Trico is one of seven cooperatives across the country participating in a National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) consortium that was selected to receive $45 million in funding from the Department of Energy to build solar and battery microgrids in rural communities. The benefit is expected to be around $7M to Trico Members, which Trico will use to build a solar generation and battery energy storage microgrid system in rural Southern Arizona.

To help provide reliable, cost-effective service to its Members, reduce the impacts of climate challenges, and advance clean energy in rural Arizona, Trico has developed the Clean Energy Rural Microgrid Project to serve Trico Members in Arivaca, AZ. The project will use solar generation and battery energy storage to provide increased electric reliability and sustainable energy to a traditionally disadvantaged community.

Arivaca is currently served by a single power line. Trico works hard to maintain that line and will continue to do so. This project will provide Trico with an additional means of serving our Arivaca Members and help improve reliability throughout the year, including monsoon season.

When not being used for reliability purposes, the microgrid project will provide energy and capacity for the Trico system and help Trico to reduce its loads at peak time periods. This will help reduce costs for all Trico Members and increase the amount of renewable energy on Trico’s system.

“This is an excellent result for Trico’s Members and southern Arizona,” said Brian Heithoff, Trico CEO & General Manager. “We are excited about this opportunity to work with NRECA and the Department of Energy. They share Trico’s commitment to innovation and service. This funding and our microgrid project will help us provide Members reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy solutions.”

Trico Electric Cooperative, Inc., is a not-for-profit electric cooperative serving nearly 50,000 Members in Marana, Corona de Tucson, Saddlebrooke, Mt. Lemmon, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Three Points, Star Valley and Arivaca. Trico is dedicated to making a difference in the communities we serve by providing our Members cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.trico.coop or follow them on social media at facebook.com/TricoelectricAZ or instagram.com/TricoElectricAZ.