SDCEA 2025 annual power mix

49% RENEWABLE ENERGY

Reliable power has always been the job. But how we generate that power is shifting, and SDCEA is working to reduce our carbon footprint without sacrificing reliability or affordability. Renewable energy is central to how we’re doing that.

Where Your Power Comes From

What is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy comes from sources that replenish on their own such as sunlight, wind, and water.


Solar

Wind

Hydro

Where Your Power Comes From

SDCEA purchases the majority of the power we distribute to your home or business from Tri-State Generation and Transmission. Together, we are working toward advancing our clean energy goals and delivering financial value to the cooperative.

SDCEA, as a retail distribution cooperative, doesn’t generate our own electricity. SDCEA is a member-owner of Tri-State Generation and Transmission, which owns and contracts for hydro, solar and wind energy to supply their members with renewable energy from across the region. SDCEA benefits from this relationship with Tri-State for a cleaner supply mix and Tri-State’s commitment to 70% clean energy by 2030.

On top of what comes through Tri-State, SDCEA has invested in local renewable projects and continues to explore new opportunities to increase our renewable power mix.

SDCEA Power Supply Mix (2025 annual average)

49%

of SDCEA’s annual power mix comes from renewables

70%

of our members’ energy mix will come from clean resources by 2030 Tri-State projects

4%

of our power comes from local renewable resources

Local Renewable Energy

The Trout Creek Solar facility is generating clean power just south of Buena Vista.

In 2018, SDCEA contracted to purchase the output of the Trout Creek Solar facility on 20 acres of Colorado Department of Corrections land south of Buena Vista. The 2-megawatt project was the first public-private partnership of its kind in Colorado, constructed by Juwi, Inc. with a sun-tracking system built for this mountain valley environment.

BY THE NUMBERS

  • 7,952 solar panels generating approximately 5,752 megawatt-hours per year.
  • Enough electricity to power roughly 685 typical homes annually.

Interested in solar energy without onsite construction or installing panels on your own roof? Trout Creek Community Solar lets you buy in directly.

Does our renewable energy mix increase my bill?

Our criteria is to only add renewable energy to our supply that both meets Colorado clean energy goals and contributes to the financial well-being of the cooperative.

Renewable Energy & You

Here’s how members can get involved

Member-Owned Solar

Please call with any questions as you begin your research and are talking to installers. We want you to know options and costs before you commit to your project.
Contact our Energy Use Advisor
719-395-4583

100% Green Energy Offsets

Want to offset your carbon footprint? SDCEA’s Green Energy program provides you the opportunity to purchase 100-kilowatt-hour blocks of renewable electricity to offset your electricity usage without an expensive investment in equipment and installation.
Learn about green energy

Trout Creek Community Solar Program

The Trout Creek Community Solar Program lets members support locally sourced renewable energy without installing panels. Make your energy mix greener by subscribing to one or two kW energy blocks.
Learn more about Trout Creek Solar


Renewable Energy FAQs

What happens to my power when the sun isn't shining?

SDCEA maintains reliable service through a balanced mix of energy sources. When renewable output is low, other sources in the grid fill the gap.

Can I use renewable energy if I rent?

Yes. Trout Creek Community Solar was designed for exactly this situation. You can subscribe to blocks of locally generated solar power without owning your home or installing any equipment. That means you can take advantage of renewable energy without having to get permission from your landlord or worry about paying for panels you might not be able to keep.

Isn't it cheaper to use power provided locally, as opposed to buying it from someone else?

Each individual project has unique characteristics that can impact affordability. As we evaluate energy projects, we factor in supply needs and costs.

What should I know before installing solar panels on my home?

Please call with any questions as you begin your research and are talking to installers. We want you to know options and costs before you commit to your project. Learn more about consumer-owned solar.