Feb
2023
Feb
2023
Matching Grant
It’s a new year, so a reminder: If you are a member (named account holder) of SDCEA, when you support charitable, civic and...
Feb
2023
SDCEA Board Election Procedures
2023 Annual Meeting & Director Election Deadlines April 6 Nomination petitions, candidate biographies, and financial disclosure forms are due by 5 p.m. April...
Feb
2023
Carbon Reduction Options
Together with our wholesale power supplier, Tri-State G&T, we work diligently to bring our members cost-effective, reliable, clean energy. Green Energy Program Interested...
Jan
2023
SDCEA Scholarship & Youth Tour Applications Are Due Soon!
Application Deadlines Washington D.C. Youth Tour — Friday, January 13, 2023, by 5 p.m. Scholarship Application — Friday, January 20, 2023, by 5...
Jan
2023
Jan
2023
Chaffee County Community Foundation Announces 28 Nonprofit Recipients of Fall Grants
The Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF) has awarded 28 local nonprofit organizations with $42,155 in funding from its fall grants cycle. The average...
Dec
2022
Suzy Kelly Honored for More Than Three Decades of Service to SDCEA
After an incredible three decades of devoted service, Suzy Kelly recently stepped away from her role on the SDCEA board of directors. Her...
Dec
2022
Dec
2022
Power of Change Program
Participate in SDCEA’s Power of Change program! An easy way for you to help those in need. By agreeing to “round up” your...
Dec
2022
Why Is My Electric Bill Higher In the Fall & Winter Seasons?
Learn how you can track how much energy is being used at your home or business. Let’s be honest; we all love summer....
Dec
2022
SDECA Scholarships & Youth Tour
Applications are now open! Application Deadlines Washington D.C. Youth Tour – Friday, January 13, 2023, by 5 p.m. Scholarship Application – Friday, January...
Dec
2022
What is the Service Availability Charge?
You may have seen a “Service Availability Charge” on your monthly bill. This base charge is the minimum amount required to cover the...
Nov
2022
Meet Gary Kelly, SDCEA’s Chief Operations Officer
Prior to joining the team at Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA), Gary Kelly was the manager of engineering and operations for Trico,...
Nov
2022
SDCEA Scholarships & Youth Tour
Applications are now open! Application Deadlines Washington D.C Youth Tour – Friday, January 13, 2023, by 5 p.m. Scholarship Application – Friday, January...
Nov
2022
Nov
2022
Supply Chain Challenges Continue
We at Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) do our best to provide excellent service day-in and day-out, including timely installation of quality...
Oct
2022
Congratulations to SDCEA’s New Journeyman Lineman
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA)’s Colton Blankenbeckler was recently recognized for earning journeyman status as an electrical lineworker. “Journeyman” means a worker...
Oct
2022
Oct
2022
Close Encounters
What would you do if you came upon a downed power line? While typically not an everyday occurrence, overhead power lines, padmount transformers...
Oct
2022
4 Ways to Boost Your Cyber Hygiene
By Abby Berry In today’s digital world, cyberattacks are unfortunately nothing new. Cyber criminals can attack on a multitude of levels, from large-scale...
Sep
2022
Aug
2022
Power Pole Car Accident Safety
In traumatic situations, it may be instinctive to flee as soon as possible. A car accident is a good example of this. However,...
Aug
2022
Annual Meeting Well Attended
Thank you to everyone who attended the SDCEA Annual Meeting on June 9. We were so happy to support a local, family-owned business...
Aug
2022
SDCEA in Our Community
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) enjoyed participating in some fun summer events recently. We had a blast, and we’re already looking forward...
Aug
2022
Aug
2022
Bennetts Appointed to SDCEA Board
Buena Vista native Blake Bennetts was appointed to the Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) Board of Directors June 29. Bennetts will represent...
Jul
2022
Jul
2022
Why Are Rates Higher Here Than Elsewhere?
By Paul Erickson, Chief Executive Officer
Jul
2022
SDCEA Announces Scholarship Winners
Congratulations scholarship winners!
Jul
2022
Board of Directors Election Results: Attebery, Hellbusch Win
On June 6, Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) announced the results of the 2022 election for the SDCEA Board of Directors
Jun
2022
SDCEA Board of Directors Election Results
SDCEA Board of Directors Election Results – Hellbusch, Attebery win June 6, 2022 – Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc. (SDCEA) today announced...
Jun
2022
May
2022
Board Elections – Candidate Q&As
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) is a member-owned, non-profit, corporate cooperative that provides electric service to 14,000 accounts in five counties in...
May
2022
Annual Meeting Notice
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association’s annual meeting will be held on June 9, 2022, at The Barn at Howard Creek Farm, Howard, 356...
May
2022
Apr
2022
Sangre de Cristo Selects Four for Trip of a Lifetime
2022 Youth Tour to Washington D.C. Four area youth earned a trip of a lifetime this summer — they will participate in the...
Apr
2022
Vegetation Management Monthly Update April 2022
Integrity Tree Service, Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA)’s vegetation management contractor, will have three crews working in Fremont County this spring. The...
Apr
2022
Electrical Lineworkers
Lineworkers install and maintain overhead and underground electrical systems. We rely on their expertise to power our world. They must commit to safety...
Apr
2022
Apr
2022
Update on Rate Structure Change
By Paul Erickson, CEO Sangre de Cristo Electric Association has been considering a rate redesign that would strengthen the overall financial stability of...
