Tom Walch, the longtime CEO of Grand Valley Power, is set to leave his position and step into a key leadership spot at the Colorado Rural Electric Association. Starting in early January 2025, Walch will become the executive director, focusing on statewide advocacy for rural electric cooperatives after 14 years at the helm in Grand Junction.
This move comes as a surprise since Walch had planned to retire, but the chance to shape policy at a broader level changed his mind. Recent reports highlight his excitement about bringing his hands-on experience to help cooperatives across Colorado navigate challenges like energy costs and regulations.
Walch’s Journey at Grand Valley Power
Over the past 14 years, Walch has guided Grand Valley Power through major shifts in the energy sector. He joined the cooperative in 2011, at a time when wildfire risks were not a big concern, but he quickly pushed for better safety measures.
Under his leadership, the organization switched wholesale energy providers in 2023 to cut costs and boost reliability. This decision helped stabilize rates for customers in western Colorado, even during tough times like the deep freeze events that spiked prices elsewhere.
Walch also secured a $13 million federal grant in early 2025 for solar projects, which aims to lower electricity bills and add clean energy options. His efforts have made Grand Valley Power a model for rural utilities facing rising demands for sustainable power.
In addition, he worked on partnerships, like a three-year deal with Redland Water and Power in April 2025, to bring more local and green generation resources. These steps show his focus on community needs and long-term planning.
Reasons Behind the Career Shift
Walch said the new role was not something he expected, but it felt like the right fit after talks with association leaders. He turned down retirement to use his knowledge for a bigger impact.
At 62, Walch brings deep insight from running a distribution cooperative, which he believes will strengthen the association’s voice in Denver. The timing aligns with growing state debates on energy policy, including bills on renewable transitions and grid upgrades.
This change also reflects trends in the industry, where experienced leaders are moving to advocacy groups to tackle issues like federal funding cuts. For instance, earlier in 2025, the White House paused some rural electrification grants, putting pressure on cooperatives to lobby harder.
Walch noted that his perspective from western Colorado will help address unique rural challenges, such as remote infrastructure and wildfire threats.
Key Goals in the New Position
As executive director, Walch plans to lead efforts in lobbying and shaping laws that affect rural electric groups. He wants to push for policies that support affordable power and innovation.
Here are some of his main priorities:
- Strengthen advocacy in state government to protect cooperative interests.
- Promote wildfire mitigation strategies based on his past work.
- Expand access to grants and funding for clean energy projects.
- Build stronger ties between cooperatives to share best practices.
These goals come at a critical time, with Colorado aiming for 100 percent renewable energy by 2040. Walch’s role could influence how rural areas meet these targets without raising costs for families.
He also aims to guide the association through regulatory changes, drawing from his success in navigating volatile energy markets.
What This Means for Grand Valley Power
Grand Valley Power’s board has already picked Walch’s successor, with an announcement expected soon. The cooperative serves about 20,000 members in Mesa County and nearby areas, and leaders say the transition will be smooth.
The organization has grown under Walch, adding solar initiatives and improving grid resilience. Customers can expect continued focus on low rates and reliable service.
To highlight Walch’s impact, consider this timeline of key milestones during his tenure:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Joined as CEO, began wildfire mitigation efforts |
| 2023 | Switched to new wholesale provider for cost savings |
| 2025 | Secured $13 million grant for solar power expansion |
| 2025 | Partnered with Redland Water for local green resources |
This table shows a steady push toward modernization, which has positioned the cooperative well for the future.
Broader Impact on Colorado’s Rural Energy Sector
Walch’s move highlights the importance of strong leadership in rural electric associations. Colorado has 22 rural cooperatives, serving over 1 million people, and they face unique hurdles like long transmission lines and harsh weather.
His appointment could boost efforts to secure more state and federal support, especially after recent funding uncertainties. For example, in February 2025, some grants were delayed, but Walch expressed optimism about contracts holding up.
This shift also ties into national trends, where rural utilities are adapting to climate goals and tech advances. Experts say leaders like Walch can bridge gaps between local needs and statewide policies.
In the coming years, his work might help cooperatives invest in smart grids and renewable sources, benefiting remote communities.
As this story develops, share your thoughts on how leadership changes affect local utilities. What questions do you have about rural energy in Colorado? Drop a comment below or share this article with others interested in the topic.
