Is irrigation important to you? By Eric Eriksen
If so, then you’ll want to register for the 5th Annual Colorado Master Irrigator 
Program: San Luis Valley. It is coming up soon. Go online to: www.comasterirrigator.org/page/san-luis-valley and register today.
Yes, irrigation is important to me, our employees and all our members. It’s over 40 percent of our revenue in a few short months (see 2025 Percent Revenue by Rate Class graph below)— not to mention the jobs and many other services it provides in the Valley. That’s why I’ll be presenting on March 2, 2:30 pm at the Rio Grande Water Conservation District. Come say “hi,” and learn how you can save water, energy and real dollars through the SLVREC’s Electrify & Save: Irrigation program. Professional engineering partners from Adams State University will be joining us. Participants over the past two years have seen real savings—so can you! This is your year.
2025 Percent Revenue by Rate Class
Launching the 2026 Road Map
In January 2026, we launched the annual Road Map (See figure below). The “Goals” section of the map illustrates four focus areas: Workforce, Financial, Reliability and Communications. Under each focus area are the associated goals we plan to accomplish this year. Each one is aligned to drive us toward our five-year strategic plan. Here is a brief description of each one for you:
Workforce
AI Member Service Assistant – to improve the member experience by augmenting the member service employees with AI tools.
Member Service Policies – to simplify and improve the member terms and conditions documents for a better member experience and economic development.
Fiber Connectivity Mapping – complete integration of the fiber network into GIS mapping.
Reliability
Meter Data Management System – to improve meter data analytics for faster and more accurate information used to support members’ safe, reliable and affordable service.
Wildfire Mitigation – mitigate risk by implementing re-engineered “hardened” higher-risk sections of the power line in the western portions of the service area. This work will utilize the $854,000 grant awarded to SLVREC.
Grid Automation – Strategically implement smart grid “automated” devices that can be operated remotely, detect problems, and improve power quality for increased reliability.
AI Grid Inspection – Use Street View cars and piloted drones to capture electric system-wide imagery that will then be analyzed by AI software. The resulting data will significantly enhance the efficiency of deploying resources for repairs/maintenance and vegetation management, while also saving money.
Financial
Ciello Strategic Plan – this is an update to the original 10-year plan to ensure competitiveness and member-focused services for the long run.
Cyber Security Incident Response Protocols – Develop and practice responding to mock cybersecurity incidents for better preparedness.
Asset Life Cycle Study (depreciation) – A financial study evaluating the aging of the electric and broadband system to support maximized value.
Communications
Member Communication Technology – Implement new software to improve and increase automated member communications and notifications, such as automated outage notifications.
Website Engagement Plan – Evaluate existing website and develop a plan to improve the member experience.
HomeServe – provide an insurance option for members that covers “gaps” in traditional homeowner policies.
We’re here whenever you need us. Connect with us online, in person, or through our social media channels. However you choose to connect, please let us know how we can serve you. Tom Bodett said it best, “We’ll keep the lights on for you."
