need to be replaced before panels can be mounted. Additionally, your roof should receive a lot of sun to make the most of a rooftop system. Consider how much sun (and shade) the roof receives and if any trees will need to be removed. Solar panels perform best when facing south, so keep this in mind as you think about where the panels will be mounted.
  3. How long will I own the home? If you’re considering rooftop solar, you’re likely planning to stay in the home for several years. But if you plan to sell the home at some point down the road, consider that not all potential buyers will want to maintain a rooftop solar system. If you enter a contract to lease the system, carefully review the terms and what those mean if you decide to sell the property.
  4. Lease or purchase? Purchasing a rooftop solar system outright is expensive, which is why many homeowners opt to lease their solar panels. However, federal tax credits can help cover some of the costs for a new system, up to 30%. Regardless of how you decide to finance the solar system, make sure you get several quotes from qualified contractors.
  5. Can the contractor provide up-to-date documentation? Request proof and documentation of the contractor’s licensing, permitting and other credentials. Comb through company reviews. Check the contractor’s status with the Better Business Bureau, the AZ Attorney General’s Office, and the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
  6. Does the contract seem reasonable and fair? If you decide to hire a contractor to install rooftop solar, carefully read the fine print of the contract. Do the system performance calculations seem realistic? Does the project timeframe sound reasonable? Negotiate the contract terms to fit your goals and needs.
  7. Who will maintain the solar panels? Determining who is responsible for maintaining the solar panels will depend on who owns the system. If you lease the system from a solar installer, it may be their responsibility. Periodically, solar panels may need to be cleaned as dirt and debris can impact panel productivity. Parts may also need to be replaced, so it’s important to know who will take on these responsibilities.

If you decide to install solar, you should contact Trico to understand how the interconnection process works as well as what to expect on your bill. The system will likely be connected to the electric grid, so you’ll need to sign an interconnection agreement.

Did you miss our Virtual Solar Workshop on January 16? A recording of the workshop is available on our website at www.trico.coop/sustainable-energy.

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CEO Column: 2024 Annual Meeting


CEO Column: Join Us at the Annual Meeting

February 1, 2024

Get involved! Join us at the Annual Meeting

Every Trico employee is dedicated to our mission: Making a difference in the communities we serve by providing our Members cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions. One way we live that mission is by engaging with you, our Members, to better understand your needs and strive to exceed your expectations.  

With that in mind, one of my favorite events is coming up on April 6, 2024, when Trico will host our Annual Meeting. I always look forward to this event because it’s a great opportunity for our Board of Directors and employees to talk with our Members, hear what’s on their minds, and update Members on our plans for this year and the years to come.

We hope you’ll join us for our Annual Meeting. The business section of the Annual Meeting starts at 11 a.m. at Casino del Sol Resort. Registration will open at 9 a.m., and Members can check out our informational booths and workshops from 9–11 a.m. There will be food, raffle prizes, and trees for sale. Please remember, you must be present to win prizes and please bring a copy of your bill for fast check-in. For those who are unable to attend in person, we also offer a virtual option via Facebook Live.

Whether you attend in person or online, we thank you in advance for coming to the Annual Meeting. As a cooperative, we thrive when our Members get involved. Spending time with you and hearing your take on our community’s energy future is vital to helping us understand how we can best serve your needs.

As I have noted in this column in prior months, the energy industry is in the midst of massive changes. Our Members’ needs are changing, technology is changing, and these changes impact nearly every aspect of how we manage and deliver energy solutions to local homes, schools and businesses. We are ready for the challenge and excited to share updates about Trico’s financial strength, significant projects, and plans to continue providing cost-effective, sustainable, and innovative energy solutions into the future. I hope to see you on April 6, 2024.

You have a say

You may be wondering if your opinion really makes a difference at Trico. I am happy to say YES, it does! In fact, your opinion is essential, because everything we do is shaped by the Members we serve.

Electric co-ops are democratically controlled by the Members we serve, which means you have a say in who governs our co-op. By voting in the annual director election, you can weigh in on the leaders who will make important decisions about the future of the cooperative and how Trico serves your energy needs.

Our board of directors is comprised of seven Members who live and work right here in our local service area, so they are in the best position to know where community investments are most needed. We hope you’ll consider running for the board in the future, and for this year we encourage you all to vote.

We want to make voting as convenient as possible for our Members, so we offer a variety of ways for you to participate. If you join us at the Annual Meeting on April 6, you can cast your vote in person. If you’re unable to attend, you can vote using the SmartHub app or on our website at www.trico.coop. Voting on the website and SmartHub will be available starting February 12, 2024.  

