In a world often defined by transactions and bottom lines, Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association (PVREA) stands as a testament to what happens when a utility is rooted in community. As an electric cooperative, PVREA serves power to a lot of rural areas in Northern Colorado, as far south as Boulder County and as far north as areas like Red Feather, and even parts of Southern Wyoming, maintaining a reputation of one of the lowest rates in the state, while continuing to serve its community in the best way possible. The heartbeat of this organization can be felt most vividly through the voices of those who dedicate their days to carrying out its vision. Jessica Quintana, a devoted member of the PVREA family and Community Member Relations Administrator, embodies this spirit of giving that defines the cooperative's relationship with the community it serves.
For Jessica, working at PVREA is not just a job—it’s a calling, a place where she feels the impact of her work resonate beyond the office walls. “Being a part of this company is that it’s more than just an electric utility to me,” she reflects. The cooperative model, where members are more than customers but active participants, fosters an atmosphere where every action is a step toward shared success. Even as an employee, PVREA encourages an environment of equality and inclusivity by raising the same standards of excellence for the team as they do for the community it serves.
The PVREA culture is one that prioritizes service, connection, and the well-being of the community at large. During the 85th Anniversary Birthday Bash, which brought families together under a sky painted with the vibrant hues of purples, oranges, and pinks, a representation that denotes Colorado dusk, PVREA created an atmosphere of simple joys: children dancing around friendly farm creatures at the petting zoo, friends gathered in clusters to listen to the local band, and neighbors bonding over painting a pumpkin. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the flare of the Colorado night came alive with the first spark of fireworks displayed for the PVREA members, it became clear that the gathering was about more than just fun; it was about togetherness.
“We wanted it to be a fun family night out. Our dedicated long-term members, who've been with us for 30 years or more, come just because that co-op mindset is instilled in them,” Jessica shares. “Those are the highlights of all the things that we do for our community, because all of this comes down to the seventh co-op principle that we live by… concern for community.” That’s a simple principle that holds a deep truth. PVREA’s commitment isn’t confined to its core mission of providing affordable, reliable electricity. The cooperative’s true power lies in how it acts as a conduit for building community, fostering hope, and creating opportunities for everyone it touches.
This spirit of giving back runs through the veins of PVREA’s day-to-day operations and special initiatives alike. One of their standout programs is their energy assistance where they partner with La Familia, House of Neighborly Services, and Colorado Energy Outreach to give money back to people who need a “hand up”, ensuring that no family goes without power.
Jessica’s eyes lit up as she described the Empower Grant Program, a grant program for teachers and educators in Weld, Boulder, and Larimer counties, that help support up to $25,000 to teachers in those school districts who are focused on STEAM related educational projects. “We try to make it accessible for any teacher that's doing an awesome project who could use some extra help, which in turn is giving back to our community and helping make a huge impact.”
The cooperative’s giving doesn’t end there. PVREA is deeply invested in nurturing the next generation. Their scholarship programs and youth outreach initiatives inspire students to dream bigger, providing opportunities that many might not have had otherwise. Each year, scholarships help young people pursue higher education whether in trade schools, community college or universities, like CSU. These efforts are designed to plant seeds that will grow into future leaders who understand the importance of sustainability, technology, and community involvement.
The cooperative focuses on being a reliable source of education on energy-efficient practices, what is coming down the industry pipeline, and fostering a sustainable future. They offer incentives, rewards, and rebates to advocate for energy management and conservation. PVREA also regularly partners with local schools, businesses, and first responders to host energy and electric safety workshops, teaching the community that safety and sustainability aren’t just concepts but practical parts of everyday life.
As part of all of the good this co-op does, PVREA also creates a rich and benevolent working environment, making sure that all of its employees feel taken care of. “We have lots of different team days or team outings where our families can come along for a fun night out, places like an Eagles game or Rodeo during the Larimer County fair,” Jessica reminisces over good times with work friends. It is refreshing to see a company value its employees by also helping redistribute the role of community through instilling that sense of community in its employees with a fun night out. Beyond just a good time, however, PVREA gets serious with its employees by valuing the importance of health and wellness. Not only do they have great benefits, but they promote mental and emotional well being, “encouraging a healthy environment which in turn leads to mental health as well.”
What it really comes down to is the morale and impactful footprint that is why PVREA is such a great not-for-profit company. They proudly tout the cooperative difference, living by the 7 cooperative principles that embody all co-ops. “It’s a completely different skeleton and body when you’re thinking about an organization,” Jessica reflects. “With all of the co-op principles and the way that we work, it is all for a purpose and that purpose is our members.”
When asked what she loves most about working for PVREA, Jessica doesn’t hesitate. “With all of our giving, member outreach and listening and helping people in turn… When you go on the more specific side of what we do, we provide electricity to people, a necessity, we get to do that with all this goodness surrounding it. I’m just so proud to work here.”
As December approaches and the season of giving takes center stage, PVREA stands as a reminder that service to one’s community is not seasonal. It is, at its best, a constant force. Through their unwavering commitment to empowering and uplifting those around them, PVREA proves that the greatest impact isn’t measured in megawatts but in moments of connection, care, and compassion.
PVREA proves that the greatest impact isn’t measured in megawatts but in moments of connection, care, and compassion.
“With all of our giving, member outreach and listening and helping people in turn… I’m just so proud to work here.”