Trico hosted a Town Hall on September 12, 2024 in support of Arizona Electric Power Cooperative’s selection to receive $485 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture’s New ERA Program funding to transform its power portfolio with major investments in new large-scale solar, battery energy storage, and wind projects.

These new projects will benefit 40 electric cooperatives and public power utilities across Arizona and the Southwest, including Trico.

“In Trico’s case, New ERA funding will support our goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2032 and these projects will also result in substantial financial savings to our membership – over $60 million across the life of these projects just for Trico Members alone,” Trico CEO & GM Brian Heithoff said.

Over 150 people attended the event to learn more about the New ERA grants and other USDA programs, and to have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Trico has worked hard to earn several grants in addition to New ERA. In total Trico has earned grants that will save its Members around $100 million over the next five years.