Platte River Opens $6,000 Scholarship for Students Pursuing Energy Studies
Platte River Power Authority is accepting applications for the annual Roy J. Rohla Memorial Scholarship, which provides $6,000 to students pursuing postsecondary education focused on electric energy careers.
The scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors and college students enrolled in two-year or four-year higher education institutions. Applications are due by January 30, 2026.
The Platte River scholarship honors Roy J. Rohla, who served as engineering manager and plant manager at the Rawhide Energy Station during his 20-year career with the utility. Rawhide Energy Station, located north of Wellington, began operations in 1984 and has served as Platte River's primary generation facility.
Platte River provides wholesale electricity generation and transmission services exclusively to Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland. The utility serves approximately 350,000 residents across the four municipalities through their municipal electric systems.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have a permanent home address within Platte River's service region of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont or Loveland. Students must be enrolled in or planning to attend a two-year or four-year higher education institution.
The scholarship requires applicants to pursue studies related to electric energy careers. Required documentation typically includes proof of residency, academic transcripts, evidence of enrollment or intent to enroll, a personal essay and potentially letters of recommendation.
The Alltricity Foundation administers the Roy J. Rohla scholarship and other scholarships for students in Northern Colorado. The foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting education, workforce development and charitable giving related to the energy sector in communities served by Platte River Power Authority.
Energy Transition Context
Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland extended their partnership with Platte River through 2075 in November 2025, committing to accelerate clean energy adoption across the region. Platte River adopted a Resource Diversification Policy in 2018 targeting 100 percent noncarbon energy by 2030.
The utility plans to retire its coal-fired Rawhide Unit 1 by 2030 as it transitions to renewable energy sources. Platte River has expanded solar projects and continues evaluating battery storage technologies to support grid reliability as renewable generation increases.
Rawhide Energy Station has been expanded over the decades to include natural gas turbines and multiple renewable generation projects, including utility-scale solar arrays and battery storage, reflecting the broader industry transition toward cleaner energy sources.
The scholarship's focus on electric energy careers addresses workforce development needs as utilities across Northern Colorado implement infrastructure upgrades and clean energy transitions requiring specialized technical knowledge.
Students can obtain application materials and additional information through the Alltricity Foundation's website or by contacting Platte River Power Authority at 970-226-4000.