Storms wreak havoc on electric generation, transmission, and distribution systems across the United States, including those at LPEA. High winds, severe thunderstorms, heavy snow, and ice can all be destructive and cause outages throughout our service territory.
The weight of ice on trees and powerlines can topple branches and trunks, wires, and poles. The damage can take days or weeks to repair and rebuild.
LPEA’s main objective following any storm is to restore power to critical facilities and help as many people as possible. When damage is severe and widespread, the cooperative’s mutual assistance network is activated and cooperatives from neighboring regions are called to assist. 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.
LPEA member-owners are advised to build and store a disaster supplies kit in their home, and/or vehicle if possible. You never know when you may need this kit in case of an emergency or extended power outage. To assemble a disaster supplies kit, consider the recommendations of the American Red Cross.
Disaster kit items:
- 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
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.