Mar
2022
SDCEA Equipment Access Requirement
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) requires that open access to the meter, meter loop, main circuit breaker, and associated equipment must be...
Mar
2022
Keep Track of Your Electric Usage
Would you like some ways to keep track of your electric usage? Electric meters keep track of the electricity you use in your...
Mar
2022
Mar
2022
Disconnect Information
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) consumers receive their current (and if applicable, past due) bill at the beginning of each month. When...
Mar
2022
Rate Restructure Implementation Notice
At its monthly meeting on October 27, 2021, the Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) Board of Directors approved a revenue-neutral rate restructuring...
Feb
2022
Annual Meeting & Director Election Notice
Annual Meeting & Director Election Deadlines: • April 7 Date of Record. Nomination petitions, candidate biographies, and financial disclosure forms are due by...
Feb
2022
BV Schools & SDCEA Partner to Add Electric Bus to Fleet at No Cost to District
The Buena Vista School District (BV Schools) will add an electric school bus to its daily route schedule in 2022 at no cost...
Feb
2022
Feb
2022
New Rate Options for SDCEA Customers
Please note: These rates were rescinded prior to enactment, 2/2022. Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) has enacted two rates that may be...
Dec
2021
Dec
2021
Bill Scenarios: Then & Now Illustrations
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association’s (SDCEA’s) bill is going to look different in February. Will your bill increase or decrease? That will depend...
Dec
2021
Rate Restructure & Bill Changes
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA), a not-for-profit electric cooperative, strives to provide reliable, safe power, control costs, and charge the fairest rates...
Dec
2021
Dec
2021
Dec
2021
Cost of Service Study Results
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) conducted a comprehensive review and evaluation of the rates we charge for providing electric service to our...
Dec
2021
CCCF Awards $30,000 from the SDCEA Community Grant Program
The Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF) recently awarded $30,000 in charitable grants, funded by the Sangre de Cristo Electric Associaton (SDCEA) Community Grant...
Dec
2021
Refund to Customers on November Bill
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA), your community electric cooperative, is pleased to announce consumers will get a one-time refund credited to their...
Nov
2021
SDCEA Assists with New Emergency Landing Zone
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) recently helped the Upper Chalk Creek Canyon Emergency Evacuation Committee in providing a pole for the raising...
Nov
2021
What’s Included in Your SDCEA Bill?
Here’s a quick guide, including some explanations of why each item appears on a typical residential bill: Rate Class 101. Your bill will...
Nov
2021
Nov
2021
Wildfire Mitigation Integrity Tree Services
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association’s (SDCEA’s) contractor, Integrity Tree Services, will be working on wildfire mitigation, clearing vegetation north of Cotopaxi along CR...
Oct
2021
Finance Department Personnel Changes
If you’ve ever called or dropped by Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) with a question, you likely spoke with someone in our...
Oct
2021
Oct
2021
Vegetation Management October 2021 Update
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) contractor Integrity Tree Services is expected to work this month along Fremont County Road 12, north of...
Oct
2021
48 Chalk Creek Electric Poles Set with Helicopter
Residents and visitors to Chalk Creek had something besides the stunning scenery and historic structures to pull over and check out at the...
Sep
2021
Vegetation Management August 2021 Update
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) contractor Integrity Tree Services is expected to work this month along Fremont County Road 12, north of...
Sep
2021
Sep
2021
Rebates
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association and our power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc., have teamed up to bring you rebates for...
Sep
2021
Capital Credit Refunds
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) is a non-profit electric cooperative. At the end of the year, our financial statements show whether revenue...
Aug
2021
SDCEA Undergoes Personnel Changes to Support Regional Growth
It has been a busy time at SDCEA, and the operations department has undergone a number of changes to continue to serve our...
Aug
2021
SDCEA Continues Work on Wildfire Mitigation
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association’s (SDCEA’s) systemwide vegetation management program is making headway, as crews continue to work to help maintain the natural...
Aug
2021
SDCEA Board Update
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) Board of Directors candidates Charles A. Abel II and Dan C. Daly were re-elected to their respective...
Aug
2021
Jul
2021
Annual Meeting Recap
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) held its 81st Annual Meeting on June 9 at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort in Nathrop. Consumer...
Jul
2021
SDCEA Works Hard to Provide Reliable, Safe Energy to You Every Day
Line crews routinely work in difficult weather conditions, as well as in challenging terrain, to install and maintain the system that provides your...
Jul
2021
Jul
2021
SDCEA Awards $35,000 in Scholarships
Buena Vista High School students who earned scholarship awards from SDCEA were recognized by Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) Vice-Chair Dan C....
Jun
2021
Matching Grant Program: Accepting Requests for 2021
If you are a member (named account holder) of Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA), when you support charitable, civic, and educational organizations...
Jun
2021
Vegetation Management June 2021 Update
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association’s (SDCEA’s) Vegetation Management program will focus on work in Fremont County, including continuing work on the Tommy Young...
Jun
2021
Jun
2021
Supply Chain Lead Times
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) is alerting contractors, builders, and members that lead time on materials is longer than normal. This may...
Jun
2021
2021 Director Candidates Q&A
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) is a member-owned, not-for-profit, corporate cooperative that provides electric service to more than 13,500 homes, businesses, farms,...
May
2021
May
2021
SDCEA Scholarship Winners
Congratulations to the 17 area students who earned post-high school scholarship awards earlier this spring from Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) for...
