One year after earning our first-ever credit rating, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) has another milestone worth celebrating: Fitch Ratings has affirmed our ‘A+’ Long-Term Issuer Default Rating with a Stable Outlook.

The affirmation comes after a transformative year for LPEA, including our April 2026 departure from longtime wholesale power supplier Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association and the launch of a new, diversified power supply portfolio.

Maintaining the A+ rating through that transition reflects our continued focus on responsible financial management while investing in the system and communities we serve.

“This rating is an important affirmation of the work we’ve done to strengthen LPEA for the future,” said Chris Hansen, LPEA Chief Executive Officer. “We’ve navigated a significant change in our power supply while continuing to invest in reliability, wildfire mitigation, and the infrastructure needed to serve our growing communities.”

In its assessment, Fitch highlighted several strengths, including:

• Strong revenue defensibility, supported by a growing service area and highly affordable electric rates.
• Strong financial profile, with stable operating cash flows and manageable long-term leverage.
• Continued investment in infrastructure, including equipment and pole replacements in wildfire-prone areas and proactive vegetation management.
• Diversified power supply portfolio following our departure from Tri-State.

Fitch also noted that our rates have become increasingly competitive with other Colorado electric providers in recent years.

An A+ credit rating helps position us to access favorable financing as we continue making long-term investments in reliability, resilience, wildfire mitigation, and the electric grid.

For our members, maintaining the rating is another sign that your electric cooperative remains on solid financial footing while preparing for the needs of a growing and changing Southwest Colorado.