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San Luis Valley REC reports $1.3 million in federal grants, warns members of rising costs tied to energy transition
Summary
San Luis Valley REC CEO Erick Erickson told commissioners the co-op secured about $1.3 million in federal grants, developed cybersecurity and tech plans, and warned that Tri-State-driven investments tied to the energy transition are contributing to higher wholesale costs passed to members; REC reported 2,241 county members.
Erick Erickson, CEO of San Luis Valley REC, updated the board April 22 on REC operations and strategy. He said the cooperative stayed within its 2025 budget, secured roughly $1.3 million in federal grants, and is investing in automation, resiliency technologies and cybersecurity planning.
Erickson said the cooperative is focusing on workforce development, financial reliability and communications. He described a national energy transition and federal initiatives that will require long‑term investments: Tri‑State projects were cited as involving more than $4 billion of investment between now and 2031, and he warned some of those costs are passed through to members, contributing to higher rates.
REC representatives noted two Alamosa County projects involving AI for system inspection and member service assistance. Jennifer Alonzo reported there are 2,241 REC members in Alamosa County. Erickson also described a new member program called Home Serve, characterized as gap insurance for members, and said the cooperative created its first technology and cybersecurity plans and a wildfire mitigation plan last year.
Commissioner Lori Laske asked about the sudden rate increases and how many county customers REC serves; REC staff provided the member count and described broader cost drivers.
