To meet the near-term power requirements of its member cooperatives, Tri-State’s most immediate generation project will call upon a natural gas-fueled combined cycle power plant. In a combined cycle power plant, a gas turbine generates electricity. Waste heat from the gas turbine is used to make steam to generate additional electricity through a steam turbine. Utilizing waste heat enhances efficiency and lowers the cost of electricity generation.

Tri-State is analyzing the development of a combined-cycle, natural gas-fired power plant in eastern Colorado.  On July 18, 2007, Tri-State issued a request for proposals to evaluate alternatives, including power purchase agreements, to Tri-State's self-build option. Tri-State expects the evaluation process of the proposals to be completed by December 2007.

Tri-State currently operates three natural gas-powered facilities that function as back-up facilities during peak periods of electric consumption. A new combined cycle plant fills the gap between Tri-State’s peaking plants and the G&T’s load-serving baseload resources.

As an added benefit, a combined cycle power plant has a load-following capability that will facilitate the integration of renewable energy into Tri-State’s system. The association will increase the amount of renewable resources in its generation mix.