Press Release: Tri-State Exit

For Immediate Release

 Contact: Tina Trujillo Archuleta, Communications Manager 

505- 367-1151 

4/13/2026

The Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative, Inc, (JMEC) Board of Directors voted on March 27th , 2026 to formally withdraw from membership in Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (Tri-State). This departure will aid JMEC's efforts toward the advancement of affordable, clean energy initiatives, increasing resiliency, and expanding local generation. JMEC will join several electric cooperatives that have previously transitioned away from Tri-State: Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, Delta Montrose Electric Association, United Power, Mountain Parks Electric, and La Plata Electric Association. “Tri-State projected significant wholesale power rate increases in the near future and that prompted JMEC to consider alternative wholesale power options,” said Dennis Trujillo, Board President of JMEC. “The projected rate increases were a driving factor in the decision to exit Tri-State. The JMEC Board of Directors holds affordability as a primary responsibility to our Members and early termination of the existing contract allows JMEC greater ability to manage costs for the long-term and to partner with our local Pueblos and communities on renewable energy projects.” Local energy projects will increase JMEC’s service reliability and provide opportunities for economic development within JMEC’s service territory. A good example of this potential is Mozart’s waste-to-energy facility in partnership with Ohkay Owingeh. This project would convert municipal solid waste into continuous, clean electricity. JMEC’s exit from Tri-State will enable opportunities for local partnerships which can create jobs, enhance the use of clean energy, and keep more of our community’s dollars in our local economy. JMEC’s exit notification follows a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved tariff, developed by Tri-State’s members, which sets forth the terms and conditions for Tri-State utility members to exit their Wholesale Electric Service Contract. The tariff includes a two-year withdrawal period that enables a smooth transition to an alternative power supply arrangement and to work through the details of the exit process.