Two energy co-ops ask state regulators to allow divorce from Tri-State

WESTMINSTER — Two electric co-ops are petitioning state regulators to force Westminster-based power wholesaler Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Inc. to give them quotes for exit fees.

In filings with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission earlier this month, Durango-based La Plata Electric Association Inc. (LPEA) and Brighton’s United Power Inc. both claim Tri-State refused to give it an exit fee quote when it requested one in early July and in August 2018, respectively.

United Power and LPEA are both required to buy 95 percent of their power mix from Tri-State. The two co-ops combined provided 21.8…