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Energy Saving Tips for Fall


Energy Saving Tips for Fall

September 1, 2024

As the weather gets cooler, these tips will help you save money without sacrificing your family’s comfort.

Seal air leaks: Check for gaps or cracks around windows and exterior doors. Replace older caulk around windows with new siliconized caulk. Seal gaps around doors with weatherstripping and door sweeps.

Ensure insulation: Hire a qualified contractor to ensure that the walls and ceiling of your home is insulated according to recommended levels for your area. Install insulation as needed.

Maintain your heating system: Hire a qualified technician to inspect and clean your heating system before the start of winter. A dirty furnace filter can restrict air flow, making your heating system work harder to keep you comfortable. Replace your furnace filter regularly throughout the season. Also, make sure registers and vents are not blocked by rugs or furniture, which can also restrict air flow and reduce comfort.

Adjust your thermostat: Adjusting the thermostat is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce your energy bills. Lower temperatures to save energy at night or when no one is at home. To optimize savings and convenience, install a programmable thermostat. You can set it to automatically adjust temperatures based on your preferences and schedule. Newer smart models offer advanced features, such as remote control.

Check your chimney: Your chimney is an outlet for the warm air generated by your furnace. If your fireplace is not in use, keep the damper closed to prevent any warm air from going up the chimney. Check the seal on the flue damper and make sure that it is as snug as possible. Consider installing tempered glass doors and a heat exchange system that blows warm air back inside.

Get a home energy audit: Autumn is the perfect time to schedule a home energy audit. Your auditor will inspect your home and run a series of tests. You’ll receive a customized set of improvement recommendations that, when implemented, will reduce your energy bills and improve the comfort of your home all year long.

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CEO Column: Electricity Provides Powerful Value


Electricity provides powerful value

September 1, 2024

As a member-owned cooperative, Trico does everything in our power to ensure our costs stay reasonable and that electricity remains a great value for our Members. It’s not always easy, as there are several factors that impact the price of electricity—some within our control and many outside our control. We are always working hard to develop smart, innovative ways to control expenses and ensure we provide cost-effective service.

The cost of electricity can fluctuate due to supply and demand, required infrastructure investment, preparing the grid for the future, maintenance and operational expenses, and many other factors. Weather also contributes, affecting both demand and generation capabilities, with extreme conditions leading to heightened energy usage and disruptions. In my column this month I want to share some of the lesser-known ways that Trico works to keep your costs down.

One way Trico controls the cost of energy we provide is by selling excess energy and capacity from our resources to other utilities. There are times (especially in the summer) when we use all the energy and capacity in our resource portfolio. However, when usage on Trico’s system is lower and there is demand in other regions, we make sales to other utilities. As a non-profit, the proceeds of these sales go directly toward reducing costs to our Members.

Trico also works to “hedge” its fuel costs by making advance purchases when the market price for natural gas is down. By planning ahead and making smart buys at the right time, we lock in reasonable fuel prices. This reduces the risk that Trico will suffer from a spike in natural gas prices. We take the same approach to our diesel and vehicle fuel prices. We focus on these efforts because they provide real savings for our Members over the long-term.

Another way we work to provide value is by pursuing grants to offset the cost of needed projects. Hopefully you have read about our success with several awards. We have been fortunate to receive awards that include a low-interest, partially forgivable loan from the Powering Affordable Clean Energy program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This award will support the construction of four solar and battery projects that will provide needed energy and added resilience. We have also been awarded a grant through the Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships program for improved right-of-way maintenance and wildfire mitigation. These programs will save Trico Members millions of dollars overall, and we are working hard to earn other grants.

The energy needs of our community will continue to grow as more aspects of our lives are powered by electricity. Just consider the number of devices you charge every day from phones to tablets to smart devices. Now consider the increased number of electric vehicles you see on the road and the new devices you see at stores, schools and community events. The demand for electricity is expanding and Trico is dedicated to making sure our Members have cost-effective, sustainable energy solutions. Trico will always put our Members first and work each day to provide you with great value. Thank you for being a valued Trico Member.


