About Us
Trinchera Ranch established Smart Valley Energy to provide a place where concerned citizens can learn more information about the utilities’ proposed transmission line and make sure their voices are heard.
We believe that improvements need to be made to ensure Southern Colorado, and especially the San Luis Valley, have reliable energy. We also see tremendous opportunities for the region to benefit from renewable energy generation – either as a means of securing reliable energy for the Valley or to create economic opportunities by transmitting excess power out of the Valley.
However, we don’t believe that the San Luis Valley needs to sacrifice the natural treasures that make it so unique to achieve these goals.
Xcel and Tri-State are pursuing plans to build a massive transmission line across one of the most pristine and beautiful areas in the state. We believe that there are better, smarter, less-impactful ways to meet our state and regional energy needs while preserving the natural environment that makes the San Luis Valley so special.
In fact, a leading national transmission expert identified numerous options the utilities refuse to consider that ensure energy reliability and provide as much or more transmission capacity as the utilities’ proposal. Costing tens of millions less, these options are not only better for your monthly utility bill, they are better for the pristine areas of the San Luis Valley as well.
We feel the utilities must stop ignoring the best options for the Valley. The ongoing environmental approval process needs to include a thorough, accurate and fair examination of all reasonable alternatives.