May
2021
Green Blocks Program
If you want to make an immediate addition of renewable energy to offset your electricity use and have enough in your budget to...
Apr
2021
Trout Creek Community Solar Buy Local
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association’s (SDCEA’s) Trout Creek Community Solar Program allows residential members to subscribe to either 1 kilowatt (kW) or 2...
Apr
2021
Mar
2021
Disconnect Information
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) consumers receive their current — and if applicable, past-due — bill at the beginning of each month....
Mar
2021
Vegetation Management Monthly Update
A crew from Sangre de Cristo Electric Association’s (SDCEA’s) vegetation management contractor Integrity Tree Service will continue to work in March between Mount...
Mar
2021
Keep Track of Your Electric Usage
Want some ways to keep track of your electric usage? Electric meters keep track of the electricity you use in your home. With...
Mar
2021
Run for a Seat on the Board of Directors
Are you interested in how your electric cooperative is governed? Do you have leadership qualities and want to make a difference? Consider running...
Mar
2021
Feb
2021
Jan
2021
Improvement Project Plans
Several projects are scheduled to improve service to Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) consumers in the coming months. Buena Vista to Twin...
Jan
2021
Matching Grants
It’s a new year, so a reminder: If you are a member (named account holder) of SDCEA, when you support charitable, civic, and...
Jan
2021
Jan
2021
Don’t Get Scammed
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) cautions consumers not to be fooled by impersonators who claim to be from SDCEA and threaten disconnection...
Dec
2020
SDCEA Board Approves Rider to Aid in Wildfire Mitigation
To help protect and sustain local communities by helping to avoid a catastrophic wildfire, the SDCEA Board of Directors has approved a monthly...
Dec
2020
Awesome Summer Adventures Await
Attention high school students, if you are interested in an intriguing, all-expenses-paid experience this summer, please fill out an application for the electric...
Dec
2020
Operations Group Staff Changes
Several familiar faces have earned new job responsibilities at SDCEA in the past few months. There are also a few new hires that...
Dec
2020
Scholarship Applications Due in January
In 2021, Sangre de Cristo Electric Association will award one four-year scholarship at $2,000 per year (which is available to a graduating high...
Dec
2020
Nov
2020
SDCEA Prioritizes Vegetation Management
Everyone with electric service on SDCEA’s lines has a stake in protecting our region from the threat of a catastrophic wildfire. The threat...
Nov
2020
Nov
2020
Capital Credits Explanation
How does SDCEA share its profits back to members and/or why did I have or not have a credit on my bill in...
Nov
2020
Daly Earns Director Gold Certificate
SDCEA director Dan Daly earned the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Director Gold Credential, the highest level of achievement in NRECA’s Board Director...
Oct
2020
Portable Generator Safety
The misuse of a portable generator following a storm can easily kill or sicken storm survivors. That misuse can also knock out more...
Oct
2020
CCCF Awards $32,350 from SDCEA Community Grant Program
The Chaffee County Community Foundation awarded $32,350 in charitable grants in early July to 18 organizations serving Chaffee, Lake, Fremont, and Custer counties,...
Oct
2020
SDCEA Earns CREA Safety Award
For the second year in a row, Sangre de Cristo Electric Association has been recognized with a No Lost Time Accidents safety award...
Oct
2020
Sep
2020
Considering Solar?
Are you thinking about, or has a company approached you about, installing solar panels? We want you to be an informed consumer before...
Sep
2020
Capital Credit Refunds
In December 2021, SDCEA refunded credits to members who received service in 1996, 2002, 2003, and 2004. SDCEA posted money to 3,963 accounts...
Sep
2020
Sep
2020
Vegetation Management
Clearing SDCEA’s rights of way of trees and brush is an ongoing project expected to continue for the next several years throughout our...
Aug
2020
Generation & Transmission Cooperatives
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association is a distribution cooperative, purchasing wholesale power from Tri-State to deliver along our lines. SDCEA is a rural...
Aug
2020
Aug
2020
SDCEA’s Business Model
Governance Sangre de Cristo Electric Association is a cooperative, a form of business owned and controlled by the people who use it— members,...
Aug
2020
Vegetation Management Efforts Underway
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association’s vegetation management efforts, focused on the Cotopaxi and Howard areas in Fremont County earlier this year, have now...
Jul
2020
Trout Creek Community Solar – Buy Local!
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association’s Trout Creek Community Solar program allows residential members to subscribe to either 1 kilowatt or 2 kilowatt blocks...
Jul
2020
Kelly Re-Elected To Board
Suzy Kelly was re-elected to a three-year term on Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Board of Directors in the seat representing members in...
Jul
2020
Contractors Working in Sangre de Cristo Electric’s Service Territory
In our efforts to provide safe and reliable electric service to our consumers, Sangre de Cristo Electric Association has contracted with Powerline Inspection...
Jul
2020
Jul
2020
Scholarships Awarded by SDCEA
Eighteen central Colorado students looking to pursue higher education this fall were awarded Sangre de Cristo Electric Association scholarships earlier this spring. High...
Jun
2020
SDCEA 2020 Director Candidates Q&A
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association is a member-owned, not-for-profit, corporate cooperative that provides electric service to about 13,000 accounts in five counties. SDCEA...
Jun
2020
May
2020
Preventing Disaster – SDCEA’s Vegetation Management Program
Work continues on SDCEA’s vegetation management project near the Cotopaxi and Howard areas. Later this summer, the project will shift to the Twin...
