Trico is using a pre-subscription program to determine whether to offer fiber-to-the-home internet service to Members, and where to offer that service. 

Trico Electric Cooperative (Trico) is launching a Member-Driven Fiber Internet Program to determine if Trico will start offering high-speed fiber internet service. For 80 years, Trico has been energizing their Members’ lives with cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable energy services, and now they are putting the decision on offering fiber internet service in their Members’ hands.

 

Trico is using a pre-subscription program to determine whether to offer fiber-to-the-home internet service to Members, and where to offer that service. If enough Members pre-subscribe, Trico will launch Trico Fiber and start offering fast, affordable, and reliable fiber internet with the same cooperative values and excellent service Trico has delivered to Southern Arizona for 80 years. 

 

Trico’s Member-Driven Fiber program is simple:

 

·        Members can pre-subscribe on Trico’s website: www.trico.coop

·        Members can track the pre-subscription levels in their neighborhood

·        Members can encourage their neighbors and friends to pre-subscribe

 

For the past two years, Trico has been performing detailed feasibility studies to understand the financial, engineering, Member service, and other impacts of offering fiber internet services.

 

“We have studied and assessed the costs and benefits of offering fiber internet services, we believe Trico can provide affordable, reliable, and fast internet service. If our Members show enough interest, we are confident this can be a benefit for all Trico Members and the communities of Southern Arizona.” said Brian Heithoff, Trico CEO & General Manager.

 

“Eighty years ago, we started delivering electricity to our Members—lighting homes and powering rural communities when no one thought it was possible. Today, reliable, fast internet is vital to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity, and Trico is excited to help connect our communities. We see it not just as technology, but as a transformational step forward that will empower our communities for generations to come—just as electricity did all those years ago,” said Heithoff.

 

 

 

Trico SmartGrid Fiber Backbone

Separate from the Member-Driven Fiber Internet Program, Trico is starting work on building the Trico SmartGrid Fiber Backbone, which will connect Trico’s electric substations and devices with high-speed, secure fiber communications.

 

Benefits of the Trico SmartGrid Fiber Backbone will include:

·        Improved reliability

o  Better coordination and communication between Trico’s electric facilities will reduce outage times and the number of outages that occur.

·        Secure data transfer and protection from cyber threats.

·        A smarter grid will allow Trico to better manage loads, more efficiently use existing facilities, and develop programs to better serve all Members.

 

Construction on the Trico SmartGrid Fiber Backbone will begin later this year and is expected to finish in fall 2026.

 

 

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.
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