Under direction of a new CEO, La Plata Electric Association plans to explore all its options to cut 50% of its carbon emissions by 2030 and keep its rates competitive.
Much public attention in recent years has been focused on LPEA buying out of its contract with Tri-State Generation and Transmission, a wholesale electricity provider, to help cut carbon emissions. LPEA is contracted to purchase 95% of its power from Tri-State Generation and Transmission, which relies heavily on coal, until 2050.
But in late August, the LPEA board approved a resolution to “aggressively” pursue multiple options to increase the amount of renewable energy the co-op can purchase or develop.
LPEA will explore a buyout from Tri-State and work with Tri-State on a revised contract that could allow for more renewable generation at the same time, according to the resolution. LPEA will also increase renewable generation as much as possible within the constraints of the Tri-State contract.
“Potentially any of them could lead to achieving our goals,” LPEA Board Member Guinn Unger said.
The motion to pursue all options for increasing renewable energy development was approved on a 10-1 vote of the board. Board member Kirsten Skeehan was not present.
Board member Davin Montoya opposed the measure, calling it a “political football” during the meeting.
New CEO Jessica Matlock has experience in developing renewable projects from her previous position as assistant general manager of a public utility in Washington and plans to apply it in her new role.
She said she would like to develop a vision for renewable projects across the LPEA territory with residents and businesses.
“I personally believe in renewable development because I have seen where you can do it in a way that is sustainable and economic for the company and it keeps rates stable,” she said.
To help LPEA meet its new goals, she is working with Tri-State on a potential buyout and a new contract that would allow the co-op to buy less than 95% of its power from Tri-State.
“I am trying to make sure we have a positive relationship with Tri-State,” she said.
Matlock wants the LPEA board to compare a partial contract and full buyout so the board can make an informed decision.
However, it is unknown when LPEA will have contract information and a formal buyout number from Tri-State to compare, she said. But LPEA would like to have information in a timely way.
“We want resolution,” she said.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
