N.M. Delegation Announces the Selection of Tri-State for USDA Funding to Help Rural Communities in New Mexico Access Clean & Reliable Electricity, Lower Utility Costs 

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are welcoming the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) selection of the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association to receive federal funding to help rural electric cooperatives throughout New Mexico transition to clean, affordable, and reliable electricity. 

The Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association — a not-for-profit power supply cooperative that serves electric distribution cooperatives and public power district member-owners in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Wyoming — was selected for up to $679 million in grant funding from the USDA’s Empowering Rural America (New ERA) Program. The selection of Tri-State’s application by the New ERA Program jumpstarts the underwriting process to receive an award. The New ERA Program was created by the Inflation Reduction Act, legislation passed by Democrats in the N.M. Congressional Delegation. 

With this federal investment, Tri-State will build clean energy projects that will lower costs for customers in rural New Mexico communities, eliminate nearly 5.8 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, responsibly retire the Escalante Station in McKinley County without negatively impacting electricity reliability, and enhance grid resiliency.  

“New Mexico is pioneering the transition to an American-made clean energy future. This announcement is the latest proof,” said Heinrich, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees USDA. “These historic investments from our Inflation Reduction Act will accelerate Tri-State’s efforts to provide our rural communities with reliable, resilient electricity that will deliver more savings for New Mexicans on their monthly utility bills — tackling climate change while putting more money back into the pockets of working families.” 

“I’m proud to welcome robust funding for rural New Mexico co-ops – a landmark investment that will support our co-ops and make energy more affordable and reliable for our rural communities. This investment from the Inflation Reduction Act, which I strongly supported, will help lower costs for New Mexico families and promote clean energy,” said Luján. “This announcement is a game-changer for New Mexico thanks to the leadership of the Biden-Harris administration and Congressional Democrats.” 

“This funding is a major investment in our co-ops, in our rural communities, in clean, affordable energy, and in our enchanted future. This funding that I and Congressional Democrats secured through the Inflation Reduction Act will help sustain our beloved communities for generations to come,” said Leger Fernández. 

“The transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy is vital for our communities and the future of the planet,” said Stansbury. “That’s why this investment from the Biden Administration, the Empowering Rural America Program, is a great step in that direction. The co-ops in New Mexico will benefit from this investment and will continue to uphold New Mexico as a leader in the clean energy revolution. The future is electric!” 

“This investment is a huge step toward a more affordable and more energy efficient future for our rural communities. This funding will not only reduce air and water pollution but will also lower energy costs across New Mexico,” said Vasquez. “I am committed to supporting initiatives like this that bring lasting economic and environmental benefits to our state.” 

“New ERA represents the largest investment in rural electric cooperatives and the communities they serve since the Rural Electrification Act of 1936,” said Tri-State Chief Executive Officer Duane Highley. “We couldn’t be more excited by this opportunity to leverage New ERA to serve our cooperative’s members and support our communities through unparalleled investments that achieve significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions while maintaining the reliable, affordable electricity rural communities count on.” 

For more information from the USDA on Tri-State’s selection for New ERA grant funding, click here.  

For more information from Tri-State on their selection for New ERA grant funding, click here.