May
2020
May
2020
Helping Those In Need
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association looks forward to partnering with our regional communities to aid in the recovery effort from the impacts of...
May
2020
2020 Annual Meeting Note
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION: Due to current public health restrictions and the uncertainty surrounding future public gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sangre de...
Apr
2020
SDCEA Decommissions Wind Turbine
The Skystream 3.7 mini-turbine windmill, which was located near the entrance of Sangre de Cristo Electric Association’s headquarters in Buena Vista for 13...
Apr
2020
Apr
2020
Board Nomination Petitions Due Friday, April 24
Are you interested in how your electric cooperative is governed? Do you have leadership qualities and want to make a difference? Consider running...
Apr
2020
Sangre de Cristo Electric Selects Three Students for 2020 Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.
Salida High School students Hannah Rhude and Daniel Richardson, and Cotopaxi Consolidated Schools student Jonah Bertolino will represent their respective schools, communities and...
Mar
2020
Feb
2020
Signs of Spring
Soon there will be signs of spring in central Colorado, and your thoughts may be turning to outside projects. Sangre de Cristo Electric...
Feb
2020
Feb
2020
SDCEA Working to Reduce the Risk Posed by Vegetation Near Power Lines
We understand our consumers value trees and vegetation around their properties, as does SDCEA. Vegetation is an important part of the natural beauty...
Feb
2020
Annual Meeting and Director Elections
ANNUAL MEETING The Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Board of Directors set June 9, 2020, for the cooperative’s 80th annual meeting at Mt....
Jan
2020
Jan
2020
Your Co-Op News – January 2020
GENERAL INFORMATION SANGRE DE CRISTO ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC. A private, local, independent electric service supplier Approximately 13,000 consumers mutually- own this rural electric...
Dec
2019
2020 Scholarship Applications – Due January 9th
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE APPROACHING In 2020, Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc. will award one four-year scholarship at $2,000 per year (which is available...
Dec
2019
Apply by January 9th – 2020 Washington D.C. Youth Tour
APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc., is now accepting applications for the 2020 Washington D.C. Youth Tour. Current high school...
Dec
2019
Vegetation Management to Increase in 2020
Sangre de Cristo Electric plans to increase its vegetation management efforts in 2020 to clear trees and overgrown vegetation along company rights-of-way. Due...
Dec
2019
Why does SDCEA send Colorado Country Life to all members?
SDCEA is bound by state statute (HB 10-1098) and SDCEA bylaws to publish certain information in ways that are accessible to its full...
Nov
2019
Accountants Association Meeting in Buena Vista
Hosted by SDCEA in Buena Vista, the Colorado Rural Electric Accountants Association meeting September 9–11 focused on current trends and practices of accounting...
Nov
2019
Why Does My Bill Go Up In The Winter?
Your electric bill is based on the amount of power you use each month. During colder winter months, Sangre de Cristo Electric consumers...
Nov
2019
Nov
2019
Prepay Metering Program Added by SDCEA
Sangre de Cristo has a new program to manage your account – prepay. Prepay allows consumers to purchase electricity on a pay-as-you-go basis,...
Nov
2019
SDCEA Welcomes New COO
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association recently named Bryon Stilley its new chief operations officer. As COO, Stilley will lead the oversight of all...
Nov
2019
Crites Appointed to TFACC
SDCEA Accounting Lead Sarah Crites was recently honored with an appointment to serve on an advisory group that plans the national Tax, Finance...
Oct
2019
Oct
2019
COO Pat Bernhardt Retires
Longtime employee Pat Bernhardt retired from Sangre de Cristo Electric Association at the end of the summer. Pat rose through the ranks at...
Oct
2019
SDCEA Hosts Electric Cooperative Managers
By Paul Erickson, Chief Executive Officer Electric cooperative managers from the four-state region served by Tri-State Generation and Transmission met in July at...
Oct
2019
See an Animal Stranded High Up on a Power Pole? Call Us!
My cat (or another animal) is stuck high on a power pole. Now what? Never, ever attempt to climb the pole to reach...
Oct
2019
Solar Panel Options For SDCEA Consumers
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association consumers interested in cutting their power bill by installing solar panels, please call our office first. We want...
Oct
2019
2020 Youth Tour Scheduled: Applications Available Soon
The 2020 Electric Cooperative Washington D.C. Youth Tour is scheduled for June 18-25, 2020. Current high school sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible...
Oct
2019
Myths & Misconceptions About Power Lines
Have you ever wondered why a bird can sit on a live wire or what you should do if a power line is...
Oct
2019
Charitable Contribution Matching
We have some exciting news. Sangre de Cristo Electric Association wants to help you support charitable organizations. If you are a member of...
Oct
2019
Colorado’s Electric Cooperatives Sponsor Junior Livestock Sale At State Fair
More than $500,000 went to rural young people who brought championship livestock to the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo in August. The annual...
Sep
2019
Do You Know These People?
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc., has money for the people listed below. As an electric cooperative, SDCEA belongs to the people we...
Sep
2019
Aug
2019
Why Do I Pay a Service Availability Charge?
In order for electricity to be available at a home or business when a consumer wants to flip a switch or turn on...
Aug
2019
Trout Creek Solar Wire-Cutting Ceremony
The Trout Creek Solar plant was celebrated in a wire-cutting (ribbon-cutting) ceremony July 12. SDCEA and its partners in the project gathered to...
