LPEA awards grants to support three local solar projects
solar panels
Date Published

Three local not-for-profit organizations will now have the needed funds to pursue renewable energy generation projects, thanks in part to grants awarded this week by the La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) Renewable Generation Funds Grant program. The LPEA Board of Directors voted at its meeting last week to award a total of $47,000 from the program to support the following three projects:

  • Volunteers of America (VOA) was awarded $16,000 to support a solar installation at its new senior housing facility currently under construction in Three Springs, Durango.

  • The Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership (GGP) in Pagosa Springs, was awarded $13,000 to support a solar installation to generate electricity for the GGP site in Centennial Park.

  • The Unitarian Universalists Fellowship was awarded $18,000 to support a solar installation to generate electricity for the Universalist Fellowship of Durango facilities.

“LPEA is honored to support these not-for-profit organizations in their efforts to realize a more sustainable energy future,” said Rachel Landis, Chairwoman of the LPEA Renewable Generation Funds Grant subcommittee. “It can be difficult for not-for-profits to find funding to conduct everyday business, let alone to be innovative, progressive, and environmentally responsible. These grants, in addition to funds sourced from other donors, help them achieve that.”

Projects are selected based on visibility to the local community, level of innovation, and the potential to blend renewable technologies with educational elements and community engagement. Grant monies are sourced from LPEA’s Local Renewable Generation Fund – an opt-in fund to which LPEA members can contribute to support the development of renewable energy generation projects in the service territory.

This is the second year of the grant program. In 2019, LPEA awarded grants for renewable energy projects at Habitat for Humanity, Cross Bar X, KSUT Public Radio and the TARA Community Center. For more information on the program, LPEA members should call 970.382.3505.