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Washington Youth Tour Leaves Lasting Impact


Trico students experience unforgettable Washington Youth Tour

September 1, 2024

This year’s Washington Youth Tour provided an enriching experience for the three students that Trico sent as well as the chaperones. The tour left a lasting impact on all participants.

Gabrielle Mireles, who attends Mountain View High School, expressed her gratitude: “Words cannot express how forever grateful I am for this amazing opportunity! I have made amazing memories, met new friends, and learned so much. The impact Trico has made on me is immense.”

Devin Campbell, a student at Walden Grove High School, said “My favorite parts of the tour were meeting new people and forming friendships, talking to a staffer about national issues, and exploring D.C.’s museums. Interacting with various people, from museum workers to a Secret Service member, was fascinating and gave me a unique perspective on the city’s pace and history. The museums were incredibly informative, and I wished I had more time to explore them fully. This trip has sparked my interest in politics and advocacy, and I’m now considering an internship in D.C. to be more involved in the nation’s activities and continue learning. Plus, I’d love to use my library card to access even more resources!

“Thank you, Trico, for this incredible experience. Your dedication to the community brings great benefit!”

Alicia Lind, who will be a senior at Sahuarita High School, said the US Marine Corps Museum (USMC) and the sunset marine parade were her highlights of the tour “I encourage others to apply for the Youth Tour because meeting wonderful people and seeing these places in person is incredibly different from online. It’s one of my top three trips ever, and even the places I wasn’t excited for blew me away. I’m grateful I could go. I met so many people and learned so much. Each place was memorable, and even though we were tired and slept on the bus, it was the most fun, most engaging, unbelievable trip anyone could go on.”

Trico Inspector/Locator Andy Mendibles, one of the chaperones, reflected on the journey: “Washington Youth Tour is a great experience for students. Seeing the kids engaged with history and learning new and interesting things about their country was amazing. They also had a great meeting with their representative (Juan Ciscomani), who answered their questions about the state of the country. We had speakers who resonated with all of us, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a chaperone and a part of the Washington Youth Tour.”

Trico Senior Distribution Designer Deidra Tulk, who was co-director of the tour, recounted the trip: “We visited many incredible places: Mount Vernon, the USMC, Arlington, the Pentagon, the 9/11 Memorial, Ford’s Theatre, the Capitol, many beautiful monuments and memorials, the White House, the International Spy Museum, a river cruise where we saw fireflies along the tidal basin, and congressional visits.

“The trip was amazing and exhausting. Despite the exhaustion, the experiences and camaraderie were worth it. There were tears at the Phoenix airport when we said goodbye. I am grateful Trico allowed me to be a part of the tour this year. I left with amazing memories, lasting friendships, and an even greater appreciation for electric co-ops for their commitment to our communities and our youth.”

The Washington Youth Tour has once again proven to be a remarkable opportunity for students to grow, learn, and engage with history and their peers. Trico is accepting applications for the 2025 Washington Youth Tour. Learn more at www.trico.coop. Deadline to apply is October 31, 2024. 

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Trico Member Appreciation Event Information


Trico Member Appreciation Event 2024

August 1, 2024

Trico’s Member Appreciation Event will be held on October 9, 2024 from 4-9 p.m. at the Marana Pumpkin Patch. Registration for tickets will be available on our website starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Tickets are first come, first served, and we WILL sell out. Maximum of five tickets are available per Membership – please only take the number you need to allow other families to also enjoy the event.

Your ticket will include free admission, refreshments, and one orange pumpkin per Membership. While most activities are included, there are additional fees for the zipline, pumpkin canon, rock wall, and paintball.

We will share more information as the event gets closer! To be the first to hear updates, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and make sure your email address is accurate in your SmartHub account.

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Light Up Navajo Humbling Experience


Light Up Navajo is humbling experience for Trico lineworkers

August 1, 2024

For the second year in a row, Trico sent line crews to a remote area of the Navajo Nation to participate in the Light Up Navajo program. This mutual-aid program began in 2019 to extend electricity to homes without power.

