San Miguel Power Association Assessing Microgrids to Increase Resilience
San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) is developing community-scale microgrids for remote Colorado towns in the San Juan Mountains, aiming to enhance resilience against blizzards and avalanches. Last winter, Silverton faced a severe “snowpocalypse” leaving residents without electricity until SMPA lineworkers managed a quick restoration, prompting the co-op to pursue microgrids for reliable, community-wide emergency power backup. With grants secured and plans in progress, these microgrids promise warmth, device charging, and improved resilience for towns like Ophir, Rico, and Ridgway, showcasing the cooperative’s commitment to member service and environmental responsibility.