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Trico’s Apprentice Lineworkers Excel at State Rodeo

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

Trico’s Apprentice Lineworkers excel at state rodeo

June 1, 2025

Trico’s Apprentice Lineworkers performed very well at the 2025 Arizona Lineworker Rodeo in April, taking first place in several events. The rodeo was held at Trico, which gave our Trico family a chance to see our Apprentices in action.

Conor Garcia won two events and finished second in another event while Anthony Anaya finished first in the Hurt-Man Rescue. Matt Ward and Tyler Russell won team events. Ward finished seventh overall out of 40 Apprentice Lineworkers from nine state utilities.

“We are extremely proud of their accomplishments and hard work,” said Matt Fredericksen, Vice President of Electric Operations. “I would also like to applaud Bryan English and Colby Brown for stepping up to coach the guys this year. All of Trico’s Journeyman Lineworkers have played crucial roles in the development of these Apprentice Lineworkers.”

The rodeo included three individual events, a written test and two team events. Garcia completed the Obstacle Course in 3 minutes and 43 seconds. The Obstacle Course gives Apprentices the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work efficiently with gloves, move insulators and perform tasks like leaning out and transferring equipment while maintaining safety and precision.

“Conor showcased his climbing skillset in the Obstacle Course,” Fredericksen said. “Lineworkers have to navigate over two crossarms and move material carefully in order to come ahead of their peers in this event.”

Garcia, Anaya, Ward and Russell finished first through fourth in the Mystery Event, which involved terminating an elbow connector on an underground cable.

“This event is unknown to the competitors until the day of the rodeo, so preparation is very limited,” Fredericksen said.

Anaya and Garcia finished first and second in the Hurt-Man Rescue event. The purpose of the Hurt-Man Rescue is to demonstrate speed while safely lowering an injured worker (represented by a mannequin), who is unconscious, from the top of the pole.

“This is a really competitive event that requires the ability to be swift and careful as it represents rescuing a fellow Lineworker who has been incapacitated,” Fredericksen said.

For the team events, Ward and Mario Hernandez of Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) finished first in the Cross-Arm Change Out, while Martin Mares of Trico and Sean Hahn of SSVEC placed second. For this event, Lineworkers demonstrated their ability to detach the conductors from the old cross arm, removing the old cross arm from the pole, attaching the new cross arm, and then reattaching the conductors to the new cross arm.

Trico’s Russell and Gabe Ornelas of SSVEC won the Overhead Transformer Change Out. They finished third overall. Teammates are randomly selected from different utilities and at different stages in their apprenticeship.

“These events require extensive communication on the fly in order to obtain the best times,” Fredericksen said.

The state rodeo is a great opportunity for our Apprentice Lineworkers to showcase the skills they’ve learned on the job. We are proud of their hard work and dedication to our Members.

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CEO Column: Trico’s Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

CEO Column: Trico’s Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

June 1, 2025

On May 24th Trico attended the Mt. Lemmon Firewise Block Party to share information about Trico’s wildfire mitigation efforts, tips for how Members can help, and our cooperative’s plan to enhance our system and limit the risk and impact of wildfires.

Over the years, several wildfires have affected communities served by Trico. Each year Trico takes steps to prepare for potential wildfires. I want to share some of the steps we have taken and our latest efforts to keep our community safe and our system reliable.

Trico’s wildfire mitigation efforts go back decades, starting with a well‑maintained system and smart, efficient right-of-way management. This includes regular line patrols, line maintenance, and clearing rights-of-way and hazard trees. Trico coordinates with the forest service, local agencies, the county and towns to make sure we are performing this work in a responsible way that protects the community and the environment.    

