Colorado Country Life
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August 2024
Shut Offs are not part of SIEA's Fire Mitigation Strategy
In 2020, SIEA rolled out a comprehensive fire mitigation program designed to address fire risks. The plan does not include pre-emptive power outages.
San Isabel Electric's Innovative Mobile Substation
There is a superhero hidden in the shadows of SIEA’s warehouse. Nicknamed after the fictional cartoon franchise Transformers, Mega Watt is the silent guardian, always ready to roll out into action and keep the power flowering.
New Tree Scanning Software Will Help Reduce Outages, Costs, and Fire Risks
SIEA is the first electric cooperative in Colorado to be using new vegetation management software that uses AI, Lidar, and digital maps to monitor vegetation growth near powerlines.
July 2024
Changing Faces At SIEA
Five San Isabel Electric employees have retired in 2024, and more are expected by year’s end. Our commitment to safety and family has helped us attract and retain top talent.
Adapting to Retirement: A New Chapter for a Champion of Safety
Royce Anderson, San Isabel Electric’s Safety and Compliance Manager, is retiring. His career has significantly and positively impacted the company’s members by reducing outages, maintaining low rates, and improving community services.
EDDIE SMITH RETIRES AFTER 28 YEARS WITH SIEA
Second generation San Isabel Electric employee Eddie Smith reflects on his career at San Isabel Electric. “I want to do it all. I want to finish what I’ve started.”
Truck driving school announces Walsenburg location after SIEA gifts land
A truck driving school has plans to open a second location in Walsenburg after San Isabel Electric gifts land to Huerfano County Government.
June 2024
Energy Scams Unmasked
Learn about the latest lines of attack scammers are using to target San Isabel Electric member-owners.
A feast for the eyes: local potters commissioned to create SIEA annual meeting bowls
How do you top last year’s annual meeting gift of mugs handcrafted by three local potters? We asked the same three potters that made last year’s mugs to make bowls to give away at the 2024 annual meeting.
PARTNERSHIP WITH PRIMERO SCHOOL DISTRICT RESULTS IN NEW GRID RESILIENCY PILOT PROGRAM
A new pilot project is helping San Isabel Electric meet increased electricity demand while saving the electric co-op and the member-owner money!
SIEA Wishes Shauna Vucetich a Happy Retirement
One of the people with the best laughs in the office has retired after a 12-year career at San Isabel Electric. Shauna Vucetich has a plan on how to relax, recharge, and stay engaged in retirement.
May 2024
Scholarship Program Celebrates Unprecedented Success
SIEA’s board selected 39 students to receive $1,000 scholarships, surpassing previous records of number of scholarships awarded and total dollar amount awarded.
Chill Out and Cash In
The hotter it gets, the harder the A/C has to work to keep you cool. Check out our list of 6 ways to save on your summer electric bill.
Beware of Phony Utility Scams
Scammers are now using search engines, like Google, to try and trick you into clicking malicious ads that look like billing portals. Follow these tips to avoid fake utility and search engine ad scams.
SIEA Board Recognized for Leadership Certification
All seven members of SIEA’s Board of Directors have earned their National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Board Leadership Certificates (BLC). In 2023, San Isabel Electric was the only Colorado electric cooperative that had earned this achievement.
April 2024
The Power Behind Your Power
Behind every lineworker there is a family supporting then. Sadie Beach, wife of San Isabel Electric Journeyman Lineman Brendon Beach, shares insights about the families behind lineworkers. Sadly, her husband passed away in a car accident, after a morning of skiing, just a week after she completed the article. Cover photos courtesy of Sadie Beach. Click the link to read her story on page 7, and learn how you can help their family recover from this tragedy.
Thank a Lineworker Coloring Sheet
April is Lineworker Appreciation Month! To thank a lineworker for their hardwork and sacrifice, please color this page and return it to a local San Isabel Electric office near you. Pages will be displayed for lineworkers to see.
March 2024
Solar's Role in Power
Solar is an affordable part of our energy mix. But, it cannot be relied upon during extremes unless grid advancements are made.
How to Optimize Your Investment in Solar Energy
While PV systems are very durable and virtually maintenance free, there is always a better way to use them to their best potential. Here is a basic list of best practices and ways to take full advantage of your solar investment.
High Voltage Future
San Isabel Electric’s Apprenticeship program lights a way for future utility workers.
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