La Plata Electric Association is our member owned electric cooperative. We elect its board of directors, and in turn it is their responsibility to make educated decisions.
While wind and solar are rapidly becoming the least expensive source of electricity, Tri-State Generation and Transmission continues to be heavily dominated by coal. Its rates are uncompetitive in today’s market. For that reason, the board voted on a motion to create a committee to study the changing utility industry and its effects on our co-op.
While this motion narrowly passed, it’s unfortunate that five out of 11 board members voted against it. Those opposed appear to be unwilling to look at the future and adopt to changing realities.
I am looking forward to the work of this committee, whose goal is to provide the board and LPEA staff with the skills and knowledge to keep rates low, to safeguard the assets of our co-op and to study the potential of local generation of electricity.
Please let our LPEA directors know that making educated decisions is a priority for all.
Werner Heiber
Durango