While vegetation management and grid maintenance are important methods of wildfire mitigation, we are also taking more innovative approaches. As an example, here are some highlights of Trico’s wildfire mitigation efforts:

Formed a Wildfire Mitigation and Environmental Committee

  • Working to enhance our written Wildfire Mitigation Plan
  • Awarded a $750,000 Wildfire Assessment and Resilience for Networks (WARN) grant
  • Using software to assess the highest-risk areas in our service territory
  • Wrapping our poles in fire resistant material to strengthen the grid
  • Reviewing new materials, equipment, and tools to help minimize risk
  • Using software and system settings to help manage risk while maintaining reliability
  • Improving our ability to track weather and fire conditions and identify potential faults on our system
  • Continuing to educate our Members on what they can do to minimize fire risk

Our teams have already done a significant amount of work on these projects and Trico will continue to invest time and money to manage wildfire risk and protect our Members. Over the next four years, Trico will be using funds from the federal WARN Grant to perform additional vegetation management on its right-of-way on Mt. Lemmon (and in other high-risk areas) and harden its power lines with fire resistant wrapping. The improved resilience will ensure reliable service to key communications assets located on Mt. Lemmon (radio, television, and communications towers) that serve Tucson and Southern Arizona, and most important help protect our Members, the homes and businesses in the area, as well as the valuable natural environment on Mt. Lemmon.

We understand that our Members rely on electricity for their daily needs, their wells, medical equipment, and other vital needs. We take our responsibility very seriously and the safety of our Members is always top of mind. Serving our Members is the focus of all we do. Thank you for taking the time to read this column and thank you for being a valued Trico Member.

There are steps you can take to protect your home and our community from wildfires. This includes creating a defensible space around your home. See the infographic at right for wildfire prevention tips. For more info, visit Firewise.org.

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Trico Adds Line Locators

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

What is the role of a Line Locator?

June 1, 2025

Trico recently hired three Line Locators, Ron Flores, Dylan Ruby and George Rodriguez. Their job is to mark the location of underground utilities for construction activities that require excavation or demolition.

In the past, Trico used an outside service for line location. After careful research, we determined that there was good value in having in-house employees.

“That way when anybody makes an 811 request, they see a Trico truck pull up with a Trico employee and they can engage with Members and really attend to their needs,” said Matt Fredericksen, Vice President of Electric Operations.

The line location process starts with the Member calling 811 or visiting the website www.arizona811.com to submit a request online. Trico then sends a Line Locator to pinpoint the paths of cables, pipes and other conduits that carry utilities underground.

“It’s very similar to a metal detector,” Flores said.

Once an underground cable is detected, the Line Locator uses paint or flags to mark the buried lines.

“That way excavators can safely dig without running the risk of knocking out power or causing significant damage to our systems, ultimately affecting our Members and their ability to have power,” Ruby said.

To learn more about the locating process and how it benefits Trico and our Members, watch our video at https://youtu.be/3f2LyKxsqH4.

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Members create art with old Trico equipment

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

Members create artwork from old Trico equipment

April 1, 2025

As the saying goes, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. A few years ago, Trico’s crews were working on the high-tension lines along Mission Road and McGee Ranch Road, removing large glass insulators.

Karen Rans of Green Valley, a Trico Member for 25 years, and her wife Peggy Terlisner, had a unique idea for their stained-glass art business Glass Happens.

“We contacted a supervisor and, after explaining our project, were fortunate enough to acquire a few of the discarded insulators,” Karen said. “One of the insulators became a pivotal piece in a collaborative art project that I undertook. I traded one of the insulators with a friend in exchange for a small welder and lessons. This ultimately allowed me to create a stained-glass piece incorporating the insulator, which is now the focal point of our courtyard.”

Karen said it was a rewarding experience combining her passion for upcycling, stained glass artistry, and working with metal.

“The final result is a beautiful, functional piece of art that reflects our appreciation for repurposing materials and showcasing the unique beauty found in unexpected places,” she said.

Thank you Karen for being a valued Trico Member and for seeing a diamond in the rough.

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CEO Column: Lineworker Appreciation 2025

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

CEO Column: Lineworkers are our neighborhood heroes

April 1, 2025

When you think of Trico we hope that you think of excellent service, great reliability and value, and the fact that you are a Member of our not-for-profit cooperative. We also hope that you think of our Lineworkers.

We have a great team at Trico, full of caring, expert, and service-focused employees in every department. Still, at the heart of our cooperative are the Lineworkers who you see working out in the communities we serve, building and upgrading our system, and responding to make repairs when needed.