Trico lineworkers Anthony Anaya, Bryan English, Joe Tsethlikai, Martin Mares, Matt Ward and Troy Mead spent two weeks working in Naschitti, New Mexico to bring power to those in need.

“I’ll go back every year until everyone has electricity or I’m dead,” English said. “I’m happy to give back.”

Trico’s crews built 3.5 miles of line and put up 40 poles to feed power to nine homes. “The conditions were not great,” Tsethlikai said. “We had to use special pressure diggers. It took one to two hours to dig one hole. For the people to live there without power is mind blowing.”

Tsethlikai said they met an 80-year-old Vietnam War veteran who never had electricity except for his time in the Marines. 

“This is history in the making,” Tsethlikai said. “This is generational. We’re not just bringing power to these nine homes. This is something that is going to be there forever. Their children and future generations will benefit from what we’re doing.”

Brian Heithoff, Trico CEO/GM said, “The work to provide the residents of the Navajo Nation a reliable source of energy is vital to providing them a brighter future, and reflects the co-op spirit that helped electrify Trico’s service territory starting almost 80 years ago.”

Ward said he was honored to be selected to participate in Light Up Navajo. “It was an extremely humbling experience. You would never guess that people still to this day continue to live without what we consider to be basic necessities, such as running water, electricity, etc. To know that I was able to be a part of changing someone’s life by providing power alone is very honoring. The work experience along with meeting the homeowners is amazing. They taught us the Navajo language and they are some of the friendliest people.”

Anaya said “the whole experience made me grateful for the life I live with my family and everything Trico has provided for me. Hopefully I get the opportunity to do it again next year.”

Ann Nadeau thanked Trico for “what you are doing for the Navajo Nation. These residents need to be cool. The crews are heroes.”

Trico was the first cooperative in the state of Arizona to participate in the mutual-aid program last year. According to the American Public Power Association, of the approximately 55,000 homes on the Navajo Nation, nearly 14,000 still do not have electricity. They represent 75% of all U.S. households without power.

Learn more at https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/03/us/navajo-nation-power-grid-connection/index.html

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Trico Awards $35K to Local Nonprofits


Trico Awards $35,000 in grants to support local nonprofits

August 1, 2024

Trico has announced the recipients of its 2024 Spring POWER Grants, totaling $35,000, to five local organizations dedicated to improving the lives of residents in Pima County and surrounding areas. This initiative underscores Trico’s commitment to community support and development.

Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center will receive $10,000 to distribute emergency food to low-income residents of Pima County, including significant portions of the Trico service area. This grant will play a pivotal role in alleviating hunger and providing essential support to those in need.

Similarly, the Marana Food Bank & Community Resource Center will receive $10,000. The funds will aid in distributing healthy food to Marana families facing hunger, operating four days a week, and offering programs to foster self-sufficiency. This grant will significantly impact the lives of many struggling families.

The Marana Unified School District (MUSD) is set to receive $8,750 to equip 1,200 students with backpacks filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year. This initiative ensures students are prepared for their educational journey, easing the financial burden on families. Dr. Cindy Ruich, Director of Student and Family Support Services at MUSD, shared her appreciation: “It takes a village to support and educate the students in MUSD and we are so grateful and blessed you are a part of our village.”

The Mt. Lemmon Fire Fighters Foundation will receive $1,500 to modernize their rope rescue gear, enhancing the safety and efficiency of firefighters during rescue operations. This investment is crucial for the protection and well-being of both the firefighters and the community. “The support provided by Trico Electric Charitable Trust and its members exemplifies a commitment to the well-being of southern Arizona, and it is through contributions like these that we are able to maintain and improve our critical services.” Michael Cuestas, Captain of the Mount Lemmon Fire Fighter Foundation shared. “We are honored to be among the beneficiaries of the POWER Grants program initiative,” he added.

