Application period now open for $50,000 in residential bill-pay assistance

Residential members of La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) who cannot pay their electric bill due to COVID-related economic hardship, are now able to apply for support through the LPEA COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. The fund, approved by the LPEA Board of Directors in March 2020, provides one-time emergency financial assistance of up to $100 per residential member to persons who are usually self-sufficient but are unable to pay their electric bill due to COVID-19.

Members can apply online at: lpea.coop/covidrelief. Hard copy application forms are also available at the drive-through windows of LPEA’s offices in Durango and Pagosa Springs. To be qualified, applicants must hold an active residential account or sub-account within LPEA’s service territory and must carry a past due balance. Applicants should have a solid payment history with LPEA prior to COVID-19 and must provide documentation that their economic hardship is COVID related. Applications are due no later than Monday June 22nd at 5 p.m.

As there are not enough funds available to help all LPEA members in need, nor to clear all debt owed, LPEA asks its members to call 970-247-5786 to arrange flexible payment plans on past-due balances to avoid being disconnected. LPEA also encourages its members to explore other funds available for utility assistance at:

• Southwest Colorado Disaster Assistance: swcoda.org

• Pine River Shares: pinerivershares.org (970-884-6040)

• Housing Solutions of the Southwest: swhousingsolutions.com (970-259-1086)

• Durango/Bayfield Family Center: lpfcc.org (970-385-4747)

• Low Income Energy Assist: colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/how-do-i-apply (866-432-8435)

LPEA is a member-owned, not-for-profit, electric distribution cooperative serving La Plata and Archuleta, with segments of Hinsdale, Mineral and San Juan counties. LPEA is the fifth largest cooperative of 22 in Colorado, and aims to provide safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost to its approximately 34,000 members. For additional information, contact LPEA at 970.247.5786.