MVEA Welcomed Federal Leaders to Highlight Grid Reliability and Wildfire Mitigation Project

Grant-funded infrastructure improvements will directly benefit MVEA members

FALCON, Colo., Oct. 28, 2026 – Mountain View Electric Association, Inc. (MVEA) welcomed the Honorable Catherine Jereza, Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity, and federal and state representatives to its Black Squirrel Substation for a firsthand look at infrastructure improvements that will strengthen electric reliability, resilience and wildfire preparedness.

Supported by grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), the project will upgrade critical substation infrastructure and enhance wildfire mitigation capabilities across MVEA’s system. Approximately 11,000 MVEA members will directly benefit from the improvements.

“Our members count on us to plan ahead and make thoughtful investments in the system they depend on every day,” said Ruth Marks, MVEA CEO. “This funding helps us put those plans into action while making the most of our members’ dollars. We are grateful to our federal and state partners for recognizing the needs of our communities and investing in their future.”

During the visit, representatives from DOE and CEO joined MVEA staff to review project progress, view the infrastructure improvements and hear updates from the team leading the work.

“When wildfire risks rise, the electric grid needs to be ready,” said Katie Jereza, Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity. “Smarter monitoring and faster response will help Mountain View Electric Association keep Colorado families and businesses powered, protected, and prepared when it matters most.”

“Collaborative efforts to increase grid resilience are essential to ensure Coloradans across the state can keep the lights on,” said Will Toor, Executive Director of Colorado Energy Office. “MVEA’s project, like many others the state supports, protects Colorado homes and businesses by preventing the spread of wildfires through early detection, while reducing grid outages when fires do occur. This work goes a long way to improve air quality and safeguard local economies, and we are pleased to support this project to keep Coloradans safe, healthy, and connected.”

Expected to be completed in early 2027, the project advances MVEA’s ongoing commitment to investing in infrastructure that benefits members now while preparing for future needs.