Dear Members,
October is National Cooperative Month, and it’s a time to reflect on the benefits of being part of a co-op. When you signed up for service with LPEA, you became not just a customer but an owner. That means your voice matters, and your membership helps guide the direction of our cooperative. We are governed by a board of directors you elect, and our decisions are guided by principles of integrity, accountability, innovation, and commitment to our community.
As we celebrate this month, my thoughts are with members in Vallecito and Pagosa Springs who have been affected by recent flooding. Our crews are working closely with local emergency services to ensure everyone stays safe. Power may be temporarily shut off in some areas if conditions become unsafe, and we will restore service as quickly as we can.
I am excited to share some of the progress we’ve made as our April 1, 2026 departure quickly approaches. Yesterday, the board approved a capacity agreement with Convergent Energy and Power for a utility-scale battery at the Shenandoah substation. Supported by a $2 million grant, this battery will store energy to deploy surplus energy during peak times. It’s a tangible step forward in our energy transition. I encourage you to join next Thursday’s CommunityPowerX event to hear from Katie Guerry from Convergent. Register here.
Also yesterday, the board approved retiring $1 million in capital credits for members from 2003 using the first in, first out (FIFO) method. This decision demonstrates strong financial stewardship, showing that even amid economic pressures and our energy transition, we can continue returning patronage capital to members. Refunds over $100 will be mailed as a check, and amounts under $100 will be applied as a credit to December bills.
Looking ahead, we continue to make progress on our first credit rating and are evaluating power supply options beyond 2028 to ensure we deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy. Thank you to everyone who completed our recent member survey. Your feedback is invaluable and will help guide future decisions that affect all of us.
Upcoming Member Events
We hope you can join us at one of our upcoming events. These are great opportunities to learn more about LPEA’s projects, ask questions, and connect with your co-op team and fellow members:
- Sunnyside Solar Tour: October 18 – see solar energy in action and learn how it supports our local energy transition.
- CommunityPowerX: October 23 (limited seats remaining) – hear directly from energy experts about innovative projects like the Shenandoah battery.
- Current Conversations at James Ranch: October 28 – engage in an open discussion about energy, community priorities, and what’s ahead for LPEA.
- Coffee with Chris in Pagosa Springs: November 4 – an informal opportunity to meet with me, ask questions, and share your ideas about your cooperative.
As I round out my first year as your CEO, I am grateful for the dedication of our employees, partners, and Board, and for the trust of members like you. It’s been a year of learning, listening, and laying the groundwork for an even stronger, more resilient LPEA. I encourage you to reach out with questions, share your thoughts, and join us at upcoming events to see your cooperative in action.
Sincerely,
Chris Hansen
CEO
La Plata Electric Association
