↑ parent activity group ·
research dossier →

SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY ELECTRIC

WILLCOX, AZ · EIN 860059728 · Form 990 · FY2020 · NTEE W80 · Public & Societal Benefit · Very Large (>$50M) · www.ssvec.org
revenue
$112.9M
expenses
$112.5M
net assets
$154.5M
employees
176
mission · from form 990

TO PROVIDE QUALITY AND RELIABLE ELECTRIC SERVICE TO MEMBERS OF THE COOPERATIVE.

profile · synthesized from sources

Electric utility cooperative providing power to over 60,000 meters across 5,700 square miles in southeastern Arizona. Offers electricity distribution, surge protection, energy efficiency programs, wildfire mitigation, and youth initiatives. Member-owned and governed by a democratically elected board, serving rural and suburban communities since 1938.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2020

what they reported doing

Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.

  1. #1 primary $0
    ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SERVICES (THE DELIVERY, BUT NOT THE SALE OF ELECTRICITY, TO A CUSTOMER OVER LINES OWNED, OPERATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE COOPERATIVE) WERE PROVIDED TO THE CLASS B MEMBERSHIP ON A COOPERATIVE BASIS.
named programs · 6 · from sources

what they call their work

Avian Nesting Program
Voluntary federal partnership with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services to monitor and reduce power-related avian injuries and fatalities.
Energy Efficiency Programs
Offers rebates and incentives for members who adopt energy-saving technologies and practices to reduce consumption and costs.
Operation Roundup
Voluntary program allowing members to round up their monthly electric bill to support local community organizations and individuals in need.
Power Protection Program
Lease-based surge protection program offering whole-house surge protection via a meter-attached device and plug-in modules for sensitive electronics, with repair or replacement warranty coverage.
Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Comprehensive strategy including vegetation management, asset inspection, equipment upgrades, and community outreach to reduce utility-caused wildfires and protect infrastructure in fire-prone areas.
Youth Programs
Includes Washington Youth Tour, SSVEC Scholarship Fund, and YES Fair to support youth development and education for high school students in the service area.
activities · 16 groups