Lineworker Appreciation Day occurs annually in April, and this year it is on April 14th. It is an opportunity to reflect on the essential role our Lineworkers play in our community and in our daily lives. It can be easy to take it for granted that the power will be there when you need it, but it takes a team of people to make that happen. This year I thought I would share some details on what makes Lineworkers essential and how their dedication supports us all.

Our Lineworkers start their day before sunrise, working through their day clad in flame-resistant clothing, safety goggles, rubber gloves, and heavy boots. It is not the most comfortable uniform, but it helps protect them from the hazards of working with high-voltage facilities. Our crews take safety seriously, making sure that no matter the task they are taking the proper precautions. They are also focused on making sure their co-workers are working safely. You will hear the terms “brother’s keeper” and “sister’s keeper” used often, as a signal that each person has a duty to help keep their teammates safe.

Trico’s crews travel across our large service territory, building, maintaining and repairing our system. As our system grows more complex and new technologies are added, our crews learn, innovate, and adapt to ensure they have the expertise to support a modern grid. Their extraordinary skills ensure our homes remain connected to the grid, businesses stay operational, and emergency services remain accessible.

They are the definition of dedication throughout the year, and during the summer our crews work long hours to minimize the impact of monsoon storms by responding at all hours to make repairs, even in difficult conditions. Whether repairing storm-ravaged power lines or ensuring continuity during emergencies, their strong commitment ensures power is flowing when we need it most.

Trico Lineworkers also answer the call beyond the borders of Trico’s service territory. Our crews have traveled to support fellow co-ops across the state (and even outside the state) when widespread emergencies and outages have occurred, and additional support is needed. We have also called on our partners across the state in times of need. Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our guiding principles, and no one embodies this better than Lineworkers.

At our office we have a large room where the Lineworkers meet, complete their administrative tasks, and attend training classes. The walls of that room are covered with posters expressing messages of thanks from our employees and Members for our Lineworkers’ efforts during storms, wildfires, and everyday challenges. It is our co-op’s way of recognizing the often heroic work the Lineworkers perform.

This month we invite you, our Members, to help us in celebrating the remarkable men and women who ensure reliable power, and recognize their steadfast dedication to our community.

Thank you to our Lineworkers and thank you for being a valued Trico Member!

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CEO Column: Trico Files Rate Proposal

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

CEO Column: Trico has filed a Rate Proposal with the ACC

November 1, 2024

Trico’s mission is to make a difference in the communities we serve by providing our Members cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions. As a non-profit cooperative, “cost-effective” is not just a phrase, it is a commitment we make to our Members. We do our best to control the costs that can be controlled and manage the costs that cannot. 

Over the last several years we have all experienced increased prices on everything from gas, to groceries, to housing. At Trico, we have seen similar cost increases in the equipment and materials we use to provide reliable energy. For example, since 2020 the cost of transformers and regulators has more than doubled, while wires and cable have gone up 7 percent. 

Trico has also been expanding its portfolio of generation resources with a combination of traditional and renewable resources, power purchase agreements, and even Member-owned distributed resources. It is vital for Trico to invest in its grid to maintain reliable service, purchase adequate power generation and storage capacity to meet system needs, and recruit and retain high-achieving employees with a commitment to serving Trico Members. All of these efforts produce value for Members and they come with costs.

In October, Trico filed a Rate Proposal Application with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). This is the method for utilities (including cooperatives) to change their rates in the State of Arizona. Trico’s last Rate Proposal was filed about nine years ago with the ACC, in 2015 (based on 2014 costs). That rate change was approved by the ACC in 2017. We have worked hard to control costs (and we will continue to do so), but it is now necessary and important for Trico to increase its rates.  

Our current Rate Proposal is based on 2023 costs. As you might expect, costs have changed over the last nine years. To prepare for this Rate Proposal, we worked to forecast projected growth and costs, and the investments we would need to provide reliable service. We then completed a Cost-of-Service Study (Study) to determine what revenue was needed to support Trico’s operations. The Study is designed to identify what we need to recover in rates to cover our costs and produce a margin necessary for healthy continued operations. 

Below is a summary of our Rate Proposal and the impact it will have. Please take a few minutes to read this article and check our website for more information. If you have any questions, please reach out to us.

