Neighborhood Projects

LPEA regularly conducts infrastructure improvements like tree trimming, drone surveying, and field projects to deliver more reliable power. If we're going to be in your neighborhood, we will notify you in advance via call, text, email, and/or letter. Our crews always aim to minimize the impact of projects on the landowners involved. Scroll down below the map for more details on this year's projects. 

Project Map

This map shows active projects in LPEA’s service territory, including line surveying, tree trimming, and field work. Click the asterisks to learn more about each project. To locate a specific address, type it into the search box in the upper right, and the map will zoom to the address. 

Map Legend:
Blue = Line Survey
Red = Field Project
Green = Tree Trimming

*PRO TIP: If the map view gets too big or too small, click the "home" button in the upper-left corner to re-center the view.

 

Have questions? Fill out the form below and we will have someone get in touch. 

 

LPEA Construction Projects

Neighborhood Projects

The Rafter J project will begin construction Wednesday, July 16. This work, which will be begin with right-of-way clearing, involves upgrading existing infrastructure in order to meet electricity demand and enhance service reliability for LPEA members. This project is expected to last approximately 3-4 months. 

Rafter J Project Map

Scheduled to begin in February, along County Road 203 and Highway 550 from Trimble Crossing to James Ranch in Durango. LPEA will be replacing 2.25 miles of overhead line to improve reliability and meet system design standards. This project will require tree-trimming and Right-of-Way clearing prior to construction. We anticipate this project lasting approximately 4 months, weather permitting.

 

Drone Survey Activity

The use of drones significantly reduces the time and costs associated with surveying our 2,000 miles of overhead line and 40,000 poles. For the safety of everyone involved, we kindly request that you do not approach or engage with the drone or with the workers performing surveying activities.

Active Drone Survey Projects

  • December 19 - Drone inspections will take place in the Sierra Verde and McCoy Creek subdivisions to identify hazards and improve reliability before heavy snow falls.

Tree Trimming Projects

LPEA's Vegetation Management Program serves as our primary defense against power outages and potential wildfires. Overgrown trees and other vegetation can interfere with power lines and equipment, potentially causing outages, fires, and other safety hazards. To mitigate these risks, we regularly inspect, trim, and remove trees and other vegetation that could potentially interfere with our power lines.

Our active tree trimming projects are:

  • Sunnyside area - Starting in early January
  • The Animas Valley from about the Iron Horse Inn to Rockwood - Starting late January 2026
vegetation management graphic

 

Vegetation Management & Tree Trimming 

Why does LPEA trim and remove trees?

  • Safety: Electricity can travel through the tree and severely injure or kill individuals working or playing on or near the tree. 

  • Reliability: Maintaining a clearance of at least 15-25 feet between our powerlines and trees minimizes the impact trees have on your electric service. 

  • Fire Mitigation: Maintaining proper clearance also decreases the risk of wildfires. When trees come in contact with our lines, they can catch fire.  

  • Affordability: By maintaining clear rights-of-way around our powerlines, we prevent the need to repair and replace equipment damaged by trees. 

Explore our Vegetation Management Page