The cooperative partnership composed of Empire Electric Association, Gunnison County Electric Association, San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, and San Miguel Power Association has taken a significant step by agreeing to purchase power from the Valley Range Energy Park through Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association’s Bring Your Own Resource (BYOR) program. This project, contingent upon approval from Montezuma County officials, promises to provide solar power equivalent to 40% of the peak demand for 2024, resulting in estimated savings of over $20 million for the cooperative.
Valley Range Energy Park is set to be a 125 MW solar facility, paired with a 62.5 MW battery energy storage system (BESS), and is being developed by Accelergen Energy near Cortez. Upon approval, the project will generate stable, low-cost electric supply, yielding significant annual revenues for Empire Electric Association (EEA) to support infrastructure improvements and mitigate energy cost increases.
EEA General Manager Josh Dellinger expressed optimism about the project’s potential to deliver long-term financial benefits without burdening members with rising rates. Moreover, since Montezuma County currently relies on electricity generated out of state, the Valley Range project offers a chance to generate local electricity and tax revenue.
With nearly two years of community engagement, the Valley Range team aims to meet safety and land use standards while providing affordable power. The project is projected to generate $13.9 million in property tax revenue over its lifespan, and has already contributed over $30,000 to local organizations while pledging continued support for workforce training and education initiatives in Montezuma County once operational.
