Tri-State is made up of 44 co-ops. It supplies LPEA with 95 percent of our electricity. LPEA purchases all its electricity; it does not produce any. About 70 percent of LPEA’s electricity expense goes to Tri-State, so the decisions made there have a huge impact on rates. The 44 co-ops making up Tri-State are diverse in size and makeup. And as noted in Tri-State’s audited financial statements, 23 percent of its electricity production portfolio is renewable generation – and Tri-State is working to increase that.

Not everyone has the ability to understand the complexities of operating a multibillion-dollar company. If Joe was defeated in the LPEA election, it would have a huge impact on LPEA. He serves on the executive committee at Tri-State. It took a long time for him to build the trust from that board to the point they knew he had the knowledge and experience to serve in that position. I hope everyone can understand how important he is to LPEA. Please mail your ballot in and show your support for Joe. This is my sole opinion and is in no way meant to insinuate that the LPEA board as a whole has endorsed this letter.

Davin Montoya

Hesperus

Editor’s note: Davin Montoya is an LPEA board member running for re-election in District 2. He is unopposed.