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LPEA offices are currently closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Online, drive-through, and phone options are still available during normal business hours. As a critical business, LPEA is still fully operational to keep your power flowing.Read more
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    • ABOUT LPEA
      • Code of Excellence
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LPEA History

La Plata Electric Association, Inc. continuing a legacy of commitment to members

In 1939, forward-thinking citizens in the region celebrated years of research, planning and consultation with the official incorporation of the electric cooperative, La Plata Electric Association, Inc. (LPEA).

The first meeting of the incorporating directors was held in downtown Durango, where citizens had been enjoying the benefits of electricity since 1892 when Durango Light and Power Company, (and later the Western Colorado Power Company, which was eventually merged into LPEA) embraced the fledgling technology of alternating current (AC). Few urban residents believed that the rural parts of Southwest Colorado would ever be illuminated, due to the tremendous cost of extending lines and service to isolated farms and ranches.

Rural cooperatives across the country have a history of inventiveness and determination, working together to sustain communities and enhance the lives of the hard-working souls who were tough enough to “make it” outside of an urban hub. LPEA’s founding fathers (and mothers) were no less determined, and when spurred by the federal Rural Electrification Administration (REA), established in 1936 to provide loans explicitly to “shine the light” in rural areas, they came together to make La Plata Electric Association, Inc. happen.

The first meeting of the cooperative was held August 22, 1939, and called to order at 8 p.m. at 854 Main Ave. in Durango. The original certificate of incorporation had been filed with the Secretary of State on August 16, 1939. On hand that fateful night were W.E. Tyner, the incorporating director selected as chairman, and incorporating directors J. Fred Hill, Frank Gray, Edna M. Coppuck, J.H. Durry, James F. Gore, George Morgan, E.E. Hively, Betty Stock and Mildred Laurie.

According to the detailed minutes of the meeting, preserved in LPEA’s archives, these rural citizens began the long process of establishing the basis for running the electric cooperative. This involved the details of membership, which initially was a $5 base charge to all members, although if a member requested more than one service connection, additional fees could be assessed. Agreeing to join the cooperative required that members purchase all their electricity from LPEA.

In later months, the incorporating directors deliberated on a site for the first headquarters – primarily a centralized construction office – and eventually selected Ignacio. LPEA entered into an Installation Loan Contract with the REA to fund construction of the system on August 10, 1940, and by the following February, the lines were energized and life was changed forever for rural families.

Back in the day, it hadn’t taken long for what had been envisioned to improve the lives of rural residents to become a vital area enterprise – which LPEA remains today. As it always has, the cooperative continues to evolve, and indeed, many challenges lie ahead in the energy industry. The LPEA board and staff are prepared to meet these head-on, while maintaining the mission to provide members with safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible.

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Customer Service

970.247.5786 or 888.839.5732

Business Hours

Durango: Mon – Thu, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Pagosa Springs: Mon – Thu, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., closed 1:30-2:30

Social Media

©2021 La Plata Electric Association. A Touchstone Energy Cooperative

  • About Us
    • ABOUT LPEA
      • Code of Excellence
      • LPEA Information & Facts
      • Calendar of Events
      • Mission, Vision, Plan
      • LPEA History
      • Cooperative Difference and Principles
      • Power Supply
      • Leadership Team
      • Employment & Career Opportunities
      • Annual Reports
    • BOARD DIRECTORS
      • Board of Directors
      • Board of Directors Resources
      • Board of Directors Committees
      • Board Director Candidate Information
      • Annual Meeting
      • Voting Districts
    • POLICIES & REGULATIONS
      • LPEA Policies and Bylaws
  • Community
    • COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
      • Round Up Foundation
      • Energy Outreach Colorado
      • Grant Programs
    • EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
      • Educational Electricity Programs
      • Electric Utility Terms
      • Scholarships
      • Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp
      • Youth Tour
        • 2019 Youth Tour Daily Blog
  • Electric Services
    • BILLING
      • Go paperless!
      • Electric Energy Rates
      • Bill Pay Programs
      • How to Pay Your Bill
      • Late Payments and Bill Pay Assistance
      • Capital Credit Refunds
      • On-bill Financing Program
      • SmartHub Application
      • 2020 Rate Increase Resources
    • RESIDENTIAL SERVICE
      • New Construction
      • Forms & Applications
      • AMI Meter Information
      • Time-of-Use Program
      • Undergound Utility Line Location
    • COMMERCIAL SERVICE
      • Commercial Service
  • Member Services
    • REBATE PROGRAMS
      • LPEA Rebate Programs
      • Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) Heater
    • ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS
      • Together We Save
      • Energy Conservation Tips
    • LIGHTING
      • Area Light Rental
    • GREEN POWER
      • Green Power Program
    • LOCAL RENEWABLE GENERATION
      • On-Site Net Metering Program
      • Photovoltaics
      • REC Payment & Tax Incentives
      • Renewable Generation Forms
  • Safety
    • ELECTRICAL SAFETY
      • Surge Protectors
      • Electrical Safety Checklist
    • ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS
      • Indoor Electrical Safety Tips
      • Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips
      • Severe Weather Safety Tips
        • Lightning Safety
      • Generator Safety
  • News & Outage Center
    • Latest News
    • LPEA Fact Checker
    • News Releases
    • WATT'S UP Member Newsletter
    • LPEA Wire Video Series
    • Outage Viewer Map
    • Power Outage Tips
    • Power Restoration Plan
    • Report An Outage
    • Standby Generator Requirements
    • Social Media Platforms
    • Outage Texting Service (OTS)
  • Contact Us