Trico Electric Cooperative (Trico) has applied for a grant from Arizona’s Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment (BEAD) Program, which represents the state’s largest broadband investment in history. The BEAD program is managed by the Arizona Commerce Authority with the goal of providing universal broadband internet access for all in Arizona.


Over the past 18 months, Trico’s Board of Directors and Staff have completed a detailed feasibility study to understand the financial, operational, and technical requirements for offering broadband. The Board has approved proceeding with a BEAD application and planning for providing broadband. The final decision on whether to proceed with offering broadband services will be made after BEAD awards are announced, which is expected to occur in early Summer 2025.


The BEAD Program prioritizes extending broadband internet service to the unserved and underserved areas of Arizona, including many rural areas. The goal is to improve connectivity, support economic growth, enhance education, and improve healthcare access throughout the state. As an electric cooperative that has been serving underserved and rural communities of Southern Arizona since 1945, Trico is uniquely qualified to provide this service.


On March 7th, Trico submitted an application for BEAD grant funds to support the design and construction of fiber infrastructure that would allow Trico to provide broadband internet service to the residents of Southern Arizona. Trico’s extensive utility experience and not-for-profit cooperative model make it an ideal candidate to provide fast, reliable, and affordable internet solutions with a focus on excellent service. Trico is already working on a plan to expand fiber facilities in its electric service territory to support better communication and control between Trico substations and line devices, and to implement smart-grid solutions that will provide improved reliability, allow for better integration of distributed energy resources, and support energy solutions offered to Trico Members.


Trico is taking practical steps to be prepared if it does earn a BEAD award. One of these steps is identifying public and Member interest in receiving broadband internet service from Trico. Members can visit www.trico.coop or login to their Trico SmartHub accounts to register their interest. This will help Trico to better understand which communities are the most interested in broadband service, collect a list of interested Members who want to stay informed, and plan Trico’s fiber build out.


“Almost 80 years ago, Trico was established to provide essential electric services. As we have grown, developed, and innovated over the years, we have never lost sight of that important duty. Today, high speed, reliable, and affordable broadband service is a vital utility that promotes economic progress, education, and healthcare” said CEO and General Manager, Brian Heithoff.


“As a co-op our experience, our high-level Member service, and our decades long commitment to the communities we serve, make us uniquely qualified to design, deploy, and manage a broadband network to serve rural areas, growing towns and suburban areas, vital community anchors like schools and hospitals, and traditionally underserved areas throughout Southern Arizona,” Heithoff said.


###



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.

Back-to-School: Southwest Gas Partners with Schools, Colleges, and Nonprofits to Open Doors for the Next Generation

September 9, 2026
Programs help students build skills, explore careers, and prepare for the future PHOENIX — Across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona, the company and the Southwest Gas Foundation are partnering with schools, colleges, and nonprofit organizations to support students through essential resources, hands-on learning, safety education, mentorship, scholarships, and career training. “Our employees live and work in the communities we serve, so supporting local schools and programs is personal to us,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO of Southwest Gas. “By working alongside trusted partners, we can help students feel better prepared, explore their interests, and see greater possibilities for their future.” Programs and partnerships across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona include: · Arizona Educational Foundation’s (AEF) teachSTEM Program Since 2024, the Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the AEF’s teachSTEM program. The program provides educators with hands-on STEM training, resources, and mentorship, while inspiring students to explore and pursue STEM careers. The program has reached more than 5,000 students, 78% of whom attend Title I schools. · Energy Safe Kids with the National Energy Foundation (NEF) For nearly 30 years, Southwest Gas has partnered with the NEF to promote energy education and safety awareness in schools. Through the Energy Safe Kids program, elementary and middle school teachers receive curriculum that helps students recognize and respond to a suspected natural gas leak, identify natural gas appliances and pipeline markers, and understand the importance of calling 811 before digging. Last year, 130 schools throughout Southwest Gas’ service territory used the program. · Girls in STEM at the Arizona Science Center The Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the Arizona Science Center’s Girls in STEM program since 2021. This initiative introduces girls in grades 4-8 to science and engineering through hands-on activities and mentorship. These experiences help students explore STEM concepts and envision careers in the field. · Natural Gas Program at Estrella Mountain Community College Southwest Gas partners with Estrella Mountain Community College on a hands-on Natural Gas Program that introduces students to careers in the utility and construction industries. Courses taught by current Southwest Gas employees provide experience with tools and safety practices used in the field. · Share the Spirit Shoes for Kids With the support of a $5,000 contribution from the Southwest Gas Foundation, Southwest Gas employees partnered with the Share the Spirit Foundation to provide 90 students from Title I schools with new shoes and socks during the Shoes for Kids event on August 28. As part of the Company’s volunteer program BLUE (Building Lives Up Everywhere), Southwest Gas employees served as personal shoppers, helping the students select new shoes that fit comfortably and help boost their confidence as they begin the school year. · Summer Internship Program Southwest Gas offers a paid Summer Internship Program for currently enrolled college and university students across the U.S. The 10-week program offers hands-on experience and professional development opportunities across a variety of business functions. Applications are open from January through April, with the program starting in June. Last year, more than 2,900 students from across the country applied for the internship program. Together, these collaborative efforts help open doors for opportunity and reflect Southwest Gas’ long-standing commitment to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information about Southwest Gas and its community partnerships, visit www.swgas.com/community. About Southwest Gas Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of our over two million customers throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada by providing safe, reliable, and affordable service while pursuing innovative sustainable energy solutions to fuel the growth in its communities. For more information about how Southwest Gas is supporting a sustainable energy future, please visit www.swgas.com. About The Southwest Gas Foundation The Southwest Gas Foundation has spent six decades partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations to open doors of opportunities, provide support in times of need, and create a legacy of impact that benefits generations to come. Funded by shareholders, the Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information, please visit www.swgas.com/community.
Show More