Trico works hard to balance reliability, planning for the future, and excellent service with cost. As a non-profit cooperative, you (our Members) are the priority, and we will always be focused on providing you great value.

We will continue to keep you informed throughout the Rate Proposal process. Future articles in the Livewire will include updates, and you can visit Trico’s social media and website (www.trico.coop) for additional updates. We thank you for your support, and we look forward to continuing to serve you with cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable energy solutions.

Thank you for being a valued Trico Member.

View more Rate Proposal Information here.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the rate changes go into effect?

The changes will not go into effect until approved by the ACC. We expect this will be in late 2025 or early 2026.

How will Trico’s proposed rates impact residential Members?

Residential Member rates will increase by 7.11%. This includes the change to the Customer Charge and surcharges described below. For the average Residential Member, this will mean an increase of around $9.97 per month. 

We are also proposing that the Demand Side Management (DSM) and Renewable Energy Standard Tariff (REST) surcharges on your existing bills be eliminated and that costs of those programs be included in base rates. We made this change because our Members have told us they find surcharges confusing. This means the effective increase to rates is actually closer to 6.25% rather than 7.11%. 

Is Trico increasing its monthly Customer Charge?

Yes, as proposed the residential Customer Charge will increase from $20 to $25. This charge helps to recover the fixed costs Trico must pay to maintain its system and cover the financing of its system.

The monthly service charge is designed to recover costs associated with providing ongoing service to Members through the minimum-sized facilities that would be installed, regardless of individual consumer capacity requirements. These costs include the ownership and maintenance of essential infrastructure such as poles, wires, transformers, and meters. Additionally, the charge covers recurring expenses related to Member Services, including Member Service Representatives (MSRs) and billing.

This charge does not include costs associated with energy consumption or with owning and maintaining infrastructure beyond the minimum system.

How will commercial rates be affected?

Trico has a variety of commercial rates and the changes vary by class. We will be sharing more information on commercial rates in future articles, meetings with Members, and on our website. Any commercial Members interested in meeting with one of our Commercial Account Specialists can contact us at 520-744-2944 ext. 1311.

Is Trico proposing changes to its Rules, Regulations and Line Extension Policy (RRLEP)?

Yes, Trico is proposing changes to make the RRLEP easier to read and more accessible to Members and Trico employees.

Are there changes to the service charges?

Yes. Regular hours service calls will increase from $50 to $125. After hours Meter Crew calls will increase from $70 to $175. After hours Service Crew calls will increase from $175 to $250. Meter testing costs will increase from $35 to $50. The late payment charge will increase from 1.25% to 1.50% per month. The intent is to better capture the actual cost of these services and have the Members who use these services cover the costs.



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CEO Column: 80 Years of Innovation and Serving Members’ Needs

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

CEO Column: 80 Years of Innovation and Serving Members’ Needs

March 1, 2025

Eighty years ago, Trico was established to provide essential electric services to rural areas of Southern Arizona not served by investor-owned utilities. As we have grown, evolved, and innovated in how we serve our Members, we have never lost sight of that important duty and we never will. We are honored to be celebrating eighty years of providing energy solutions to the communities of Southern Arizona.

Over the last five years we have been planning to improve the resilience and responsiveness of our electric distribution grid by expanding our ability to communicate with our substations, line devices, and resources. Those resources include our solar and battery sites, but also Member devices like smart thermostats, batteries, and more. Our research and due diligence on the most effective communication technology led us to the decision that a fiber communications backbone, built on our existing electric infrastructure, was the best solution.

This plan offered an interesting opportunity because fiber technology can also be used to provide fast, reliable broadband internet service. Today, reliable and affordable broadband service is a vital service that promotes economic progress, education, and healthcare. Much like with electric service eighty years ago, many residents of Southern Arizona do not have reliable, cost-effective broadband options.

About 18 months ago, Trico’s Board of Directors and Staff started a detailed feasibility study to understand the financial, operational, and technical requirements for offering broadband to Members. The study included a financial analysis, a Member survey, a study of Trico’s system, and a review of the best way to operate and staff the service. Based on the results of that study Trico’s Board has instructed Staff to submit an application to Arizona’s Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment (BEAD) grant program, with the intent of providing broadband internet service if successful in earning the grant.