what they do

  • Avian Habitat Protection & Relocation 6 activities
    • Avian Injury and Fatality Monitoring
      Participates in a voluntary federal program with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services to track power-related avian injuries and fatalities, aiming to develop prevention strategies.
    • Avian Injury and Fatality Tracking
      Participates in a voluntary federal program with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services to monitor and track avian injuries and fatalities related to power infrastructure to develop prevention strategies.
    • Avian Monitoring and Conservation Advocacy
      Participates in a voluntary federal program with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services to monitor and track avian injuries and fatalities related to power infrastructure, using data to develop prevention strategies.
    • Avian Protection Program
      Modifies construction standards to include raptor protection on new utility structures, retrofits older poles with protection after avian incidents, uses nesting deterrents, and relocates active bird nests from hazardous utility infrastructure, partnering with rehabilitators when necessary.
    • Avian Protection and Mitigation
      Modifies construction standards to include raptor protection on new utility structures, retrofits older poles after avian incidents, uses nesting deterrents, and relocates active bird nests to protect avian populations from utility infrastructure hazards.
    • Avian Protection and Wildfire Mitigation
      Implements avian protection measures including raptor-safe construction standards on new utility structures, retrofitting older poles after incidents, using nesting deterrents, and relocating active nests when necessary in partnership with rehabilitators. Also conducts wildfire mitigation through vegetation management, asset inspections, equipment upgrades, community outreach, and technological improvements to reduce ignition risks.
  • Electric Bill Round-Up Programs 3 activities
    • Charitable Trust Operation
      Operates a charitable trust that collects rounded-up electric bill contributions from members to fund charitable projects in the service area.
    • Charitable Trust Operation
      Operates a charitable trust that collects rounded-up electric bill contributions from members to fund charitable projects within the service area.
    • Charitable Trust and Community Giving
      Operates a charitable trust that collects voluntary, rounded-up contributions from members’ electric bills to fund community projects within the service area.
  • Member Benefits and Support Services 3 activities
    • Co-op Connections Discount Program
      Offers members discounts on health and wellness, travel and entertainment, safety and security, local and national deals, and insurance. Includes access to discounted theme park tickets and hotel stays with savings up to 60% at top-tier hotels.
    • Member Discount Programs
      Offers discounts on health and wellness, travel and entertainment, safety and security, and various local and national deals through the Co-op Connections program, including discounted theme park tickets and hotel accommodations.
    • Member Discount Programs
      Offers members discounts on health and wellness, travel, entertainment, safety, security, and insurance through the Co-op Connections program, including discounted theme park tickets and hotel accommodations.
  • Solar Energy System Installation 3 activities
    • Community Solar Initiatives
      Installed solar shade structures at all area schools through the SSVEC Solar for Schools project, allowing schools to retain the produced electricity.
    • Solar for Schools Initiative
      Installed solar shade structures at all area schools through the SSVEC Solar for Schools project, allowing schools to retain the electricity generated for their own use.
    • Solar for Schools Project
      Installs solar shade structures at all area schools through the SSVEC Solar for Schools project, allowing schools to retain the produced electricity.
  • Community Safety Education Programs 3 activities
    • Electric Safety Outreach and Education
      Partners with SafeElectricity.org to promote electrical safety among members, employees, and the public. Provides wildfire prevention and mitigation information via website and social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter.
    • Electricity Safety Promotion
      Partners with SafeElectricity.org to promote the safe use of electricity among its members, employees, and the public.
    • Electricity Safety Promotion
      Partners with SafeElectricity.org to promote the safe use of electricity among its members, employees, and the public.
  • Electricity Distribution & Transmission Services 3 activities
    • Electricity Distribution and Infrastructure Management
      Provides electricity to more than 60,000 services across approximately 4,100–4,200 miles of energized distribution lines, maintaining 32 substations and a service area of over 5,700 square miles. Operates and maintains a fleet of 187 vehicles and employs 161 workers to support delivery and infrastructure needs.
    • Electricity Distribution and Management
      Provides electricity to over 60,000 services across approximately 4,100 miles of energized distribution lines, managing 32 substations and over 4,200 miles of energized line within a service area of over 5,700 square miles. This includes monthly meter reading and billing, as well as managing service disconnections and late charges.
    • Electricity Distribution and Service
      Provides electricity to over 60,000 services across approximately 4,100 miles of energized distribution lines, maintaining 32 substations and 187 fleet vehicles. This includes monthly meter reading, billing, and managing service connections and disconnections.
  • Home Energy Audits & Reviews 3 activities
    • Energy Audits
      Provides free energy audits to members upon request to help them identify ways to improve energy efficiency.
    • Energy Audits
      Offers free energy audits to members upon request to help them identify ways to save energy.
    • Free Energy Audits
      Provides free energy audits upon request via phone or email to help members identify opportunities for energy savings and efficiency improvements.
  • Renewable Energy Grid Transition 3 activities
    • Energy Mix Diversification
      Reduced coal-generated energy from over 80% in 2016 to 26% in 2024, while increasing natural gas to over 40.7%, hydropower to 6.3%, and solar to over 12% of its energy mix, including a second large solar field with battery backup.
    • Energy Mix Transition and Renewable Energy Development
      Reduced coal-generated energy from over 80% in 2016 to 25.1% in 2018 and 26% in 2024, while increasing natural gas, hydro, and solar. Expanded solar production to over 12% by adding a second large solar field with battery backup and increased hydropower through new contracts, including from Hoover Dam.
    • Energy Source Diversification
