LPEA files motion to intervene in Tri-State’s pursuit of FERC jurisdiction

Motion aimed to protect interests of LPEA members

DURANGO, Colo. – La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) filed a Motion to Intervene with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in Washington, D.C. to be involved in Tri-State Generation and Transmission’s (Tri-State) request to become FERC regulated.

“We are requesting the right to participate in the FERC proceedings involving Tri-State’s desire to place the generation and transmission cooperative under wholesale regulation by FERC,” said Jessica Matlock, LPEA chief executive officer. “As a Tri-State customer, we are directly impacted by their request and have direct and significant interests in the outcome of the FERC proceedings.”

Tri-state’s actions could impact LPEA’s rights and protections under state law and local governance. LPEA is working with Tri-State to ensure service remains affordable and reliable, but a change to the framework under federal law could impact LPEA’s ability to provide these services and to meet LPEA’s carbon reduction goals and objectives.

“La Plata Electric has direct and significant interests in the outcome of the FERC proceedings, and we want to ensure the rights and privileges LPEA currently possesses under Colorado state laws are not impacted by a change in a FERC rate jurisdiction,” added Matlock.

In 2019, LPEA, is celebrating 80 years providing safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost to approximately 34,000 members, located in the counties of La Plata, Archuleta, and segments of Hinsdale, Mineral and San Juan.