Aug
2019
August 2019, Colorado Country Life
Click the image above to read this month’s magazine.
Aug
2019
Annual Meeting
Sangre de Cristo Electric held its 79th Annual Meeting June 20 in Westcliffe at Cliff Lanes. Featured speakers at the meeting included Ellen...
Aug
2019
Trout Creek Solar Plant
By Paul Erickson, CEO Earlier this summer, a major milestone was marked by Sangre de Cristo Electric Assn., Inc.: a celebration of the...
Jul
2019
Happenstances with Hairy Creatures
Stories of unforeseen encounters with mammoth mammals By Dennis Smith | Outdoors@coloradocountrylife.org If you knock around the Colorado boonies long enough, you’re bound to...
Jul
2019
Lighting the Way for Sillab
Oklahoma and Colorado electric cooperatives to bring first-time electricity to isolated village in Guatemala By Anna Politano Oklahoma Living Magazine Editor Sitting at 2,700...
Jul
2019
Keeping Pets (And Energy Bills) Comfortable
By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen We love our pets and we love saving energy. This month, we’re answering some common energy efficiency...
Jul
2019
July 2019, Colorado Country Life
Click the image above to read this month’s magazine.
Jul
2019
Always Assume a Downed Power Line is Deadly
Overhead power lines carry thousands of volts of electricity. If a line is down, always assume it is energized and dangerous, even if...
Jul
2019
S’more Morsels of Deliciousness, Please!
A change of perspective on the sweet staple
Jul
2019
Cotopaxi Scholarship Winners
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc., awarded 16 scholarships to students in central Colorado this spring. Cotopaxi High School recipients included Abigail McNeal,...
Jul
2019
Let’s Get Creative
Take an art-themed trip through Colorado’s Western slope By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer Wine festivals, art gallery openings, farmers markets, rodeos, film festivals, studio tours...
Jul
2019
Welcome Jenny Nall — New Customer Service Representative
Jenny Nall became Sangre de Cristo Electric Association’s new customer service representative in April. “It is nice being part of a cooperative and...
Jul
2019
From The Editor
Exploring the artistic side
Jul
2019
Buena Vista Now Boasts Most modern Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Buena Vista area drivers now have access to the most modern electric vehicle charging station available. Through a $39,000 grant awarded from the...
Jul
2019
A Cache of Color
Add vibrancy to your garden with annuals By Vicki Spencer Master Gardener | gardening@coloradocountrylife.org It wasn’t long ago that our early season perennials,...
Jul
2019
Remembering Dad
D-Day commemorations, Father’s Day brings back pleasant memories
Jul
2019
Co-ops Support Energy Efficiency
State Science Fair finalists invited to attend Colorado Rural Electric Association’s Energy Innovations Summit
Jul
2019
Customer Service Representative Jayme Greenfield Retires
A familiar face to most people who have walked through Sangre de Cristo Electric Association’s doors in the last decade, Jayme Greenfield retired...
Jun
2019
Get Smart! Energy-Saving Apps and Devices
By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen Every new piece of technology seems to come with a lot of promise, doesn’t it? Then we...
Jun
2019
Jun
2019
New Legislative Rules Curb Greenhouse Gas
Colorado’s electric cooperatives will be reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from their power supplies to meet new requirements stemming from Colorado’s...
Jun
2019
Ahead of the Game
Use downtime now to prepare meals for future fast-paced days By Amy Higgins | RECIPES@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG “Be prepared.” Yes, this is the scout motto,...
Jun
2019
June 2019, Colorado Country Life
Click the image above to read this month’s magazine.
Jun
2019
Clean Water for Guatemala
Colorado’s electric cooperatives are raising money for water filters for Guatemalan families. When the Colorado-Oklahoma international team heads to Sillab, Guatemala, in August...
Jun
2019
Director Candidates
Freemont County Geoffrey Gerk Incumbent Resident of western Fremont County since 1982. Sangre de Cristo Electric Association board member since August 2017. Completed...
Jun
2019
Colorado’s electric cooperatives ready to work with legislators
By Kent Singer Executive Director Shortly after I graduated from law school in 1984, I moved to Denver and began my legal career...
Jun
2019
Sangre De Cristo Electric Association 2018 Annual Report
By Joe Redetzke Board President and Paul Erickson CEO In 2018, Sangre de Cristo Electric Association experienced growth in the number of services provided to consumers...
Jun
2019
Time for some Colorado adventures
By Mona Neeley Editor It’s June. Do you have weekend getaways and summer vacations planned? Since we live in Colorado, we don’t have to...
May
2019
May
2019
Annual Meeting
By Paul Erickson, CEO Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc. will hold its annual meeting beginning at 10 a.m. June 20 at Cliff...
May
2019
79th Annual Meeting
See You in June! Thursday, June 20, 2019 Cliff Lanes 25 Main Street Westcliffe 9 A.M. Registration 10 A.M. Meeting Convenes
May
2019
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Awards 17 Scholarships
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc., awarded 17 scholarships to students in central Colorado this spring. High school, college and trade school students...
May
2019
Board Member Profile
Q&A With Dan Daly, Director-at-Large Area you represent on the board: Director-at-Large, representing all of our nearly 13,000 members. Hometown? I grew up...