BEAD represents the state’s largest broadband investment in history. The program is managed by the Arizona Commerce Authority with the goal of providing universal broadband internet access for all in Arizona. BEAD prioritizes extending broadband internet service to the unserved and underserved areas of Arizona, including many rural areas. As an electric cooperative that has been serving underserved and rural communities of Southern Arizona since 1945, Trico believes it is uniquely qualified to provide this service. 

We think that with Trico’s extensive utility experience, focus on Member service, and not-for-profit cooperative model, we can excel as a broadband provider. In fact, more than 200 electric cooperatives across the country are already working to provide broadband to their Members.

In early March, Trico submitted a BEAD application, and we are taking practical steps so we are prepared to proceed if awarded a BEAD grant. One of these steps is identifying Member interest in receiving broadband internet service from Trico. Members can visit www.trico.coop or login to their Trico SmartHub accounts to register their interest. This will help Trico to better understand which communities are most interested in broadband service from Trico, collect a list of interested Members who want to stay informed, and effectively plan Trico’s fiber build out.

The final decision on whether to proceed with building a fiber to the home system and offering broadband services will be made after BEAD awards are announced, which is expected to occur in Summer 2025. We encourage you to register your interest and review our website for more information. We are excited for this project and the opportunity to continue providing vital services to our Members and our community.

On behalf of Trico, we hope that you will attend our Annual Meeting on April 5th. Thank you for being our valued Members, and we look forward to the next eighty years!

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Fall 2024 POWER Grant Recipients

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Fall 2024 POWER Grant Recipients receive $35,000

January 1, 2025

Trico’s POWER Grants will benefit students throughout our service territory from digital skills training to early education to after-school activities.

“Thanks to the Trico POWER Grants our Arivaca Early Learning Program has been impacted significantly by our capacity to build a high quality and safe outdoor educational environment,” said Jill Farrell, Board Treasurer at the Arivaca Action Center (AAC). “Beginning with an empty fenced area, we were able to build a bike path with a cool challenging hill, provide essential shade and a garden for children to tend to, and add quality equipment and materials that encourage curiosity, accelerate gross motor skills, opportunities for collaborative play, and a love of nature.”

AAC was one of six local nonprofit organizations to receive $35,000 in POWER Grants from Trico in December. AAC was awarded $8,000 for its early education program. AAC’s mission is to provide space in which to offer opportunities which enhance rural living. The center dedicates its efforts to five focuses: education, wellness, hospitality, sustainability and the arts.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson received $10,000 for its after-school program that provides youth with homework help and tutoring, while promoting academic success and encouraging positive study habits.

The Marana Food Bank & Community Resource Center (MFB-CRC), Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center (SFB-CRC), and Wheel Fun each received a $5,000 grant, while the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF) was awarded $2,000.

The MFB-CRC will offer digital skills training in computer basics, robotics, and scam prevention. The SFB-CRC will use the funds to expand their digital literacy program for low-income adults and children through the acquisition of computers, robotics kits and other equipment.

“At Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center, we know that education can lead to better lives,” said Carlos Valles, Executive Director. “This grant will provide many lower-income individuals with the digital skills necessary to expand their capacity. Thank you, Trico.”

Wheel Fun works with rural Arizona public schools to provide cycling opportunities for elementary and middle school students through mountain bike clubs that meet after school.

A Superintendent said, “rarely has there been a more impactful program in my 30 years of working in schools across Arizona.”

“I think we can all agree that kids today do not get enough exercise and spend too much time on their screens. So, let’s imagine an after-school program that costs schools nothing and helps solve both problems. Wait, we do not have to imagine anything – Wheel Fun programming for kids in Arizona already fits this bill perfectly!” a Bike Industry Executive said.

AFFCF’s Childhood Activities Program funds extracurricular activities and essentials for foster youth, bridging gaps in state benefits to ensure equal opportunities with their peers.

Twice a year, the Trico Electric Charitable Trust awards $35,000 in POWER Grants to local nonprofit organizations that provide critical services in southern Arizona. The Charitable Trust is funded through Operation Round Up (ORU) donations. You can help support the Trust’s mission by joining ORU. Learn more at www.trico.coop/operation-round-up.

