Beware of scams this holiday season
holiday scams
Date Published

Scam phone calls are not new to utility companies; LPEA usually sees an increase in scam activity during the holidays. Scammers impersonate LPEA (or another utility company) and threaten to shut off the power if they don't receive immediate payment. 

"This time of the year is ideal for scammers to target electric utility customers," said Aubrey Gillespie, LPEA Member Service Manager. "They use federal holiday closures to their advantage. "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 to give them your bank account number or load a pre-paid credit or debit card. Just know that LPEA will never call and demand immediate payment over the phone like they do." added Aubrey.  

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

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

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

  • 1 day before 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 contact 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., to clarify 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