The right to vote for representation on Trico’s board of directors is one of the most significant benefits of being a Member of a cooperative. We hope you’ll exercise the benefits of your co-op membership, vote, and join us for the Annual Meeting on April 6. We look forward to seeing you. Thank you for being a Member.

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Co-op Connections Upgrade


Co-op Connections Upgrades

February 1, 2024

At Trico, we’re always looking out for our Members. We are excited to announce a new feature of our Co-op Connections program: Member Protect Plus.

With Member Protect Plus, you’ll get mobile phone protection, identity theft monitoring and resolution services, roadside assistance and more! Individual and Family plans are available for $12.95 per month and $23.95 per month respectively.

The Co-op Connections program is a free benefit for being a Trico Member. Co‑op Connections has the best deals – from travel and event tickets to prescriptions and pet care – all in one place. By showing the Co-op Connections app at participating retailers, you can save money on items you purchase every day.

Take the savings with you wherever you go. Simply download the free Co-op Connections app to your phone and create an account to access thousands of deals.

Co-op Connections also offers valuable savings on prescriptions, dental, vision, hearing, diabetic supplies, lab testing, chiropractic services, and MRI and CT scans.

For more information, visit www.connections.coop.

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Save the Date Trico 2024 Annual Meeting


You’re Invited to the Trico Annual Meeting on April 6, 2024

January 1, 2024

Trico’s Annual Membership Meeting will be held on April 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Casino del Sol Resort.

This meeting is an excellent opportunity for Members to learn about Trico’s business from the past year and get a glimpse of what we have planned for the future. Along with the Board President and CEO speeches, the financial state of the co-op is discussed, and board elections are held at the meeting. Members enjoy breakfast, workshops, and information tables on all of Trico’s programs, allowing them to learn more about the benefits of being a Member.

We invite you to attend the Annual Membership Meeting either in-person or virtually. For those who are unable to attend in person, we will be providing a virtual attendance option via Facebook Live. We want to ensure that everyone can attend, regardless of their location.

Thank you for being a Trico Member, and we look forward to seeing you at the Annual Membership Meeting.

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Trico Scholarships Help Students Achieve Dreams


Trico Scholarships Help Students Pursue Their Dreams

January 1, 2024

Each year, the Trico Foundation awards scholarships to Trico Members and their families to attend a university, community or vocational college. In 2023, 97 students received $500,000 in scholarships.

“The Trico Scholarship gave me a boost of confidence and encouraged me to excel in my academic endeavors,” said Macy Kartchner, who is a senior at Northern Arizona University majoring in Public Health and minoring in Psychology. “Knowing that my hard work and achievements are being recognized and rewarded has motivated me immensely to put in the time to succeed in my classes. Overall, I am incredibly grateful to Trico for creating such a valuable student scholarship. It has enabled me to thrive throughout my college years.”

When Emily Gauthier was a senior in high school, she didn’t consider going to college because her family couldn’t afford it. A friend encouraged her to apply for scholarships. “My first scholarship offer was from Trico and it made going to college much more realistic. I am now only eight months from being the first college graduate in my family!” Emily is majoring in Nursing at the University of Arizona.

Karina Romero said that with help from the Trico Scholarship and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University she was able to spend a semester in Los Angeles and “work under a real-world professional journalist. During my time in L.A., I had a story picked up by USA Today! It is to date one of my greatest accomplishments.”

“The Trico scholarship has been a true blessing for me,” said Hayley Nistler, who graduated from Arizona State University in December with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Sports Science and Performance. “Thank you Trico!”

Chase Verdugo, who graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Biology, said the Trico Scholarship allowed him to focus on his studies. “With the help of the Trico Scholarship, I was able to graduate college and will be pursuing my dream of becoming a medical doctor.”

The Trico Foundation is a non-profit foundation organized in 1985 and funded through Membership Equity Retirements that are gifted or unclaimed. Since 1985, the Trico Foundation has awarded over $3.6 million – benefiting over 712 students.

Learn more about scholarships and how to donate your Membership Equity to the Trico Foundation at www.trico.coop/trico-scholarships.

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CEO Column: Innovating for Our Members


Innovating for Our Members

January 1, 2024

Since Trico was formed over 75 years ago, we have been focused on using technology, creativity, and hard work to improve the lives of our Members. From those early days to now, Trico employees have shared a commitment to providing Members with innovative energy solutions. Back then it was bringing power to areas that never had electricity before; now it includes adding cost-effective, sustainable resources, and in the coming years it will include programs to empower our Members to design their service to meet their unique needs.

Innovation is one of Trico’s core values, and something we talk about every day. We are always striving to improve the cooperative and better serve our Members. As we look forward to 2024, I want to share a few of the ways Trico is innovating to build a more resilient and reliable grid, and meet our Members needs.

