LPEA’s main objective following any outage is to restore power as safely and quickly as possible. La Plata Electric Association, Inc. employees, suppliers, and partners will work around the clock until service is restored.

To report a power outage call: (970) 247-5786, Option 5.

Though we try our best, LPEA cannot guarantee electric service 24/7. 

LPEA members are encouraged to be prepared in case of an outage at any time. Here are a few tips for being outage-ready.

  • Log In to SmartHub and update your contact information with us. 
  • Have a personal safety plan for every member of your household (including pets). 
  • Plan for any medical needs (ex: devices that require power or medications that need to be refrigerated).
  • Confirm your generator is set up correctly (Here is some more information on generator safety and requirements.) 
  • Create or restock an emergency supply kit, including food, water, flashlights, a radio, fresh batteries, first aid supplies, and cash. (Ready.gov has a great checklist.)
    • LPEA telephone number (970) 247-5786, Option 5
    • Emergency contact numbers
    • Battery-powered radio & extra batteries
    • Candles & matches
    • Flashlights & extra batteries
    • First-aid kit & medications
    • Nonperishable food, MREs
    • Hand-operated can opener
    • Water
  • Identify backup charging methods for phones and medical equipment. 
  • Know how to open your garage door manually. 
  • Set your fridge and freezer to the coldest setting to keep food cold. Find more food safety notes here. (LPEA is not responsible for spoiled food.) 
  • Turn off or unplug electrical appliances or equipment that could surge when power returns. 

If your power is off

  • Check your home's breaker panel (and any outdoor disconnects) to make sure the outage is not due to a tripped breaker. Call your neighbors to see if their power is off. This will help you determine if the problem exists within your home, or on our power lines.
  • If you determine the problem is outside your home, call LPEA, (970) 247-5786, Option 5. 
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food should keep for up to 48 hours in a freezer if the door remains closed. If the outage persists, cover your refrigerator or freezer with a blanket, make arrangements to store food at another location, or purchase dry ice.
  • Turn off all electrical appliances that were on when the power went off, especially heat pumps, air conditioners, or electric heat. But leave a light on so you will know when power is restored.

Extended outages

  • During a prolonged outage, consider using an emergency shelter and find other accommodations for children, elderly relatives, and anyone who is ill.
  • Don't cook inside with charcoal. Be extra careful with candles, kerosene lamps, heaters, and fireplaces.
  • Have a supply of water on hand.

Help us restore power safely

Please be aware of our service vehicles parked along roadways. Call LPEA at (970) 247-5786, Option 5 to report outages and any unsafe conditions like sparking power lines. Stay away from these lines, as well as all downed power lines. You should always act as if a downed line is energized, no matter what.