LPEA Announces 2026 Board Election Candidates and Voting Details
mailing a ballot
Date Published

LPEA has announced candidates for its 2026 board election, with voting set to open April 20. Members will elect directors in three districts, while the District 2 race has been canceled under the cooperative’s bylaws. LPEA’s board includes four geographically defined districts, each represented by one elected director. 

The qualified candidates are: 

District 1, Archuleta County: Nicole Pitcher, James D. Lane  
District 2, South and West La Plata County: Greg Barber 
District 3, City of Durango: Jennifer Jenkins, Jodi Zuber 
District 4, North and East La Plata County: John Purser, David Luschen 

“Our board elections are the most important way members shape the future of their co-op,” said LPEA CEO Chris Hansen. “As we continue building on our recent energy transition, member participation is more important than ever. We encourage all eligible members to vote and join us at the annual meeting.” 

Because only one candidate qualified in District 2, the LPEA board of directors voted March 25 to cancel the election in accordance with Article III, Section 5 of the cooperative’s bylaws. Greg Barber will serve as the District 2 director beginning May 20, 2026. 

To improve clarity and consistency in elections, the board has also recommended a proposed bylaw amendment establishing a “record date,” defining which members are eligible to vote. Members will vote on the amendment at the 2026 Annual Meeting. Full amendment language is available at lpea.coop/elections. 

Starting April 20 at 8:00 AM, eligible voters will have multiple ways to cast their ballots: 

  • Online: Through SmartHub using the “Vote Now” button 
  • By Mail: Ballots will be mailed to LPEA members in mid-April 
  • By Dropbox: Ballots may be dropped in one of the two official LPEA ballot dropboxes located at: 
    • 45 Stewart Street, Durango, CO
    • 603 S 8th Street, Pagosa Springs, CO
  • In-Person: Members may vote in person at the Annual Meeting on May 20.  

To be counted, online ballots must be submitted by Noon on May 19, and paper ballots must be received by 4:00 PM on May 19, 2026. For more information about the 2026 director election, proposed bylaw amendment, voting procedures, and candidate statements, visit lpea.coop/elections. 

The election coincides with LPEA’s annual meeting, where both election results and the outcome of the proposed bylaw amendment will be announced. LPEA will host its 2026 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 20, at its Durango headquarters. 

Schedule: 
• 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Registration, voting, and lunch 
• 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Annual meeting and election results

Members are encouraged to arrive early to explore community power program booths and learn about electrification opportunities. Attendees should bring a valid ID for check-in. Members are encouraged to register by May 13 to reserve a boxed lunch. More information and registration are available at lpea.coop/annual-meeting