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CEO Column: The new year ahead and 80 years of Trico service

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

CEO Column: The new year ahead and 80 years of Trico service

January 1, 2025

The New Year is a time for resolutions, thinking about what we can do better, and considering what comes next. At Trico one of our core values is innovation, and that means constant improvement to better serve our Members. Since 1945, Trico has been striving to provide Members with great value and excellent service.  As Trico approaches our 80th anniversary, our commitment to our community is as strong as ever.

Across the country, demand for reliable electricity is growing.That is partly the result of economic development, data centers, advances in artificial intelligence, and new manufacturing facilities. The increased electrification of our daily lives (for example smart devices, heat pumps, water heaters, etc.) also adds to the need for more and more electricity. The demand for electricity in the U.S. is expected to at least double by 2050.

As we prepare for this rising demand, Trico has been planning ahead to ensure Members have access to a cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable supply of electricity. I want to share some of the ways we are working to meet the challenge.  

Planning for the future

At Trico we always keep an eye on the long-term future. Facilities require years of planning and development, the needs of the community change and grow, technology offers opportunities, and there are always ways to improve. Trico has a robust planning process that includes electric load forecasting, financial forecasting, construction project planning, generation resource planning, strategic planning, planning for staffing needs, technology planning, and constant learning about trends in the industry. Our Board of Directors and employees put a lot of effort into planning ahead to better serve our Members.      

Investing in infrastructure and technology

As electricity demand in the U.S. continues to rise, upgrading and building new infrastructure will be critical. That’s why Tricois investing in diverse generation resources (solar, battery, and natural gas), and developing programs to encourage off-peak usage, energy efficiency, and Member-owned resources. We are also investing in system upgrades and enhanced security, and that means more than just poles and electric wire. Trico is designing and building an advanced fiber communication network to support real-time communication between its substations, line devices, and system operations center, with the goal of developing a resilient, reliable grid.  

Engaging with our Members

Trico has always aimed to build a bright future for its Membersby engaging with the communities we serve. That means asking our Members what they want (surveys), meeting them in their towns and neighborhoods (annual and district meetings), volunteering time to community causes (food banks and highway cleanups), and developing solutions to serve their unique energy needs. We have introduced programs related to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and pay-as-you-go. We are working on additional programs to help Members manage their usage, save money, and contribute to a stronger grid. We look forward to sharing more details soon.

Almost 80 years ago, Trico was established to provide essential services. As we have grown, developed, and innovated over the years, we have never lost sight of that important duty. We look forward to 2025, committed to providing energy solutions to you, our valued Members.

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Join us in celebrating 80 years

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Join us in celebrating 80 years

January 1, 2025

This year we’re celebrating 80 years of memories, milestones and moments together. We invite you – our Members – to join us on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Casino del Sol Resort for the Trico Annual Membership Meeting.

The meeting is an opportunity for Members to learn about Trico’s business from the past year and our future plans. There will be food, workshops, informational booths and more.

TRICO ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Saturday, April 5, 2025

11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

at Casino del Sol Resort

  • 9 a.m. – Registration opens
  • 9-11 a.m. – Informational booths and Workshops
  • 11 a.m. – Meeting starts
  • Please bring a copy of your bill for fast check-in
  • Win raffle prizes (must be present to win)
  • Trees will be available for purchase

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Trico Scholarship Helps Student Reach Dream

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Trico Scholarship helps student achieve her dream

January 1, 2025

Last May, the University of Arizona celebrated its graduates, and among them was Nadira Mitchell, a proud recipient of the Trico Scholarship. A Tucson native, Nadira earned her degree in Natural Resources with an emphasis in Wildlife Conservation and Management, and a minor in American Indian Studies. Her journey is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and the transformative impact of scholarships from Trico.

Nadira’s academic path has been marked by her deep commitment to wildlife conservation and her cultural heritage. “I’ve always had a connection with wildlife and the environment, and I’ve always wanted to protect and conserve our natural resources and land,” she shared. “I also wanted to learn more about myself, my culture, and incorporate it into my future career.”

