Paying a utility bill to a monopoly provider can be frustrating, especially as the cost of living rises. That frustration might tempt you toward “change for change’s sake.” But as a member-owner of La Plata Electric Association, you owe it to yourself to look deeper.
LPEA’s strategic goal – published on our website and hanging in our boardroom – is to deliver reliable electricity at rates lower than 70% of Colorado peers while meeting the state’s aggressive carbon reduction targets. That’s an ambitious goal, and your board is achieving it. Our recent transition to local control and energy independence, coupled with no rate increase for 2026 is proof.
So why the naysayers? Several candidates are running on the premise that LPEA is broken. It is not! Corrupt, mismanaged organizations don’t perform at this exceptional level. Candidate Purser (District 4) has run this same negative and unsuccessful campaign three times previously. Candidate Lane (District 1) offers volume over substance. Candidate Zuber (District 3) offers little message at all.
LPEA needs continuity and competence. I urge votes for incumbents Nicole Pitcher (District 1) and David Lutchen (District 4), and for Jennifer Jenkins (District 3), whose experience with rural electric cooperatives nationwide will be a strong addition.
Use your ballot to support an organization that’s doing great work on your behalf.
Ted Compton, LPEA Board Vice President
Durango
The views expressed are solely his own.