Great strides are being made toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Final negotiations are underway with a new energy management partner, and the LPEA Board is expected to vote on the contract this fall. This new partner will ensure bridge power for LPEA members immediately after the formal departure from Tri-State, paving the way for a smooth transition.

Transition meetings with Tri-State continued this week to fine-tune every detail and ensure a seamless transition for both parties. The support from other co-ops that have successfully transitioned to energy independence has been invaluable, providing essential insights and guidance for this journey.

The City of Durango, in partnership with LPEA and the Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE), has been awarded a $240,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) from the Colorado Energy Office, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This grant will fund a new staff position at 4CORE for energy efficiency, renewable energy, electrification, and workforce development.

The 2024 LPEA Director Election is moving forward for Districts 1 and 4. Members in these districts will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidates.

District 1: Dusty Mars vs. Kirsten Skeehan

District 4: Tim Wheeler vs. John Purser

Ballots have been mailed out to members in these districts and must be returned by 4 p.m. on September 17, 2024. Completed ballots can be returned using the pre-paid envelope provided or dropped off at one of these locations:

• Farmer's Fresh Market 535 Goddard Ave, Ignacio
• La Plata County Clerk & Recorder 679 Turner Dr, Ste C, Durango
• Bayfield Town Hall 1199 Bayfield Parkway, Bayfield
• County Administration Building 1101 E 2nd Ave, Durango
• LPEA Office Durango 45 Stewart Street
• LPEA Office Pagosa Springs 603 S. 8th Street
• Fort Lewis Community Concert Hall 1000 Rim Dr, Durango
• Archuleta County Clerk & Recorder 449 San Juan Street, Pagosa Springs

Alternatively, members can vote in person at the Annual Meeting on September 18, 2024, at the LPEA Durango Office. For more information on the candidates and the election process, click here. LPEA remains neutral and cannot endorse or oppose any candidates for its Board of Directors. 

Did you receive this envelope in the mail? If so, we have your address listed in either District 2 or 3 and you will not receive a ballot this year. The LPEA Board of Directors announced the cancellation of the 2024 director elections for Districts 2 and 3 due to only one candidate being nominated for each district. As per LPEA Bylaws, Kohler McInnis (District 2) and Ted Compton (District 3) will be declared re-elected on September 18, 2024.

Beware of scams targeting LPEA members. Scammers may call, email, or visit, falsely claiming to be from LPEA, threatening to cut off your electricity, and demanding immediate payment for past-due bills. They often ask for payment via pre-paid debit cards, cryptocurrencies, or money transfer apps.

Remember, LPEA will never:

• Show up to demand payment.
• Threaten to cut off your electricity immediately.
• Ask for payment through unconventional methods.
• Use aggressive tactics.
• 
  

If you receive a suspicious message, do not share any information. Contact LPEA directly at 970-247-5786 to verify your account status. Report any suspicious activity to csr@lpea.coop.

Stay vigilant, and thank you for your attention.

Our second annual Health & Safety Day at the Durango campus was a huge success! All employees came together for an immersive day of learning, featuring presentations from local providers and agency reps. This reinforces our commitment to creating a healthy and safe workplace—a cornerstone of LPEA's Northstar goal of being safe and excellent in everything we do.

Highlights included:

• Engaging sessions with the Colorado State Patrol, Durango Police Department, Durango Fire Department, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, United States Forest Service, Pinnacol Assurance, Pause Fitness & Nutrition, and Pura Vida Healthcare.
• An exciting demonstration from the regional Special Weapons and Tactics team, showcasing their armored vehicle.

Did you know? Companies that invest in safety training see a 23% reduction in workplace incidents and a 17% boost in workforce productivity. A safer and healthier workplace means fewer disruptions, quicker response times, and the confidence that we deliver the highest standard of service every day.

Durango Construction Update

The Durango lobby, currently under construction, is expected to remain closed through at least next week, September 5. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to enhance our space for a better experience.

• LPEA Office Closure - September 2
• LPEA Office Closure - September 12
• Annual Meeting - September 18
• Meet Green Biz Experts Panel @ LPEA - September 24