      Reduces reliance on coal-generated energy, decreasing it from over 80% in 2016 to 25.1% in 2018 and 26% in 2024, while increasing natural gas, hydro (to 6.3% through new Hoover power contracts), and solar (to over 12% with a second large solar field and battery backup) in its energy mix.
  • Digital Banking and Payment Services 3 activities
    • Member Account Management and Billing Services
      Offers a mobile application for bill payment and account management, provides online bill viewing and payment options, and allocates annual surplus revenues to member accounts as Membership Equity, which is retired approximately 25 years later via checks or bill credits.
    • Member Account Management and Digital Services
      Offers a mobile application that enables members to pay bills, manage accounts, and receive real-time notifications. Also provides online access to account information and transaction history.
    • Online Account Management and Bill Payment
      Offers a mobile application and online portal for members to pay bills, manage accounts, and receive real-time notifications, including viewing bills and making payments via credit card or bank account.
  • Member and Service Provider Directories 3 activities
    • Retailer Marketing Support
      Provides free marketing to enrolled retailers and service providers by featuring them in bill inserts, cooperative newsletters, and Currents magazine.
    • Retailer Marketing Support
      Provides free marketing to enrolled retailers and service providers by featuring them in SSVEC bill inserts, cooperative newsletters, and Currents magazine.
    • Retailer and Service Provider Marketing Support
      Provides free marketing to enrolled retailers and service providers by featuring them in SSVEC bill inserts, cooperative newsletters, and Currents magazine.
  • Smart Metering and Energy Management Programs 3 activities
    • Surge Protection Program
      Offers a surge protection program with a 36-month lease, $79.95 start-up fee, and $8.95 monthly charge, including installation of a whole-house surge protection device at the meter and provision of four plug-in modules. Supports members through the claim process, removes and ships units when needed, and delivers starter kits upon installation.
    • Surge Protection Program
      Offers a surge protection program with a lease option, including installation of a whole-house surge protection device at the meter, four plug-in modules, and assistance with surge damage claims.
    • Surge Protection Program
      Offers a surge protection program that includes installation of a whole-house surge protection device at the meter, four plug-in modules for sensitive electronics, and assistance with surge damage claims, with a 36-month minimum lease.
  • High School Student Scholarships and Educational Trips 3 activities
    • Youth Education and Scholarships
      Sponsors six high school juniors annually for all-expense-paid trips to Washington, D.C., and awards thirty $3,000 scholarships annually to graduating high school seniors in its service area.
    • Youth Education and Scholarships
      Sponsors six high school juniors annually for all-expense-paid trips to Washington, D.C., and awards thirty $3,000 scholarships annually to graduating high school seniors in its service area.
    • Youth and Education Support Programs
      Sponsors six high school juniors annually for all-expense-paid trips to Washington, DC, and awards thirty $3,000 scholarships each year to graduating seniors in the cooperative’s service area.
  • Youth Civic Leadership Development 3 activities
    • Youth Engagement and Community Partnerships
      Participates in the Y.O.U.T.H. program developed by the Cochise County Sheriff's Department to support youth development and community engagement.
    • Youth Program Participation
      Participates in the Your Organization of Utilities To Help (Y.O.U.T.H.) program developed by the Cochise County Sheriff's Department.
    • Youth Program Participation
      Participates in the Your Organization of Utilities To Help (Y.O.U.T.H.) program developed by the Cochise County Sheriff's Department.
  • Capital Credit Allocation and Retirement 2 activities
    • Membership Equity Allocation and Retirement
      Allocates annual surplus revenues to member accounts as Membership Equity, which is retired approximately 25 years after allocation via checks or bill credits, and processes claims for deceased members' equity.
    • Membership Equity Allocation and Retirement
      Allocates annual surplus revenues to member accounts as Membership Equity, which is retired approximately 25 years later via checks or bill credits. Processes claims for deceased members through submission of an Estate Retirement Form and maintains records for former members to issue retirement payments.
  • Wildfire Risk Mitigation Services 2 activities
    • Wildfire Mitigation and Prevention
      Implements wildfire mitigation programs, including vegetation management, asset inspection and maintenance, equipment upgrades, and community outreach, to reduce the potential for utility-caused ignitions.
    • Wildfire Mitigation and Prevention
      Implements wildfire mitigation programs by managing vegetation, inspecting and maintaining assets, upgrading equipment, and conducting community outreach, while also providing information on wildfire prevention through its website and social media.
  • Uncategorized 4 activities
    • Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
      Provides rebates for the installation of energy-efficient electric appliances, including $100 for electric storage water heaters and $500 for various all-electric heat pump systems (package, split, and ductless), and $200 for dual fuel heat pump systems.
    • Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
      Offers rebates for the installation of energy-efficient electric appliances, including $100 for electric storage water heaters and $500 for various all-electric and dual-fuel heat pump systems that meet specific efficiency standards.
    • Energy Efficiency and Electrification Rebate Programs
      Offers financial incentives for energy-efficient electric appliances, including $500 rebates for qualifying all-electric heat pump systems (package, split, and ductless), $200 for dual fuel systems, and $100 for electric storage water heaters meeting specific efficiency standards.
    • Member Billing and Payment Services
      Reads meters and issues bills on a monthly cycle, offering online bill viewing and payment via credit card or bank account. Also imposes late charges, service disconnections, and additional deposits for overdue payments as specified in tariffs, and assesses fees for returned checks, failed drafts, and declined payments.
financials · form 990 · fy2020
revenue
Total revenue$112.87M
Contributions & grants$00%
Program service revenue$111.46M99%
Investment income$240K0%
Other revenue$1.17M
expenses
Total expenses$112.53M
Program expenses
Admin / overhead
Fundraising
Salaries & benefits$14.16M
Grants paid out$222K
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$319.49M
Cash$14.87M
Investments$63.22M
Liabilities$165.00M
Net assets$154.49M
Liquid reserves8.3 mo
1 years on record · 2020–2020
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2020