May
2019
Scholarships
4-Year Scholarship, $2,000 a Year $1,000 Scholarships Sponsored Jointly by Tri-State and SDCEA $1,000 Scholarship Sponsored by Basin Electric 1-Year $2,000 Scholarship
Apr
2019
Apr
2019
What’s on That Utility Pole?
By Paul Wesslund Utility poles are packed with electrical devices, so it’s best to stay away from them. You should never nail posters...
Apr
2019
SDCEA Welcomes Joel Garza
SDCEA welcomes Joel Garza, who moved to the area from Blackwell, Oklahoma, where he worked for Kay Electric Cooperative. Joel accepted the staking...
Apr
2019
Q&A With Joe Redetzke, Chairman of the Sangre de Cristo Board of Directors
Job Description: I fulfill an at-large director’s position, representing the entire five-county service territory of SDCEA. Hometown? I am originally from Clafin, Kansas,...
Mar
2019
Mar
2019
Sangre De Cristo Electric to Send Five Students on the 2019 Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.
Cotopaxi Junior-Senior High School students Justin and Victoria Robitaille and Buena Vista High School students Megan Armstrong, Rylie Flavin and Isabella Warholoski will...
Mar
2019
Story Behind The Switch
Area teachers! Here’s a great opportunity. If you are a K-12 teacher who lives or teaches in our service area, we can bring...
Mar
2019
79th Annual Meeting
See You in June! Thursday, June 20, 2019 Cliff Lanes 25 Main Street Westcliffe 9 A.M. Registration 10 A.M. Meeting Convenes
Mar
2019
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association is Seeking Director Candidates from Custer County
Are you interested in the governance of your electric cooperative? Do you have business skills and leadership qualities and want to make a...
Mar
2019
Employee Profile — Ruth Teipel
Name and Title: Ruth Teipel, Customer Service Representative II. Job description: Answer customer service and billing questions, process ACH payments, monthly billing, past...
Feb
2019
Sangre de Cristo Electric Announces Trout Creek Solar Facility is Operational
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Inc., announced today the 2 MW (megawatt) Trout Creek Solar facility began commercial operation January 31. The project...
Feb
2019
Insulating Your Attic is Like a Stocking Cap for Your Home
As you add a fuzzy hat, scarf and gloves to your wardrobe to help keep you warm this winter, remember your home needs...
Feb
2019
Welcome New Employee: Lucas Montgomery
Lucas Montgomery joined Sangre de Cristo Electric Association January 1 as an apprentice lineman based in Westcliffe. Lucas attended school in Dodge City,...
Feb
2019
Is Your Contact Info Up To Date?
If you changed your phone number or email address since taking service with Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, please update your information with...
Feb
2019
Steve Eggleston Retires
Steve Eggleston, staking technician III, retired from Sangre de Cristo Electric Association at the end of 2018. Steve had a 30-year career at...
Feb
2019
Director Vacancy And Candidacy Announcement
Annual Meeting The board of directors of Sangre de Cristo Electric Association set June 20, 2019, for the cooperative’s 79th Annual Meeting. The...
Feb
2019
Charitable Contribution Matching Program
We have some exciting news! Sangre de Cristo Electric Association wants to help you support charitable organizations. If you are a member of...
Jan
2019
Employee Profile — Q&A with Sarah Crites, Accounting Clerk III
Job Description: I run the monthly payroll processes, maintain asset and plant accounting records, reconcile bank statements, prepare and post monthly journal entries, manage...
Jan
2019
The Year in Review
Groundbreaking for the Trout Creek Solar, LLC, project took place last fall. Representatives from project developer juwi, Inc., SDCEA, the Colorado Department of...
Jan
2019
Dec
2018
On Outages: SDCEA Improves Communication to Members
By Paul A. Erickson, Chief Executive Officer Many people remember the widespread electric outage on Christmas Day 2016. On that day, a severe...
Dec
2018
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc. 2019 Scholarship Info
In 2019, Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc. will award one four-year scholarship at $2,000 per year (which is available to a graduating...
Dec
2018
Sangre de Cristo Youth Tour
By Abby Berry Tennis shoes. Check. Bottled water. Check. An eagerness to learn and lead. Check, check. If you’re a high school student...
Dec
2018
Employee Profile — Q&A with Mallie Miles, Accounting Clerk II
Job description: Audit and close work orders, manage accounts payable, calculate and pay sales and use taxes, provide backup for customer service, support...
Nov
2018
Nov
2018
Nov
2018
Higher Bills Aren’t Always What You Think
Please note: November 2018’s average temperatures were the coldest recorded in the past 14 years. The result to many consumers was a higher...
Nov
2018
SDCEA On Track For Nearly 40 Percent Renewable Energy Use By Early 2019
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc., will approach 40 percent of its power supply provided by renewable sources when the Trout Creek Solar...
Nov
2018
Local Business Spotlight — The View Cafe & Gifts
The View Cafe & Gifts The Best Western Vista Inn 733 U.S. Highway 24 N Buena Vista, CO 719-395-3100 • www.bwvistainn.com How long...
Nov
2018
Employee Profile — Q&A with Christopher Eastin, Custodian
Job Description: Everything from making coffee to cleaning toilets, just not at the same time. Hometown? Towns. Willits, California; Washington, D.C.; Myrtle Beach, South...
Oct
2018
Cooperatives Like Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Are Community-Led
By Paul Erickson • CEO October is National Co-op Month, which is the perfect time to highlight the many ways electric cooperatives are...
