Western Watts

Ride-Along with Adrian Garcia from Line Maintenance

Keeping the power on often requires long days, tough conditions, and strong leadership in the field. In this episode, Line Foreman Adrian Garcia takes us inside his current work along the Frontier–Picacho transmission line in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Adrian shares how he leads crews maintaining and restoring critical transmission infrastructure—and why their work is essential to system reliability for the communities our members serve.

Ride-Along with John Swanson from Substation Maintenance

From breakers to protective relays, reliable power depends on experts who know every detail of the system.  As a Substation Technician, John Swanson works at facilities like the Cahone Substation, helping ensure our transmission system operates safely and efficiently each day.  In this episode, John offers insight into his role at substations and how they help deliver power to our members.

Ride-Along with Nick Franklin from Telecommunications

Reliable power starts with reliable communication.  In this episode, Telecommunications Foreman Nick Franklin takes us behind the scenes of the systems that keep remote locations connected across the transmission network. From maintaining critical infrastructure to supporting safe, dependable power delivery, Nick’s work plays a vital role in keeping energy flowing where it’s needed most.

High Voltage, High Stakes

In this episode of Western Watts, hosts Elizabeth Schilling and Julia Eshleman sit down with Travis Berg, Vice President of Transmission Maintenance at Tri‑State, for an inside look at the people and systems that keep the power flowing. Travis breaks down how Tri-State's transmission line, substation, and telecommunication department work together across our four states, and why much of this critical work happens far from public view. From wildfire response and storm restoration to safety and leadership, the conversation highlights the skill, dedication, and teamwork behind grid reliability. It’s a powerful reminder that keeping the lights on takes far more than meets the eye, and that these transmission workers and their families all play a vital role.

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.