Cooperative Difference
You may not realize being a member of La Plata Electric Association, Inc. (LPEA) has its benefits and advantages. A cooperative is owned by the members it serves. They are governed by a board of directors that are members themselves, and elected by the members, to serve as trustees of the cooperative. Locally owned and operated, cooperatives offer easy accessibility to members. It is the responsibility and sole intent of the company to serve the best interest of its members in the most efficient and effective manner. Cooperatives share the common values of Integrity, Accountability, Innovation, and Commitment to Community.
Integrity
Members first. Every day. That’s the power of co-op membership. It means not-for-profit electric cooperatives deliver energy to its members at the cost of service, unlike investor-owned utilities that typically distribute its profits to investors across the nation or even the world – not necessarily to those it serves.
Accountability
Electric co-ops belong to the members they serve. Every member has an equal voice in how the co-op is run. With members in charge, you can feel confident the decisions made are in your best interest and the best interest of your community. That’s because co-op business is conducted through a locally elected board of directors who propose policies to be voted on by members – a stark contrast to investor-owned utilities where the investor with the most shares has the most clout.
Innovation
La Plata Electric Association, Inc. offers innovative solutions and state-of-the-art technology to better serve members and meet their needs including cutting-edge programs promoting energy efficiency, new bill payment options and numerous member-benefit programs. LPEA also helps its members and business members forge stronger partnerships through educational events and ongoing communications.
Commitment to Community
Across the Southwest Colorado, La Plata Electric Association, Inc. works to improve its members’ quality of life by investing time, money and expertise to better local communities and strengthen relationships with member-owners. That includes taking a leadership role in community and economic development projects, educating students about safety and environment, as well as generously donating time, energy and resources to charities, schools and community events.
Cooperatives are not-for profit businesses and exist solely to serve members. Our rates cover the cost of doing business and are not marked up to generate a profit. LPEA’s goal is to provide reliable electric service with the highest level of customer service.
The cooperative difference is about understanding our responsibility to our members.
Co-ops and their employees support local causes through charitable contributions, volunteerism, and other activities that make a positive difference. At LPEA, our community commitment is an integral part of where we work, what we do, and why we do it. Our mission is to provide our members safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost while being environmentally responsible.
For more than seven decades, La Plata Electric Association, Inc. has been providing our members with the highest possible service at the lowest possible cost consistent with sound business principles. Our members are our highest priority and we are working hard to make a difference for you.
Service that's just as Dependable as the Power
Integrity, Accountability, Innovation and Commitment to Community – these four values are the foundation of every service LPEA provides its members. They represent the cooperative difference and how La Plata Electric Association, Inc. earns the trust of more than 33,000 member-owners every day by delivering a high-standard service.