The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) has named Arizona's Trico Electric Cooperative the 2012 Electric Cooperative of the Year.

“Trico recognizes that the member owners of electric cooperatives have evolving needs and expectations,” said SEPA President and CEO Julia Hamm. “Keeping today’s rates low remains a priority, but home and business owners have a growing interest in solar energy options that will protect them from electricity price volatility in the future. SEPA is pleased to recognize Trico both for its long standing commitment to solar energy but also its recent progress in developing programs that allow all of its customers to take advantage of the benefits solar energy has to offer.”


In 2011, Trico completed the installation of 1.4 MW of new solar capacity with 227 kW DC utility-owned photovoltaic assets. With a 21st Century Grant of nearly $1 million from the Arizona Department of Commerce (now the Governor’s Office of Energy Policy), Trico installed a 227 kW, community-supported solar demonstration project on the property adjacent to the co-op’s office in Marana, Ariz.

One of Trico’s many strategic initiatives is to increase the energy used by their members from renewable resources. This goal is accomplished through the SunWatts solar rebate program, Habitat for Humanity Program, Solar Hot Water Program, Education Grant Program, and Green Energy Purchase Program.

“Trico has long been committed to renewable energy resources,” says Trico CEO Vin Nitido. “We are very honored to be recognized for our efforts in furthering green technologies.”

Trico was chosen as the winner of SEPA’s award from a field of 70 electric cooperatives, including finalists Kit Carson Electric Cooperative and Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation.

ABOUT TRICO
Established in 1945, Trico Electric Cooperative, Inc., is a not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 38,000 customers in northwest Tucson, Marana, Corona de Tucson, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Three Points and Arivaca. Trico is a Touchstone Energy® Cooperative and is dedicated to accountability, innovation, integrity and commitment to the communities it serves.

ABOUT SEPA

The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is an educational non-profit dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios. With more than 1,000 utility and solar industry members, SEPA provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org.