Youth On Their Own (YOTO) will be awarded $4,750 to support students experiencing homelessness in Tucson/Pima County. The funds will provide basic needs, financial assistance, guidance, and support services with the goal of high school graduation. CEO of YOTO, Elizabeth Slater, thanks Trico for supporting Southern Arizona’s students experiencing housing insecurity. “This grant award will provide direct financial and basic needs support to YOTO youth, helping them remain focused on their goal of high school graduation. Thank you.”

Through these grants, Trico continues to demonstrate its dedication to empowering and uplifting local communities. The support provided will enable these organizations to make a substantial and lasting impact on the lives of many individuals and families. You can help by rounding up your bill through Trico’s Operation Round Up program. Learn more at www.trico.coop/operation-round-up.

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CEO Column: New BESS System Saves Members Money


CEO Column: Trico’s New BESS Saves Members Money

August 1, 2024

On July 2, 2024, Trico hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Sahuarita Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a key part of our ongoing efforts to provide our Members with cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions.

The event marked a significant milestone, supported by a $55.2 million award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program. Sierra Southwest Cooperatives Inc., which develops energy resources for Arizona’s nonprofit electric co-ops, received the award to support three battery storage facilities in Pima, Cochise and Mohave counties totaling 35 megawatts.

The new Sahuarita BESS, with a 10-megawatt peak capacity and a 40-megawatt-hour battery array, will store solar energy produced during the day and release it during peak demand in the evening. This project allows us to provide more reliable power, enhances our resilience, and saves our Members money. The system can power approximately 3,000 households for four hours.

Trico is proud to be among the top five electric cooperatives in the nation for installed solar and storage capacity. With a goal of reducing our carbon emissions by 50% by 2032, projects like the Sahuarita BESS are crucial steps towards achieving this target. Our cooperative’s commitment to clean energy was further reinforced by the presence of local leaders and stakeholders, including Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy, who praised the project as a model for other communities to follow.

As a non-profit cooperative, we do everything we can to provide our Members with great value at a reasonable cost. This project is an example of how Trico goes the extra mile to produce savings for our Members. When it comes to power supply, we do this by pursuing grants, managing expenses, developing innovative ways to save on power supply costs, and working with partners who understand what it means to be a co-op. Our new Sahuarita BESS will provide cost benefits not just for the community where it is located, but for all Members and for years to come.


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CEO Column: Fire Mitigation 2024


Trico secures $700,000 grant for fire mitigation and grid resilience

July 1, 2024

Trico has received a significant boost in its effort to enhance fire mitigation and grid resilience on Mt. Lemmon, thanks to a recent $700,000 grant awarded by a federal infrastructure funding program. The grant, part of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Grid Resilience Innovation Partnership (GRIP) program, will support Trico’s initiatives aimed at bolstering the region’s wildfire prevention measures and ensuring the reliability of its power grid infrastructure.

The award comes as part of a larger consortium bid led by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and involves 39 electric co-ops from across the country. There were about 700 applicants for GRIP funding and less than 10% of projects were selected. The consortium’s projects will accelerate the completion of high-priority wildfire mitigation projects at co-ops nationwide, with Trico being among the beneficiaries.

Trico has identified the Mt. Lemmon area as a high-hazard zone for wildfires, with three significant fires occurring in the last 20 years alone. The devastating impact of the Bighorn Fire in 2020, caused by a lightning strike, prompted Trico to take proactive measures to mitigate future wildfire risks in the region.

Trico will allocate the grant funds towards fire mitigation work, right-of-way clearing, and the installation of fire-resistant wrapping on power poles across Mt. Lemmon. These efforts, combined with continued vegetation management and maintenance, aim to reduce the likelihood of wildfire ignition and mitigate the risk of damage from all wildfires.

Moreover, the enhanced resilience of Trico’s power grid infrastructure will ensure reliability service to key communications assets, including radio, television, and communications towers, that serve Tucson and Southern Arizona. The project’s scope also extends to protecting the Members, homes, and businesses served by Trico, as well as preserving the valuable natural environment on Mt. Lemmon.

