winter storm

Are you ready if a power outage occurs? 

Winter has arrived in Southwest Colorado, and that means snow, ice and freezing temps.  

As your local electric cooperative, we at LPEA are continuously monitoring the weather forecasts and analyzing our electric distribution system’s performance. Our employees are prepared and ready to respond if a power outage occurs, and we encourage our members to be storm ready this winter as well. 

It’s never too early to prepare for extreme winter weather and the challenges that follow. The emergency supply kit checklist featured below will help get you started. Make sure to include your family in the preparation and discuss your outage plan with them. Each family is different, so be sure to consider your family’s specific needs when organizing an emergency supply kit. 

Stay in the Know  

  • Sign up for local weather alerts and warnings 

  • Sign up for LPEA outage texting service and add us to your device’s contact list. 

  • Confirm your mobile number on your LPEA account 

  • Text TEXTLPEA to 1-888-839-5732 

  • Save that number to your phone’s contacts for quick access 
    (PLEASE NOTE: Standard text and data rates may apply, and it may take up to one day for changes to your account to take effect.)

  • Verify your contact information with our member services representatives.
    (Did you know that the Interactive Voice Response System we use during power outages identifies the incoming phone number and automatically adds the members’ account information to our outage data?)

  • Download and install the SmartHub app which gives you the ability to:  

    • Report a power outage or service issues 

    • Manage your account 

    • Check your usage 

    • Pay your bill 

    • Contact us anytime, anywhere on your mobile device or computer.  

  • Follow us on Facebook for outage updates 

Have supplies ready 

  • In your car: Make sure you have the basic supplies:  

    • Food 

    • Water 

    • Blanket 

    • Flashlight  

    • Extra batteries  

  • In your home:  

    • Flashlights and fresh batteries 

    • Battery-powered AM/FM radio or NOAA weather radio 

    • Generators for back-up power 

    • Extra tanks of oxygen if needed 

    • First-aid kit and medications 

    • Supply of bottled water 

    • Non-perishable foods that don’t require heating 

    • Hand-operated can opener 

    • Paper plates and plastic utensils 

    • Blankets, bedding or sleeping bags 

    • Identification and copies of important family documents 

    • Small bills and change 

    • Special items for infants, the elderly or family members with special needs 

*Remember to never use a camp stove, charcoal grill, propane heater or generator indoors. They can start accidental fires, cause electric shock and produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. 

Have basic contact information on hand 

  • La Plata Electric (970) 247-5786 Option 5 Report Power Outage 

  • Telephone numbers for friends, school, work, doctors, etc. 

  • Address of local emergency shelter 

Get help if you need it.  

We also know that this time of year can be challenging for many of our members, even without the threat of winter storms. If you or someone you know is struggling to pay your electric bill, check out these local resources. 

 

As an important reminder, please do not approach downed lines and stay at least 30 feet away. Call 911 or LPEA if you see a downed power line. If you see a tree limb on a power line, please call LPEA at (970) 247-5786. 

Though we do our best, no utility company is able to guarantee 100% service. As such, we encourage you to prepare for when the lights go out.