Following is the October 5, 2026, Press Release regarding EEA's agreement to purchase energy from the proposed Valley Range Energy Park
The cooperative partnership of Empire Electric Association, Gunnison County Electric Association, San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative and San Miguel Power Association has agreed to purchase power from Valley Range Energy Park as part of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association’s Bring Your Own Resource (BYOR) program. If the project is approved by Montezuma County officials, full output solar from Valley Range would supply power equivalent to 40% of 2024 peak demand and would offer the cooperative partnership an estimated savings totaling more than $20 million.
Valley Range Energy Park is a 125MW solar energy generation facility collocated with a 62.5MW battery energy storage system (BESS) being developed and planned east of Cortez in an unincorporated area of Montezuma County by Accelergen Energy. If approved, the low-cost solar in combination with demand stabilizing BESS would generate hundreds of thousands of dollars per year for Empire Electric Association (EEA) to help offset infrastructure improvements and rising energy costs that would otherwise need to be recovered through electric rates.
“Valley Range is a unique project in that it could provide low-risk, long-term revenue that would reduce upward pressure on rates for our members. The significant revenue from this one project could help fund needed infrastructure improvements without placing the financial burden on our membership,” said EEA General Manager, Josh Dellinger. “We support Valley Range’s permit and hope that county officials recognize the opportunity for electricity generation and tax revenue for the county,” said Dellinger.
Currently, the electricity used in Montezuma County is generated elsewhere in the state – meaning other Colorado counties receive tax revenue on their energy production while exporting the energy generated. “Valley Range could be a unique opportunity for Montezuma County to both gain tax revenue and generate a large portion of its own electricity,” said Accelergen’s Development Director, Matt Ryan.
The Valley Range team has been working with the Montezuma County community for nearly two years to ensure the project exceeds safety and land use requirements while delivering the cooperative partnership long-term affordable power. If approved, Valley Range would generate $13.9 million in property tax revenue over the duration of the project. Additionally, the project has donated more than $30,000 to community organizations over two years and has a long-term commitment to support both workforce training and education in Montezuma County once operational.
About Empire Electric Association, Inc.
Empire Electric Association, Inc. is a member-owned rural electric cooperative serving southwest Colorado and southeast Utah since 1939. Our primary mission is to safely, responsibly, and reliably meet the electrical energy needs of our member-owners.
About Valley Range Energy Park
Valley Range Energy Park is a 125MW solar project and a 62.5MW battery energy storage system (BESS) developed by Accelergen Energy and proposed in unincorporated Montezuma County outside of Cortez, Colo. If approved, Valley Range will contribute new local jobs, $13.9 million in tax revenue to support public services and schools over the duration of the project, increased control over future energy costs, community partnerships, and enhanced energy reliability throughout the county. Valley Range Energy Park is committed to responsible development that supports local energy use and provides benefit to the project community. Learn more at valleyrangeep.com.