Amy Higgins

Welcome! I'm Amy Higgins

I am a writer, editor and digital marketing professional living in Arizona. I invite you to peruse my portfolio and get acquainted with my work. 

Recent Published Works

Colorado Country Life Magazine •

The Basics of Residential Solar

The sun has powered lives since our predecessors used glass to reflect the sun’s rays and create fire. Over the centuries, the sun’s power potential was further realized, altered and adapted to its present form where solar panels can convert sunlight into electricity.

Today, people across the globe are installing residential solar systems to help run their homes; power their cars, devices, appliances, lighting and ventilation systems; and save money on energy costs.
Award-winning article * Colorado Country Life Magazine •

Co-ops Come Together During COVID-19

In the wake of COVID-19, Colorado’s electric cooperatives have quickly altered the way they deliver their essential services. It’s no doubt more challenging, but they are still continually looking for ways to help their communities. After all, “concern for community” is one of the seven cooperative principles each co-op passionately stands by.

Tending to the welfare of their families, friends, communities and worldwide population, Colorado’s electric cooperatives are adhering to their own safet
Colorado Country Life Magazine •

Moving Toward More Renewables

In July 2019, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association announced the development of its Responsible Energy Plan. In January 2020, Tri-State divulged its blueprint to eliminate coal emissions from its facilities in Colorado and New Mexico and announced details about its upcoming renewable energy projects.

Coal closures are coming

Tri-State plans to shut down two coal plants and one mine: Escalante Generating Station in New Mexico by the end of 2020, and Craig Station and Colowyo Mine
Colorado Country Life Magazine •

Combustion to EV: A Race for the Top

Electric vehicles are multiplying on our neighborhood streets and highways, but they’re also generating more interest in a less likely arena: racing venues. When we think of car racing, we think of the growl of the engine, and the lingering scent of gasoline and oil. However, many of today’s race car drivers and their fans are becoming more accepting of change.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a time-honored competition that was established in 1916. Dubbed the “Race to the Clouds,” th
Colorado Country Life Magazine •

Electric Fuel for the Road

With the proliferation of electric vehicles, it’s becoming a priority to ensure these drivers can stay “fueled” when traveling. Range anxiety is a term used to describe the concern an EV owner has about the vehicle’s battery running out of charge before reaching a charging station. A recent AAA study showed that 57% of people are unlikely to purchase an EV because of range anxiety.

To lessen that unease, more states are offering incentives for local consumers, businesses and utilities to instal
Colorado Country Life Magazine •

Colorado Co-ops Recovering from Fires

Fires have been burning all over Colorado this summer and, while most fires seem to be contained as of press time, several Colorado towns in electric co-op territory are still feeling the burn — environmentally and economically. Three co-op communities have particularly felt the impact of this year’s wildfires.

Helping hands through diversity

In San Isabel Electric Association’s territory in southern Colorado, the Spring Creek Fire, more frequently referred to as the Spring Fire, began on Jun
Colorado Country Life Magazine •

The Goods on Grilling and Barbecuing

Before I met Steven Raichlen, the words “barbecuing” and “grilling” seemed synonymous when referencing outdoor cooking. My guess is, I’m not the only one who was mistaken. With grilling, it turns out, you use high heat and a short cooking time to cook small, tender pieces of food. You grill a steak, vegetables, chicken breast, shrimp and the like.

Barbecuing is different. “True barbecue is both indirect and direct,” Raichlen explains. “The food is next to, not right over, the fire; a much lower
Colorado Country Life Magazine •

The Barbecue Guru’s BBQ U™

Once a year, Steven Raichlen, arguably one of the best grillers in the country, brings his enthusiasm for grilled foods, his barbecue wisdom and his tasty recipes to Colorado Springs for a fun-filled barbecuing event. He shares tips of the trade and helps students put that guidance into action during three days of grilling at The Broadmoor.

Why Raichlen? What makes him the brains of barbecue?

Literature Leads to Food

It all goes back to a degree in French literature that landed Raichlen in t
Colorado Country Life Magazine •

Colorado Co-ops Researching Battery Storage Technology

Electric cooperatives are faced with the challenge of meeting the energy needs of their member-owners while meeting legislators’ expectations of increased renewable energy options. But “going 100 percent renewable” — a common statement in recent years — is an unrealistic undertaking without the appropriate tools.

One possible solution to these expectations is a new generation of large batteries that could capture energy when it’s plentiful and release that energy later when demand is high. Batt
Colorado Country Life Magazine •

Doggone Heroes: Colorado Avalanche Dogs

Regal, resilient and, just plain cute, the dogs working Colorado’s ski slopes are impossible to ignore. They play an important role for each resort’s public relations endeavors, and many of these dogs have an even bigger purpose, for the ski facility as well as the communities surrounding them.

A DOG’S WORK IS NEVER DONE

“Are you ready to work?” “Search!” These are the typical commands an avalanche dog responds to on a rescue or recovery mission. They aren’t necessarily commands that are set
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