She attributes much of her academic success to the financial support provided by the Trico Scholarship. “The Trico Scholarship has helped me in so many ways. Due to Trico and other scholarships, I didn’t have to pay out of pocket for college. It was a weight lifted off my shoulders. I was able to focus on school,” she said. This financial relief allowed Nadira to engage fully in her studies and extracurricular activities without the burden of debt.

Beyond her academic achievements, Nadira has been actively involved in community service and leadership roles. She has been part of the Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Foundation (SARSEF) since her childhood, participating in science projects and later serving on the SARSEF Board. “It’s really cool. It’s taught me a lot about how non-profits work and how to run a nonprofit from funding to outreach,” Nadira explained. Her involvement with SARSEF reflects her commitment to giving back to the community that supported her.

With her degree in hand, Mitchell is poised to continue her journey in wildlife conservation. She secured an internship as an Assistant Researcher for the Mescalero Apache Tribe’s Tribal Wildlife Management Plan and plans to return to the University of Arizona for graduate school. She has also been working on her Professional Development Certificate in Tribal Courts and Justice Administration through the Pascua Yaqui Tribe-University of Arizona Microcampus. Her long-term goal is to manage a wildlife refuge in native communities, where she can blend her scientific knowledge with her cultural heritage to benefit future generations.

Nadira’s story is an inspiring example of how scholarships like Trico can empower students to achieve their dreams. Her accomplishments reflect not only her personal dedication but also the supportive network that has helped her along the way.

You can help students like Nadira by donating your Membership Equity to the Trico Foundation. Trico’s Scholarship Program is the largest in the country among cooperatives. In 2024, 101 students received $570,000 in scholarships. Scholarships are funded by unclaimed or donated Membership Equity retirements. Donating your Membership Equity is an easy and impactful way to give back to your community and invest in a student’s bright future. If you would like to donate your Membership Equity to the Trico Foundation, visit our website www.trico.coop/membership-equity.   

APPLY FOR A TRICO SCHOLARSHIP

Trico is accepting applications for the 2025-26 academic year. Students can apply on our website at www.trico.coop/trico-scholarships. The deadline to apply is March 6, 2025.

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CEO Column: Giving Back is the Cooperative Way

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CEO Column: Giving Back is the Cooperative Way

December 1, 2024

The holiday season brings a spirit of generosity and compassion. It’s a time to reflect on our many blessings and uplift those in need. While this is certainly a special time of year, cooperatives like Trico are deeply rooted in giving back to their local communities year-round.

Our mission is making a difference in the communities we serve by providing our Members cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions. At Trico, we believe that connection powers our purpose.

This connection brings us together as a community – with the understanding that we can do more together than we could do by ourselves. That’s why we organize food and clothing drives and volunteer regularly at the Sahuarita Food Bank to make a positive, meaningful impact for our community. You, our Members, help us to support the community. Trico’s Operation Round Up program is made possible through Members’ participation in “rounding up” electric bills to the next dollar amount. Your generous contributions support Trico’s Power Grants program, which provides $70,000 per year to local charitable organizations and community services.

Another way Trico gives back is by investing in tomorrow’s leaders. Through the Trico Foundation scholarship program, we aim to empower students for a brighter future. Since 1985, the Trico Foundation has awarded over $4.7 million – benefiting over 778 students – in scholarships to Members and their families. When we invest in our local youth, we strengthen the fabric of our community. In the most recent school year, Trico provided $570,000 in scholarships, making it the largest electric cooperative scholarship program in the country.

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we believe in giving credit where credit is due – to our Members who are also the owners of Trico. One of the ways we do this is through Membership Equity. Because Trico operates at cost, we give cash back to our Members rather than outside investors or shareholders. This year, the Board of Directors approved the retirement of $4.5 million in Membership Equity.

Our Members guide every decision we make and you are the reason our co-op exists. We are truly thankful for our Members and work hard to provide you with excellent service and great value. This holiday season, we hope you’re proud to be part of a community‑focused co-op that puts people before profits.

On behalf of Trico’s Board of Directors, employees, and myself, we hope you have a joyful and blessed holiday season.

To see more ways Trico gives back throughout the year, take a look at our 12 Days of Giving here.

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