Nonprofit, member-owned Navopache Electric Cooperative said last week it has signed a long-term contract with Tucson Electric Power (TEP) to deliver wholesale regular and supplementary power supply to Navopache.

"We're proud to be selected as Navopache Electric Cooperative's wholesale energy provider, and we look forward to reliably supplying power for many years to come," TEP President and CEO David Hutchens said. "Hundreds of TEP employees live in communities served by Navopache, so this partnership is a natural fit for us."

TEP will commence delivery on Jan. 1, 2017, providing enough power to meet the cooperative’s basic energy needs. As per the contract, TEP will also offer auxiliary reserves to ensure reliability and continuity of service.

"Navopache is very pleased with our selection of TEP as our wholesale power supplier," Navopache CEO Charles Moore said. "We are excited to develop this partnership with TEP for a long-term wholesale power supply … to provide our member-consumers with reliable and cost-effective electric service to help promote economic benefit to the communities we serve."

Navopache Electric Cooperative serves over 32,000 members across the White Mountains straddling eastern Arizona and western New Mexico, including St. Johns, Pinetop-Lakeside, Show Low, Heber-Overgaard and Springerville, all in Arizona.