The season of giving, by Eric Eriksen

As the holiday season approaches and the air turns crisp, we’re reminded that this truly is the season of giving. It’s a time for gratitude, generosity and looking out for one another—and at San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative and Ciello, that’s something we take to heart year-round.

You’ve probably heard us talk about our concern for community. It’s not just a nice phrase—it’s one of the core principles that make electric cooperatives like ours different from other utilities. We’re not just here to keep the lights on (though of course, we’re always working hard to do that). We’re here to make life better for the people we serve—our members, our neighbors and our friends.  We Care!

Over the years, we’ve faced challenges together, and every time, our co-op family has stepped up. We’ve come together to support those in need, to keep our community strong and to build something better for the future. That spirit of generosity is never more evident than during the holiday season.

Take our SLVREC Energy Foundation Round-Up program, for example. Thanks to the generosity of members like you who round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar, we’re able to provide real help to local families who are struggling to make ends meet. Every little bit adds up, and it makes a big difference.

SLV REC prioritizes secondary education when giving back to the Valley. With over $200,000 given in the past five years, REC will award up to nine scholarships in 2026 to local students, including one four-year scholarship to Adams State University.  

We’re also proud to support local students through the Youth Tour and Youth Camp programs, where we send some of our community’s brightest young people to Washington, D.C., and Steamboat Springs, to see democracy in action, develop leadership skills and dream big about their futures. That’s giving in the most meaningful way—by investing in tomorrow’s leaders.

Do you have a high school junior or senior? Apply today.  Scholarships, Youth Tour, and the Youth Camp applications are open now. For more information, click HERE.

And because we care deeply about safety, we also spend time visiting schools throughout the communities we serve, holding demonstrations and teaching folks of all ages how to stay safe around electricity. We believe knowledge is a gift too, and we love sharing it.

You’ll also find our team out in the community beyond work— coaching youth sports, volunteering at local events, serving on non-profit boards, and partnering with people and organizations to keep our local economy strong. Because when you’re part of a co-op, giving back isn’t a requirement; it’s just what you do.
While the holiday season is a festive time, we understand these can be tough times for many. If you need advice on saving energy to reduce your energy bills, want to explore payment plan options or you simply have questions—please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can find a list of our current member-focused programs HERE.  This includes our Electrify & Save program, where 100 percent of participants (residential, small commercial, irrigation) have saved real money. Be watching for our new HomeServe program to be rolled out in 2026. We’re here to help, not just during the holiday season, but all year long.

At SLVREC/Ciello, we believe concern for community is more than a value—it’s the heart of who we are. And during this season of giving, we’re especially grateful to be part of such a caring, generous community.

From all of us, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful, safe and bright holiday season.