This ongoing effort underscores Trico’s commitment to balancing the preservation of the natural environment with ensuring reliable electricity supply to its Members. Trico’s engagement with the community underscores its dedication to fostering a culture of preparedness and collaboration. Trico recently hosted a Summer Preparedness Town Hall on June 15, 2024, at the Mt. Lemmon Community Center. The event provided an opportunity for community members to discuss fire risk mitigation strategies and receive updates on Trico’s initiatives to enhance wildfire resilience in the region.

The GRIP grant will benefit Mt. Lemmon and it is also an example of how Trico works hard to find innovative ways to contain costs (grants, low-interest loans, forgivable loans, etc.). These savings provide benefits to all Members. Trico is committed to ensuring the reliability of power supply while safeguarding our community and, as always, we are dedicated to serving you, our Members.

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Outage Restoration Process


What really happens when the lights go out

July 1, 2024

Ever wondered how power gets restored after an outage? Let’s take a closer look at what happens behind the scenes:

  1. Teamwork: From frontline representatives to field operatives, everyone works together to get the power restored as quickly and safely as possible.
  2. Assessment: Each time the power goes out, crews take a good look to see what’s broken and figure out the best way to fix it.
  3. Safety First: Safety is always the top priority. Crews make sure to watch out for anything that could cause harm.
  4. Understanding Flickering Lights: Flickering lights indicate that our equipment is working to prevent bigger problems.
  5. Being Prepared: If you rely on power for life support purposes, you must have a backup plan in case the power stays out longer than expected. We encourage Members to complete our Life-Sustaining Equipment Form, which is available on our website at trico.coop/outages.
  6. Working Together: Our portion of the power grid is connected to other electric utilities, so we maintain positive relationships with other power providers to get things back to normal as quickly as possible.

Restoring power is a group effort aimed at your safety and keeping your electricity running smoothly. We’re dedicated to doing our best for you. So, when the lights go out, rest assured we’re diligently working to restore your power and provide you with uninterrupted service.


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Trico Employee Helps Save a Life


Trico employee, who is a volunteer Firefighter and EMT, helps save a life

July 1, 2024

Trico Senior Distribution Designer Deidra Tulk is a volunteer Firefighter and EMT with the Benson Fire Department and also works part time for Healthcare Innovations, the ambulance company that serves the Benson area.

On February 2, 2024, Deidra and four other first responders received a call for medical assistance at the local Walmart. As they arrived, the patient went into cardiac arrest, and they immediately began CPR. They continued CPR while the patient was transported to Benson Hospital, where the patient regained a pulse and was stabilized until they could be transported to a Tucson hospital. Within 36 hours the patient was sitting in their room in the ICU talking with their doctors, and then discharged within a few days.

On May 13, 2024, the Benson City Council recognized the five first responders for their efforts and presented them with CPR Life Saver awards.

“It feels a little bit weird to be recognized for doing a job I signed up for, but it’s been humbling how many people show their appreciation, especially as a volunteer,” Deidra said.

Caption: Deidra Tulk and four other first responders were presented with CPR Life Saver awards from the Benson City Council.

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Summer Energy Saving Tips 2024


Stay cool this summer while saving energy and money

July 1, 2024

Have you noticed that your air conditioner seems to be working harder? Though we don’t suffer the high humidity of the southeastern states, anything above 32% can certainly affect our comfort level.

Here are some tips to help you beat the heat:

