Tri-State files integrated resource plan

Tri-State has filed its integrated resource plan (IRP) in compliance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992, which requires all customers of Western Area Power Administration (Western) to submit an IRP every five years

Western supplies Tri-State with more than 230 megawatts of hydropower to the G&T’s generation portfolio. Tri-State is one of the largest hydropower customers in the western United States.

The IRP evaluates Tri-State’s power and energy supply requirements through 2025, with emphasis on resources needed in the 2010-2015 timeframe. In the plan, Tri-State assessed its existing system, load forecasts, loads and capabilities, supply and demand side resource options, as well as analyzed resource scenarios and developed an action plan to fully comply with Western’s IRP requirements.

Tri State conducted two IRP public participation sessions in October 2006 and January 2007, and accepted public comments through Jan. 26, 2007. Tri-State thoroughly reviewed public input before finalizing and submitting the IRP to Western on Feb. 15.

IRP supports Tri-State’s baseload resource additions

While the IRP identifies and compares all practicable supply-side and demand-side resource options, implementation of the action plan by Tri-State is contingent on further evaluations of new resource additions and other market and economic factors.

“The integrated resource plan confirms Tri-State’s need for new baseload generation, and its findings are incorporated in our board of directors’ ongoing review of new resource additions,” said J.M. Shafer, Tri-State’s Executive Vice President/General Manager. “In addition to the information in the IRP, the board considers other business factors as part of its resource development decisions.”

Tri-State attributes its need for new resources to recent and forecasted growth among its 44 member cooperatives. The association's annual system growth rate has steadily increased over the years - most recently (2001-2006) at an average of nearly 4 percent, with even higher projections for the next few years. The power supplier already is short on power to serve its member cooperatives, which has resulted in increased, expensive market power purchases that are driving member rates higher.

Resource development planning efforts continue

In 2005, Tri-State's board of directors authorized a long-range infrastructure building program, known as the resource development plan, to address current and forecasted deficiencies in baseload power supply. The plan positions Tri-State to construct new, long-lead time baseload generation resources - when needed - to serve its member cooperatives' energy needs with a reliable, cost-efficient supply of power.

Components of Tri-State’s RDP include two baseload generating units at Holcomb Station in western Kansas and another unit at the Colorado Power Project in southeastern Colorado. The G&T’s resource planning efforts include engineering and environmental studies, site acquisition and permitting and financial planning for these projects.

“Baseload generation delivers low and stable rates, but it has long lead times for development, so it’s prudent to begin preparations well before the resources are needed,” said Shafer. “Our planning for the two-unit expansion at Holcomb Station and preparations for a facility in southeastern Colorado remain on track.”

Evaluation of wind energy and additional demand-side management resources

While Tri-State’s long-term resource planning is focused on developing baseload generation resources, the association continues to evaluate renewable and alternative resource options and expanded demand-side management programs. These ongoing evaluations are included in the IRP action plan.

Beginning this year, Tri-State will undertake further studies to review adding up to 50 megawatts of wind energy in its resource portfolio. Tri-State also will investigate further the issues related to integrating wind energy resources into its system.

Additionally, the G&T will investigate options to expand its energy efficiency programs to achieve a 30 percent penetration level. Tri-State already makes a significant investment in promoting demand-side management. In 2007, $2 million was budgeted for Tri-State’s member systems’ energy efficiency programs.

“Both wind energy development and the expansion of our energy efficiency programs have the potential to meet a portion Tri-State’s member cooperatives’ needs,” said Shafer.

Timing of new resource development

Although the IRP required by Western and Tri-State’s baseload resource development planning may appear to be similar activities, they are, in fact, separate and distinct processes with different assumptions and purposes. Even with these differences, the IRP validates the need for Tri-State’s baseload resource additions, including the Holcomb Station expansion.

The timing of new baseload resources, and other resource options identified in the IRP, including wind energy development and increased demand-side management programs, will require further evaluation and approval by Tri-State’s board of directors prior to implementation.

Integrated Resource Plan

The attached document includes Tri-State’s IRP, appendices and indexes that were submitted to Western Area Power Administration on Feb. 15, 2007.     (4.8 mb)

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