Mesa Verde National Park worked with its electric cooperative, Empire Electric Association, to incorporate solar power into its new visitors center.
U. S. Rep. John Salazar was on hand this past summer when park officials and other local community leaders gathered to announce the construction of the new visitor and curatorial center. The new facility will incorporate the most efficient and sustainable techniques, including eight solar photovoltaic panels that allow the park to generate some electricity on site. For the park’s additional energy requirements, Empire Electric is selling nearly 1,000 blocks of Green Power for the new center and two existing facilities.
“It’s a pleasure being here today to celebrate one of America’s greatest historical and cultural resources, while at the same time commending Mesa Verde’s commitment to utilizing natural, renewable resources as it makes plans for the future,” said Rep. Salazar.
Earlier in the year, Mesa Verde National Park superintendent Larry Weise contacted Empire electric to inquire about purchasing renewable energy certificates to offset the park’s electric use. By purchasing approximately 1,000 blocks per month of Green Power, Mesa Verde will be powering its entire operations with domestic, renewable energy.
As Empire Electric’s power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission purchases the renewable energy on the open market through RECs derived from wind, solar, small hydroelectric and biomass energy projects. For 10 years, Tri-State and its member systems have supported the continued development of renewable energy resources through its Green Power program.