  • Use ceiling fans or oscillating fans. They help evaporate moisture from your skin, making you feel cooler. In the summer, operate ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction. You should turn fans off in rooms that are not in use.
  • In addition to raising your thermostat to 78 degrees, make sure your air conditioner is well maintained and functioning efficiently. That means replacing filters on schedule.
  • Take shorter showers to save on water heating costs. Even if your water is heated by gas, that’s still a good idea.
  • Run large appliances such as the washer, dryer and dishwasher after 8 p.m. or early in the morning. Running these appliances at cooler hours saves the air conditioner from working as hard.
  • Here’s an easy way to lighten the load on your clothes dryer. Before you dry a load of damp clothing, toss in a clean, dry towel. The towel will absorb excess water, shortening the drying time. If your dryer does not include an autosense feature to determine drying time, remember to reduce the timer to about half of what you normally would. Remove the towel about 15 minutes after the cycle begins.
  • Plant shade trees. You may not see immediate energy benefits, but in a few years, you’ll be glad you did. You can get trees from Trico through our Operation Cool Shade program. Each year you can purchase up to three 5-gallon shade trees from Trico for $15 each. Five-gallon trees are not very big but give them a few years and they will provide shade. Trees for 2024 are sold out. Trees will be available again for purchase in January 2025.
  • Keep the window coverings closed during the day to block the sun’s heat.
  • Select energy-efficient products when you buy new cooling equipment. Your contractor should be able to give you energy fact sheets for different types, models, and designs to help you compare energy usage. See the efficiency standards for information on minimum ratings and look for the ENERGY STAR when purchasing new products.
  • Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense.
  • Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use. Small appliances and electronics use energy even when not in use.
  • Smart plugs are inexpensive and offer convenient solutions for scheduling and controlling your favorite electronic devices. With smart plugs, you can easily manage your coffee maker, lighting, home office equipment, video game consoles and more. Smart plugs can help you manage devices through a smart phone app, your home assistant or voice control.

For more energy saving tips, visit www.trico.coop/sustainable-energy/home-energy-savings

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CEO Column: We Take Managing Costs Seriously


We take managing costs seriously

June 10, 2024

You have probably heard in the news that some of the large, investor-owned utilities in the state have been increasing rates on a double-digit basis. As a non-profit cooperative, we are dedicated to providing cost-effective and sustainable energy services to our Members. We develop our rates to be affordable by focusing on recovering costs instead of making profits. We also work hard to control our costs for the benefit of our Members. This month I want to share some information on what goes into our rates and how we strive to control costs.

There are three primary categories of costs in our business: power supply, operating, and fixed. Power supply is the cost to generate power and the cost to transmit power to our system (transmission costs). Operating costs include billing, outage response, preventative maintenance of our system, legal costs, employee training, headquarters maintenance, property and casualty insurance, wages and benefits, director expenses, regulatory expenses, etc. Fixed costs include interest on long-term debt and depreciation of our assets.

Regarding operating costs, Trico has lower operating costs per kilowatt hour (kWh) today than we did 10 years ago. Trico has kept operating costs per kWh sold essentially flat for the last 10 years whereas across Arizona and the country, they have consistently risen. Our power costs per kWh sold have been essentially flat over the past 10 years and are lower than they were 15 years ago.

Additionally, since the mid-1980’s (almost 40 years ago) our rates have increased by about half a percent per year. In other words, our rates have gone up considerably less than the rate of inflation for the past 40 years, which means our Members are paying less today than they were in 1986 on an inflation adjusted basis.

We have accomplished this by always focusing on our Members and working to be efficient. Trico’s number of employees per Member ranks among the top 20% of U.S. electric cooperatives in terms of efficiency. We take pride in providing excellent service while controlling operating costs.

Like all companies, over the last several years, Trico has seen significant increases in the cost of materials, supplies, labor, fuel, power supply, and equipment. This is something we need to address as we want to maintain our financial strength and we don’t want to compromise the maintenance of our system. Reliable service is one of the ways we provide great value to our Members.

With this in mind, Trico is planning to file a rate proposal this year with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) that will likely result in a modest upward adjustment in rates and will go into effect in late 2025 or 2026. Our last rate proposal was filed in 2015 and was approved by the ACC in 2017, so it will be about eight years between new rates.

We are currently working on a Cost-of-Service Study (Study) that will determine what will be included in our rate proposal. This Study is designed to identify what we need to recover in rates to cover our costs and produce a margin needed for healthy operations. As we complete the Study, we will share what you can expect on your bill. Our approach to this process will be guided by our mission of providing cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions to you, our Members. As always, thank you for being a valued Member of Trico Electric Cooperative.

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