I am writing in response to John Purser’s letter (Herald, April 27) questioning whether LPEA’s departure from Tri-State will deliver the reliable, affordable power members were promised after Craig Station was brought back online for reliability purposes.
Mr. Purser’s knowledge and conclusions about the complex public electric utility industry are inaccurate and misleading.
Tri-State brought the Craig Station plant back online because of the Trump administration’s Department of Energy Federal Power Act order. Southwest Power Pool is a nonprofit regional transmission organization mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Craig serves as a capacity unit and would be activated only in emergencies if additional power generation is needed.
LPEA was not the first utility to leave Tri-State, nor will it be the last. LPEA’s published presentations show various suppliers and fixed prices, including Sunnyside (2 MW, soon to be 5 MW), Vallecito Hydro (5.8 MW), Harvest Waste Heat Recovery (5.8 MW), Oxford Solar (1 MW), Dolores Canyon Solar (40 MW) and Tri-State Firm PPA – 50% renewable – (40 MW).
As for replacing Bridge Power, LPEA is currently in the request-for-proposals stage for 150 MW. These actions are part of LPEA’s published long-range strategy for a balanced, flexible energy portfolio that meets members’ needs, fulfills state law and does not bind us to one large corporate contract.
LPEA can now buy local, cleaner and more affordable power while setting its own priorities, including decisions about upgrading local infrastructure. Rooftop solar is also available to all members.
Please review candidate qualifications and websites – and vote.
David L. Luschen
Durango
David Luschen is a current LPEA board member. The views expressed are his own.
