GCEA takes reliability seriously

Editor:

A recent letter to the editor provides Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) with an opportunity to discuss reliable power supply with our members. GCEA’s power supplier is Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association. Tri-State has pioneered what it refers to as level two reliability metrics, which it uses for resource planning and which it is putting forward as a planning method for other power providers to follow. Level two planning metrics assume worst-case conditions like severe weather events when demand is high and intermittent resources, like wind and solar, are not producing. Tri-State does not rely on the nameplate capacity of solar or wind for planning purposes. While Tri-State is adding renewable energy to its supply portfolio, it is doing so while carefully planning for reliability.

Tri-State, and most other power providers in Colorado, recently joined the Southwest Power Pool, a regional organization that, among other things, coordinates resource adequacy across the region. Southwest Power Pool participants must demonstrate not only that they have the energy to supply their load, but also the capacity. In short, capacity is the ability to provide power when the sun is not shining, and the wind is not blowing. Xcel Energy did not join the Southwest Power Pool. 

We agree that “reliability isn’t optional” and it is a responsibility we, and our power supplier, Tri-State, take seriously. 

Mike McBride, CEO
GCEA