Oct
2018
Volunteer from Custer County Sought
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc., currently has a vacancy on its Operation RoundUp charitable giving organization board of directors and is seeking...
Oct
2018
Agreement Signed for Trout Creek Project Go-Ahead
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc., has announced that a 36-year site license agreement is in place to proceed with construction of the...
Oct
2018
Employee Updates
Ryan Doke Named Line Superintendent Ryan Doke was named line superintendent at Sangre de Cristo Electric Association in July. Doke has worked at...
Oct
2018
It Takes a Balanced Approach to Provide Power for Consumers
Every day we provide our consumers with safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and affordable power. We can provide this essential service because our power...
Oct
2018
Local Business Spotlight — Alpine Lumber Company
Alpine Lumber Company 212 N. Colorado Avenue, Buena Vista, CO 719-395-8601 • alpinelumber.com Alpine Lumber Company is employee-owned and was founded in Englewood...
Sep
2018
Sep
2018
Aug
2018
Do You Know Where These People Are?
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc., has money for the people listed below. As an electric cooperative, SDCEA belongs to the people we...
Aug
2018
Chris McGinnis Earns Communications Certification
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc., is pleased to announce that Chris McGinnis, communications specialist, has earned recognition as a professional communicator in...
Aug
2018
Fire Restrictions
In June, Sangre de Cristo implemented fire prevention procedures when restoring power after outages to reduce the risk of wildfire. During fire prevention...
Aug
2018
Dana Douty Retires After 39 Years with SDCEA
Dana Douty, former Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Line Superintendent, retired from the company in July. “There’s no better job in the valley,”...
Aug
2018
Your Bill Has A New Look
Consumers will notice a new look to Sangre de Cristo bills beginning in September. The company that produces SDCEA’s bills upgraded its soft-...
Aug
2018
Tracy Linza Earns PHR Certification
Tracy Linza, administrative assistant III at Sangre de Cristo Electric, earned the prestigious Professional and Human Resources certification, or PHR, in July. To...
Aug
2018
SDCEA Sponsors Students Attending June’s Washington D.C. Youth Tour
SDCEA sponsored five students who attended the 2018 Washington D.C. Youth Tour in June. Three of those students, Delilah Sander, A.J. Smethers and...
Aug
2018
Annual Meeting Recap
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association held its annual meeting in Cotopaxi this year on June 20. Featured guest speakers included Mike McInnes, CEO...
Aug
2018
SDCEA Announces New Chairman Of The Board
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc,. announced Vice President Joe Redetzke as the elected president of its board of directors, effective June 27....
Aug
2018
It’s Not Just a Green Metal Box
You’re aware of those green metal boxes in neighborhood yards, but do you know what they’re for? These boxes contain pad-mounted transformers that...
Aug
2018
Employee Profile — Q&A with Sarah McMahon, Chief Administrative Officer
Responsibilities include: Governance, IT, HR & benefits, communications and metering. Best way to describe my job: “Other duties as assigned.” Hometown? Born and...
Aug
2018
SDCEA Summertime Operation Notices
SDCEA would like to let you know about a couple of operational items that may affect your power supply during the next few...
Aug
2018
Jul
2018
Why Do I Pay A Service Availability Charge?
By Paul A. Erickson • Chief Executive Officer • info@myelectric.coop In order for electricity to be available at a home or business...
Jul
2018
Play It Safe Around Lightning
There’s nothing like spending a warm day outside enjoying your favorite sports activity, whether it’s on the golf course, baseball diamond or a...
Jul
2018
All in a Day’s Work
Earlier this spring, several power poles were replaced by SDCEA crews working in the Cotopaxi and Texas Creek area. Poles used in this...
Jul
2018
Culp Closes Out Career At Sangre de Cristo
Lynn Culp, a 40-year employee of Sangre de Cristo Electric, retired June 1. Lynn was the company purchasing agent. He began his career...
Jun
2018
Jun
2018
Report from the President and CEO
The 2017 Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Annual Report Narrative By Board President Don Kaufman and CEO Paul Erickson Sangre de Cristo Electric...
Jun
2018
Financials
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Annual Report – Finances Comparative Balance Sheet Assets 12/31/16 12/31/17 Total utility plant $62,209,265 $63,466,790 Accumulated provision for...
Jun
2018
77th Annual Meeting Minutes
Part of The 2017 Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Annual Report June 8, 2017 | Buena Vista, Colorado The 77th Annual Meeting of...
May
2018
June 2018, Colorado Country Life
Click the image above to read this month’s magazine.
May
2018
Looking Forward to the Annual Meeting on June 20
By Paul Erickson, Chief Executive Officer Sangre de Cristo Electric Association’s annual meeting is next month—10 a.m., June 20 at the Cotopaxi Consolidated...
May
2018
Trout Creek Solar Project Update
Sangre de Cristo Association’s efforts to bring a utility scale solar project online is an extensive process. Many steps are taken in order...
May
2018
May 2018 Quick Hits
Committed To Serving The Last Mile Nationwide, co-ops serve an average of 8 consumers per mile of electric line and collect annual revenue...
May
2018
Keep Track Of Your Electric Usage
Want some ways to keep track of your electric usage? Electric meters keep track of the electricity you use in your home. With...
May
2018
Q&A With SDCEA Board Member Suzy Kelly
Name and area you represent on the board: Suzanne Kelly (Suzy). I represent Rural Chaffee/Lake Counties. Hometown: I was born in Ft. Dodge,...
