Western Watts

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.

4.3 (6)
TECHNOLOGY
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Discover how Tri-State and our members are embracing the opportunity to power the West in our new podcast, Western Watts! We'll dive into the heart of energy issues, from reliability to wildfire mitigation, and share firsthand insights relevant to rural, agricultural and mountain communities across Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.

FEB 3

Law and Order: Water Court with Jackie Brown

What do river rapids, rural Colorado, and the future of Western water policy all have in common? In this episode of Western Watts, hosts Elizabeth Shilling and Julia Eshleman interview Jackie Brown, the Senior Water and Natural Resource Policy Advisor at Tri-State. Jackie shares her extensive background in water policy and natural resource management, detailing her journey from raft guiding to her current role. The conversation delves into the complexities of water management in the Western United States, the history and impact of water rights, and Tri-State's efforts in balancing industrial use with environmental stewardship. Topics include the significance of water in rural Colorado, the challenges posed by drought, legislative efforts to protect water rights, and practical tips for water conservation.

41 min
FEB 3

Mend the Gap with Duane Highley

What happens when parts of the Western grid aren’t fully connected — and how do we fix it? In this episode of Western Watts, hosts Elizabeth Schilling and Julia Eshleman sit down with Tri‑State CEO Duane Highley to explore how regional transmission organizations (RTOs) can help mend the gap between fragmented power systems in the West. Duane breaks down what RTOs are, why coordination across state lines matters, and how joining the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) RTO will benefit communities across Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Wyoming. From lowering long‑term costs and improving reliability to smarter transmission planning and better use of existing resources, this conversation gets to the heart of how a more connected grid can work better for everyone. 🎧 Tune in to learn how regional collaboration is shaping the future of energy in the West.

27 min
JAN 6

Don't Tower Your Power with Jennifer Prokop

From planning the environment to shaping the future of energy. Jennifer Prokop joins Elizabeth Shilling and Julia Eshelman on Western Watts to share how Tri-State’s Demand Response program is transforming grid reliability and cutting costs for members. Discover the innovative strategies behind smart thermostats, irrigation management, and industrial load adjustments, and learn why collaboration and education are key to powering communities across the rural West.

36 min
12/03/2025

Battery Banter with Sarah Ruen

Ever wondered how batteries could reshape the future of energy? Join Elizabeth Shilling and Julia Eshelman as they interview Sarah Ruen, Vice President of Regulatory and Origination at Tri-State, discussing the evolving role of battery storage in energy management. They cover topics such as the benefits of battery storage, the integration of renewable resources, utility-scale battery operation, and the challenges and strategies involved in implementing new battery projects. Their conversation highlights the importance of battery technology in stabilizing the grid, increasing the efficiency of renewable energy, and ensuring system reliability. The discussion also touches on the future potential and ongoing efforts to adapt to new technologies in the cooperative energy sector.

25 min
10/06/2025

Zombies, Tornadoes and Wildfires with Pete Slintak

What happens when a childhood tornado scare sparks a lifelong mission to protect communities from disaster? In this episode of the Western Watts Podcast, hosts Elizabeth Shilling and Julia Eshelman interview Pete Slintak, the Business Resiliency Manager at Tri-State. Pete discusses his role in preparing for and responding to natural or cyber disasters, all driven by his passion for crisis management and community service. The conversation covers various incidents, including the recent Lee Fire, emphasizing the importance of early detection, inter-agency coordination, and having robust emergency plans. Pete highlights the significance of maintaining strong community relationships and mutual aid among cooperatives to enhance regional disaster response. The podcast concludes with insights into future challenges, such as cyber threats and environmental changes, and the importance of continuous preparedness and adaptability. Through it all, Pete shows that resilience begins long before the sirens sound.

37 min
09/30/2025

Road Trippin' with Jay Mendoza

How do four Relationship Managers cover nearly 200,000 square miles of member service territories? In this special National Cooperative Month episode, we sit down with Jay Mendoza, Tri-State's Member Relations Manager, to explore the heart of cooperative service: Relationships. Hear how his team builds trust, supports members, and strengthens our community every day.

34 min
09/02/2025

Snapping Into Compliance with Chris Reichard

What does it really take to power our communities without polluting them? In this episode of the Western Watts Podcast, hosts Elizabeth Shilling and Julia Perry sit down with Chris Reichard, Senior Environmental Policy Analyst at Tri-State, to uncover the surprisingly fascinating world of environmental compliance in the electric utility industry. From decoding complex regulations to protecting air, water, and wildlife, Chris shares how his childhood curiosity evolved into a career safeguarding both reliability and sustainability. You’ll hear: How environmental compliance directly impacts grid reliabilityBehind-the-scenes stories of conservation efforts you’ve probably never heard ofWhy monarch butterflies are now part of Tri-State’s environmental strategyWhether you're an energy insider or just curious about how utilities balance power and preservation, this episode delivers eye-opening insights with heart and humor.

40 min
08/19/2025

GIS: One Bite at a Time

What if the key to managing power consumption, wildfires, and infrastructure planning was hidden in a map? Join hosts Elizabeth Shilling and Julia Perry on the Western Watts Podcast as they dive into the world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with Rich Garcia, the Geospatial Data Systems Manager at Tri-State. With 15 years at Tri-State, Rich has witnessed the evolution of GIS technology and its critical role in maintaining and advancing the company's infrastructure. From mapping transmission lines to developing innovative applications like outage management and easement tracking, Rich shares how his team ensures operational efficiency and strategic planning across Tri-State's vast service territory. Discover how GIS is transforming data into actionable insights and making daily operations smoother for all departments involved. Tune in to explore the technology that keeps the lights on and much more!

24 min

4.3

out of 5

6 Ratings

Discover how Tri-State and our members are embracing the opportunity to power the West in our new podcast, Western Watts! We'll dive into the heart of energy issues, from reliability to wildfire mitigation, and share firsthand insights relevant to rural, agricultural and mountain communities across Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.

Creator

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

22
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.
Show Website

Western Watts