ALERT! Phone scams are on the rise locally
Scam Alert
Date Published

LPEA members have recently seen an uptick in phone scams targeting our local area. Scammers impersonate LPEA (or another utility company) and threaten to shut off the power if they don’t receive immediate payment.

“These calls happen more frequently during non-business hours like in the evenings or Friday through Sunday. Scammers use threats and urgency to pressure you into giving them your bank account number or loading a pre-paid credit or debit card,” said Aubrey Gillespie, LPEA Member Service Manager. “Just know that LPEA will never call and demand immediate payment over the phone like they do.”

If you are in danger of being disconnected for non-payment, this is what will happen:

  • 3 weeks prior to disconnect, you'll receive a disconnect notice in the mail.

  • 2 weeks prior to disconnect, you'll receive an LPEA robocall advising you to call us.

  • 1 day prior to disconnect, you'll receive an LPEA robocall advising you to call us.

  • Day of disconnect at 7:00 a.m., you'll receive a final LPEA robocall advising you to call us.

If you think you might be talking to a scammer, try to collect as much information as you can, hang up, and call the local authorities. If someone comes to your home claiming to be an employee of LPEA, saying they need to collect money or inspect your property, call us to verify they are an employee. If they are not, call local authorities* for assistance and do not let the individual into your home.

LPEA Member Service Representatives can be reached at (970) 247-5786 Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. for clarification on any billing questions. As always, our emergency services are available 24/7.

LPEA members have the option to view account status, pay their electric utility bill, report service issues, and contact LPEA using the SmartHub application available at lpea.smarthub.coop.

If you have any doubts about your utility bill, contact us at (970) 247-5786.

*Pagosa Springs Police Department non-emergency dispatch (970) 731-2160
*Durango Police Department non-emergency dispatch (970) 375-4700