Apr
2018
Trout Creek Solar – Behind the Scenes
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association’s efforts to bring a utility-scale solar project online is an extensive process. Many steps are taken in order...
Apr
2018
Scholarship Winners Announced
Dependents of Sangre de Cristo Electric Association members recently competed for scholarships provided by SDCEA and in conjunction with power suppliers Tri-State Generation...
Apr
2018
National Lineman Appreciation Day
Every year we take a day to thank our lineworkers who are dedicated to keeping the lights on in our homes, farms and...
Apr
2018
Plan Ahead To Dig Safely This Spring
Before picking up your shovel for your next outdoor digging project, take the necessary steps for safety or you just might dig up...
Apr
2018
Look Up and Watch For Power Lines
Things we see every day can almost fade from view, but failure to notice high-voltage power lines can be a deadly oversight. Safe...
Apr
2018
Apr
2018
Chad Lockhart, Working foreman, Westcliffe
Job Description: A working foreman is in charge of maintaining lines, construction of lines, and supervising line crew personnel. Hometown: Westcliffe How long...
Mar
2018
Mike Allen
Name, Title: Mike Allen, Energy Use Advisor Job Description: Help members and key accounts understand their electricity use and ways to be more...
Feb
2018
Douty receives CREA award
Line Superintendent Dana Douty of Sangre de Cristo Electric Assn., Inc. received an Excellence in Newsletters award from the Colorado Rural Electric Association...
Feb
2018
Carrie Morgan
Name: Carrie Morgan, Customer Service Representative III Job Description: Billing, adjustments, problem solving, project, helping members, answering phones, payments Hometown: Clearwater, Florida How long have...
Feb
2018
Developer/operator named for project
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc. (SDCEA) is pleased to announce the Board of Directors’ approval of juwi, Inc. to construct and operate...
Jan
2018
Sangre de Cristo is Your Local Power Source
As we start the new year, we thought it would be good to review who we are as your local electric cooperative. Here...
Jan
2018
Year in Review, 2017
A review of our year through photos to share memories.
Jan
2018
Sangre de Cristo Considers Solar Farm
SDCEA is currently exploring the feasibility of adding a 2-megawatt solar farm to our power portfolio. Plans include a portion of the project...
Jan
2018
Renewable Energy Program
SDCEA’s renewable energy is supplied primarily through our wholesale supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission, which contracts for hydro, solar and wind-generated power from...
Jan
2018
Meet Len Gates,
Name: Len Gates, Meter Technician III Job Description: Work with meters, Advanced Metering Infrastructure, rates and net metering Hometown? Del Norte, Colorado How...
Jan
2018
Capital Credits to SDCEA Members
As a non-profit cooperative, any margins we earn are allocated back to our members and account holders each year in the form of...
Dec
2017
Operation RoundUp
Operation RoundUp gives members of Sangre de Cristo Electric Association an easy way to help out their communities. By agreeing to “round up” their...
Dec
2017
2018 Washington, D.C. Youth Tour
Every June, more than 1,600 junior and senior high school students from across the United States embark on a chaperoned week-long, all-expenses-paid trip...
Dec
2017
Get a $2000 College Scholarship
In 2018, Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc. will award one four-year scholarship at $2,000 per year (which is available to a graduating...
Dec
2017
Dana Douty, Line Superintendent
Job Description: Supervise line crews in Westcliffe and Buena Vista, take consumer complaints, manage work schedules Hometown? Buena Vista How long have you...
Nov
2017
Solar Farm Project Brings Long-Term Stable Rates
Long-term electric rate stability at a reasonable price is the goal of a breakthrough solar farm project planned near Buena Vista. The feasibility...
Nov
2017
Your Power Supply, Renewable Energy?
Do you know renewable energy comprises a significant portion of our power supply every day? As an electric co-op, Sangre de Cristo purchases...
Nov
2017
Scholarships
A variety of academic and post-high school trade school scholarships are sponsored by SDCEA, Tri-State Generation and Transmission and Basin Electric each Spring....
Nov
2017
Youth Tour
Each year, Sangre de Cristo Electric Association sponsors at least one student’s trip on the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour. This all-expense paid (except...
Nov
2017
Sangre Donates Books
Colorado Country Life magazine, the magazine of the Colorado Rural Electric Association in which this newsletter appears, receives a number of books each...
Nov
2017
Tracy Linza, Admin Asst III
Name and Title: Tracy Linza, Administrative Assistant III Job Description: Benefits Administration; HR; basic office management duties; and assist our Board of Directors....
Oct
2017
Matt Shepherd, Lead Lineman
As lead lineman, Matt is in charge of a work crew of two journeymen lineman. He maintains a service truck, does line work...
Oct
2017
Howard Eggleston Retires from Board of Directors
Howard Eggleston of Fremont County announced his retirement from the Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc. Board of Directors in July. Eggleston began...
Oct
2017
Performance in Safety Award
The 2016 Achievement of Excellence award for Performance in Safety was awarded to Sangre de Cristo Electric Association by the Colorado Rural Electric...
Oct
2017
New Board Member, Geoff Gerk
Geoff Gerk was appointed to the Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc. Board of Directors during their monthly meeting in Buena Vista August...
Apr
2017
Triumph Despite Challenges
Going the Distance Community, compassion and a don’t-quit attitude add up to triumph for a runner with unique challenges By Hal Walter It...