who runs it

paid leadership · 22
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
CREDEN HUBER CEO (SEE SCH O DISCLSOURE) 48 $3.99M
JACK BLAIR MSO 48 $327K
JASON BOWLING CAO 50 $294K
NATHAN HODGES COO 45 $286K
DANIEL WILSON DOE 46 $286K
ORSON GARNSEY CITO 45 $264K
RON LEE CFO 48 $260K
RICHARD ELLIS JOURNEYMAN LINEMAN 53 $239K
MANUEL GONZALES TECH SVC/FLEET MANAGER 47 $214K
DAVID BANE KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER 43 $196K
JAMES FREEMAN CONTROLLER 46 $187K
LUIS MONTANO FOREMAN 50 $181K
JAMES JOHNSON DIRECTOR 7 $21K
DONALD GENE MANRING VICE PRESIDENT 4 $17K
JOSEPH BEAM DIRECTOR 6 $17K
KATHRYN THATCHER DIRECTOR 5 $17K
RANDY REDMOND DIRECTOR 5 $15K
THOMAS GOODMAN SECRETARY 3 $14K
DAN BARRERA PRESIDENT 5 $13K
CURTIS NOLAN TREASURER 4 $12K
PETE GILLESPIE DIRECTOR 3 $11K
PAT ENGLISH DIRECTOR 3 $10K
relationships · 16

who they work with

  • Arizona Corporation Commission Government — State regulatory agency that has approved SSVEC's rules, regulations, and rates for electric service.
  • Arizona Power Electric Cooperative Partner — Power supplier that is planning projects to increase the amount of power provided to SSVEC.
  • Cochise County Sheriff's Department Partner — Participates in the Your Organization of Utilities To Help (Y.O.U.T.H.) program developed by the department.
  • EFI Electronics Partner — Manufacturer of surge protection equipment; handles claims and provides warranty support for SSVEC's program.
  • Energy Star Partner — Directs members to Energy Star for federal tax credit information on energy-efficient equipment.
  • Hoover Power Partner — Supplier of hydroelectric power under new contracts increasing SSVEC's hydro power share.
  • NISC Partner — Provider of the Smart Hub online payment system used by SSVEC for processing member bill payments.
  • SSVEC Government — Administers the Operation Round-Up program and manages the Charitable Trust for distributing funds to local charitable projects.
  • SSVEC Foundation Partner — Receives donated Membership Equity from members to fund scholarships and educational programs.
  • SafeElectricity.org Partner — Partners to promote the safe use of electricity and is supported by the award-winning Safe Electricity program.
  • TESCO Partner — Manufacturer of surge protection equipment; handles claims and provides warranty support for SSVEC's program.
  • Touchstone Energy Partner — Collaborates with other Touchstone Energy cooperatives to promote energy efficiency.
  • Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Network — SSVEC is a member of the Touchstone Energy cooperative network, participating in shared programs like Co-op Connections.
  • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services Government — Partner in a voluntary federal program to track power-related avian injuries and fatalities.
  • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services Government — Partnership through a voluntary federal program to track and prevent power-related avian injuries and fatalities.
  • licensed rehabilitators in Tucson and Phoenix Partner — Collaborates with licensed wildlife rehabilitators to care for and release avian chicks when nest relocation is not possible.