La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) has signed a new 10-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Ptarmigan Resources and Energy Inc. for locally generated hydropower from the Vallecito Dam, reinforcing the cooperative’s commitment to clean, reliable, and community-focused energy. 

Effective April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2036, the agreement will provide approximately 5.8 megawatts of renewable capacity onto LPEA’s system - enough to power around 2,500 homes per year. It’s the first time LPEA has been able to purchase power directly from Vallecito, thanks to new flexibility under its evolving power supply strategy. 

“This is a win for our members and our mission,” said LPEA CEO Chris Hansen. “For the first time, we’re contracting directly with a local hydropower provider right in our backyard.” 

The hydropower facility at Vallecito Dam, located northeast of Bayfield, has long provided clean energy to the regional grid. However, LPEA’s previous long-term wholesale power contract limited its ability to work with independent producers like Ptarmigan. 

“This project is exactly what we envision for the future of energy for our members: affordable, responsibly generated power produced right here in our community," said Nicole Pitcher, LPEA Board President. “It’s meaningful that the same water sustaining our ranches and farms and bringing joy to recreationists will also be generating clean energy for homes across our service territory.” 

“Selling power locally is a win-win,” said Sam Perry, CEO of HydroWest (contracted by Ptarmigan to oversee plant operations). “With this new partnership, Vallecito can provide consistent, renewable energy and grid stability to LPEA.” 

This PPA follows LPEA’s launch of a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) earlier this year, seeking additional long-term energy resources to serve its load after 2028.