In September, Bayfield Town Hall became the latest location in LPEA’s district to host a public electric vehicle (EV) charging station. It joined a growing list of other places also providing level 2 EV chargers in our community, including the LPEA offices in Durango, Centennial Park in Pagosa Springs, Fort Lewis College, Mercy Medical Center, the Durango Transit Center and the Smiley Building. 

“We’ve seen a major increase in interest for EV infrastructure and for LPEA’s EV rebate programs over the past few years,” said Nancy Andrews, LPEA Energy Management Advisor. “This is due to a combination of factors including Colorado legislation, the increased availability of competitively-priced electric vehicles, and growing concern for our environment.” 

In 2018, the Colorado Energy Office released the Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan, which aims to build EV fast-charging infrastructure within Colorado through public-private partnerships. The fast-charging stations will be located in 34 communities along six corridors in Colorado, allowing travelers and locals alike to drive an EV anywhere in the state. Unlike standard level 2 EV chargers, which take 3 to 8 hours for a full charge, these level 3 DC fast chargers take just 30 minutes. 

The first fast-charging station in LPEA’s service territory became available in August in Centennial Park in Pagosa Springs. An additional fast-charging station is slated for Durango and another location along the Highway 550 North corridor. 

While electric vehicle adoption is still relatively low in La Plata and Archuleta counties with just under 400 EVs registered, Andrews predicts their popularity will increase. “Several local dealerships sell EVs and hybrids now, and likely more will in the future with new EV models on the horizon like the electric Ford F-150,” she said. “LPEA looks forward to working with local dealerships to ensure EV choices are brought to Durango. EVs are officially moving from fringe to mainstream.” 

To support in the development of EV infrastructure in our service territory, LPEA and our power provider Tri-State, offer a combined rebate of $2,000 per pedestal to any business or property owner seeking to install level 2 chargers in our service territory. We also offer the free use of a Level 2 ChargePoint Flex plug-in charger (UL Listed and ENERGY STAR certified - $700 value) for home use for our members with electric vehicles. A rebate up to $500 (not to exceed 50% of electric parts and labor costs) is also available for installation fees if a suitable home outlet (NEMA 14-50 50A 240V) is installed.  

“We want to do what we can to support our members who want to invest in electric vehicles,” said Andrews. “This is part of our greater effort to support beneficial electrification in our communities, which aims to replace direct fossil fuel use (e.g., propane, heating oil, gasoline) with electricity to reduce overall emissions and energy costs.” 

For more details visit lpea.coop/electric-vehicles-evs or call us at (970) 247-5786. 

For a full list of all EV charging stations in Colorado and beyond, visit Plugshare.com