TRICO Receives 17M Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:

Roberta Lopez-Suter February 29, 2024 (520) 744-2944, ext. 1362 rlsuter@trico.coop



Trico Electric Cooperative to Receive $7M Grant for Clean Rural Microgrid Project in Arivaca


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-p

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