Sue McWilliams’ letter reprimands LPEA’s board for actions which I applaud (“
Perhaps because she’s new to our area, she doesn’t know LPEA members elected directors promising to seek relief from Tri-State’s high rates and dirty electricity.
Tri-State’s wholesale rate is significantly above open market rates, even allowing for transmission charges. Our Tri-State contract allows unlimited rate hikes until 2050; that is good for Tri-State but not for LPEA members.
We members deeply appreciate this new board’s thorough analysis of our budget and energy options. Our recent rate hike is overdue to replace aging infrastructure. I’m amazed our board members are willing to do their hard work for the small salary they receive.
Unlike Ms. McWilliams, I find our current CEO and her excellent staff worth every cent they earn – quality doesn’t come cheap. I appreciate their new era of transparency, with televised/archived meetings and in-depth budget review meetings which are open to everyone.
Our LPEA workforce deserves good pay, too.
Ms. McWilliams, you seem to have come here with a preconception that Tri-State deserves more loyalty than our co-op. It might pay you to find out what we want rather than to assume you know.
Lynn R. FrederickPagosa Springs
