New York is implementing retail wheeling without state legislation, but the other two need statutory authority to proceed. Three things literally leaped out of the state of Colorado-sponsored Electric Advisory Study Panel Report relative to the negative impact of retail wheeling legislation on rural areas in Colorado. Regardless of the negative impact revealed in the study, political experts predict legislation will be passed in the next two to five years. As reported last year, Empire continues to be involved in the communities it serves. Empire employees hang Christmas lights, banners, etc. for the towns in its territory.
Empire grants several scholarships every year.
The business supports all the chamber organizations and assists community libraries. The General Manager began representing Montezuma County on the United Way of Southwest Colorado Board in 1999. Your Board President serves as the Club 20 representative for Montezuma County. Empire employees and members of the Board volunteer for fire departments, school boards, service organizations, Civil Air Patrol, Search and Rescue, city and county government, economic development organizations, etc. Empire's member-owners are the foundation of this utility.