Your recent coverage of the LPEA election and James Coleman’s donations (Herald, June 29) leaves the misleading impression that Purgatory Resort received special treatment on electric rates. That’s not the case.
The LPEA board adopted a policy to cap rate increases across several customer classes to prevent sudden, damaging spikes in costs. Snowmaking at Purgatory wasn’t singled out, it was one of many industries, including large commercial users, irrigation customers and EV charging stations, that saw increases limited to 10% or less. This was a co-op-wide approach to avoid rate shock, not a special deal for one business.
Let’s also acknowledge the broader reality: Local businesses want stable, affordable electricity to stay open, support their employees and contribute to the community. With rising housing and living costs, attracting and keeping workers is harder than ever. Maybe Mr. Coleman’s support for reliable, cost-effective power reflects concern not just for his business, but for other employers and residents as well.
The bigger issue here is where LPEA is headed. With the current board prioritizing politics over practical energy planning, we’re all on track for higher rates, and fewer options.
Attacking individuals for participating in the democratic process, or quoting LPEA board members in ways that seem designed to target private citizens, doesn’t inform the public, it inflames it. Let’s raise the level of discourse and focus on the policies that actually affect our bills.
Kelly Hegarty
Durango