The Grid of the Future

Trico is enhancing its reliability by replacing existing Oil Circuit Reclosers (OCRs) with Automated Vacuum Reclosers (AVRs). In the coming years, Trico will replace 96 OCRs with AVRs to improve the system’s capacity, reliability, and resilience. Reclosers are high-voltage switches designed to automatically address disturbances on the grid. If a problem is temporary and resolves quickly, the recloser automatically resets itself and restores power, without a need for manual intervention. Installing AVRs will reduce maintenance requirements, give grid operators greater visibility and control of the system, and allow Trico to set up protection profiles to reduce the frequency and length of outages.

Power Supply

Innovation on power supply is all about balance. Trico is continuing to add solar generation and battery storage, supporting Members who choose to install solar at their homes and businesses, and working with our generation partners to invest in new efficient natural gas technology. The goal of this diverse portfolio is to provide reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable service to our Members.

In early 2024, Trico will complete installation of a 10MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Trico’s Sahuarita Substation. The Sahuarita BESS will be able to power around 2,500 homes for about four hours. The BESS will allow Trico to buy and store energy when wholesale prices are low, which will help Trico avoid expensive market purchases and save money for all Members.

Stay tuned for future updates on additional power supply projects that will be completed or started in 2024. Throughout the year we will be sharing details on several projects that will help Trico meet our goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2032, while ensuring reliable service and affordable prices.

Rate Options

Trico is working to develop a variety of rate options that will provide our Members with choice, and empower Members to better manage their energy usage. The new rates will include additional options for Members with electric vehicles, options for those who want to serve their load with more renewable energy, and other options to help Members tailor their service to match their lifestyle.

The New Year brings hope, opportunities, and new challenges, and Trico is ready to take on the year with a spirit of service and innovation. As always, we are thankful for the opportunity to serve you, our Members. Happy New Year from Trico!


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Apprentice Lineworkers Participate in State Rodeo


Apprentice Lineworkers show off their skills at the state rodeo

January 1, 2024

Congratulations to our Apprentice Lineworkers Anthony Anaya, Colby Brown, Conor Garcia, Tyler Hornung, Martin Mares, Troy Mead and Matt Ward for their effort at the Arizona Lineworkers Rodeo hosted by Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) November 7–8 in Benson.

The competition put 43 lineworkers through a series of challenges, beginning with a written test assessing their knowledge before heading outdoors. The hurt-man rescue drill is designed to emulate an on-site emergency where a lineworker lowers a fellow lineworker, a victim played by a life-size dummy.

There’s a technical obstacle course, a mystery event, and two team events, to install an overhead secondary, and cross‑arm change‑out. All events are designed to reinforce fundamental skills, safety, and challenge the resourcefulness of each apprentice.

Tyler finished third overall in individual events. Colby had the fastest time in the Mystery Event and placed fourth in the Obstacle Course. Conor and Colby finished third and fourth respectively in the Hurt-Man Rescue. Team Trico also placed well in the team events.

“The State Rodeo this year was great,” Martin said. “Having all seven apprentices there was a huge help, from helping each other out on events, letting each other know what to look for on the mystery event and having them there cheering each other on was a great experience.”

Martin’s favorite event was hurt-man rescue. “Having this event in the rodeo makes us work on our climbing and perfecting our rescue also,” he said. 

We are proud to see our Apprentice Lineworkers’ commitment to safety, learning and serving our Members. Great work, team Trico!

Hector Acuna of The Herald Review contributed to this story.

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Member Appreciation Event Thank You!


Thank you for attending our appreciation event at Marana Pumpkin Patch

December 1, 2023

We want to thank the record number of Members who attended our Member Appreciation Event on October 25 at the Marana Pumpkin Patch.

“What a great family community event,” Jessica Foster shared on Trico’s Facebook page. “I saw so many friends. It was awesome getting to visit and catch up.”

We also want to thank the Marana Pumpkin Patch for providing a great venue for our Members to enjoy the holiday season. Admission to the pumpkin patch included pumpkins, corn maze, rides, games, petting zoo, diesel train and more.

Jenn Folino said that this was her family’s first time going to the Marana Pumpkin Patch and they had a great time. “It’s so awesome Trico does this for Members. Thank you for the experience!”

“Thank you to all the Trico employees who sacrificed their night so that we could enjoy ours. We appreciate you and thought it was a very nice event,” Dan Carsons said.

“I hope we can do this again next year. What a great gift to your Members. Thank you Trico!” Kimberly Morey said.

Thank you for being a Member and we hope to see you at a future community event.


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