Tri-State announces retirement of remaining coal generation in Colorado, New Mexico

Not-for-profit cooperative wholesale power supplier Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association announced Jan. 9 that it would retire its remaining New Mexico coal-fired power plant by the end of 2020 and its remaining Colorado coal plants and coal mine by 2030.

“Serving our members’ clean energy and affordability needs, supporting state requirements and goals, and leading the fundamental changes in our industry require the retirement of our coal facilities in Colorado and New Mexico,” Rick Gordon, chairman of the board of Tri-State and a director of Mountain View Electric Association in eastern Colorado, said. “As we make this difficult decision, we do so with a deep appreciation for the contributions of our employees who have dedicated their talents and energy to help us deliver on our mission to our members.”

The closures will impact approximately 600 power plant and mine employees.

“Our focus is on making these changes with the care and respect our employees and their communities deserve – easing the transition whenever and wherever possible,” Duane Highley, CEO of Tri-State, said.

Tri-State will announce the details of its Responsible Energy Plan, which includes significant renewable energy additions, this week.

“We are leading to be the cleanest, most flexible, and most competitive cooperative power supplier for the benefit of our members, the communities they serve, and the states we live in,” Highley said.

Tri-State will close its Escalante Station, a 253-megawatt coal power plant near Prewitt, N.M., by the end of 2020. The company will close Craig Station, a 1,285-megawatt, three-unit power plant in Moffat County, Colo., by 2030. Colowyo Mine in Moffat and Rio Blanco counties, which produces coal for Craig Station, will cease production by 2030 and begin reclamation work.