Craig Daily Press / Tri-State board dedicated to energy efficiency

Archive for Sunday, November 12, 2006

Michelle Perry

November 12, 2006

Tri-State Generation and Trans--mission Association's board of directors said it is dedicated to keeping costs down and providing energy-efficient service.

Since 1993, the board has authorized funds to include Tri-State as an active member in the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Cooperative Research Network (CRN).

In doing so, Tri-State's $1.5 million investment is added to that of about 1,000 other utilities from across the U.S. and around the world to help fund the advancement of technologies and science meant to improve the reliability and efficiency of electrical systems for utilities, as well as homes and businesses.

"Our participation in both of these related organizations has provided us with enormous benefits," said J.M. Shafer, Tri-State executive vice president/general manager. "Our personnel, as well as the staffs of our 44 member cooperatives, have made good use of a number of EPRI and CRN products and services over the years, which have helped keep us current with both the technology and economics of operating our systems."

ERPI's mission is to monitor, evaluate and apply technologies that help electric cooperatives control costs, increase productivity and enhance service to the end-use consumer.

In addition, Tri-State has had a program in place for 20 years to encourage and reward its members' consumers' energy-efficient purchases and practices.