When I joined LPEA in November, I stepped into a cooperative with a strong foundation, a clear mission and an engaged membership. As we enter 2025, we are not only implementing our operational priorities, but also gearing up for the cooperative’s next phase – one built on energy independence, wildfire mitigation and deepening our engagement with members.
Energy is evolving, and so is LPEA. Our 2025 Operational Plan prioritizes securing reliable, affordable energy while advancing our sustainability commitments. This means diversifying our energy sources, integrating more local renewables and strengthening our grid to better serve members in La Plata, Archuleta and surrounding counties.
We are at a pivotal moment in our journey – evaluating contracts and securing the energy resources needed for the next five years. Our promise to our members is clear: We’ll continue to provide the reliable, cost-effective and clean energy mix they count on.
Wildfire prevention is also a high priority for rural electric cooperatives across the West, and top of mind for all of us who witnessed the devastating destruction of the recent fires in California.
LPEA has always prioritized wildfire mitigation, and everything we do in terms of capital projects, maintenance and tree trimming all contribute to these efforts. In 2025, nearly $9 million has been earmarked to support fire mitigation. LPEA also increased its tree trimming budget by 74% to help prevent overgrown vegetation.
We continually assess the viability of undergrounding power lines, though factors like location, electrical needs and costs can make this unfeasible in some areas. Despite these challenges, 45% of our lines are underground, with most new construction following this trend. We also conduct regular inspections to replace hazardous, broken or failing equipment and will enhance inspection efforts through the use of drone technology this year. LPEA uses drones to inspect areas not visible from the ground, providing us with a critical tool for proactive monitoring, rapid repairs and risk assessment.
Our investment in smart grid technology further enhances wildfire prevention. We have installed new equipment that can detect faults faster than traditional equipment and can de-energize lines almost instantaneously. On red flag days, this technology can automatically adjust settings to prioritize fast power shutoffs to reduce fire risks.
Our operational plan includes expanding several strategies already in place:
- Vegetation management. Clearing rights of way and removing high-risk trees to reduce potential fire hazards.
- Advanced monitoring. Using drones, satellite imagery and updated mapping tools.
- Infrastructure upgrades. Strengthening power lines and grid equipment to withstand extreme weather conditions.
- Emergency coordination. Partnering with local agencies to enhance response efforts.
Mitigation efforts come with a cost, and like fire departments and emergency services, electric cooperatives must allocate resources accordingly. Investing in fire prevention not only protects our communities but also helps reduce long-term risks and liabilities.
Wildfire prevention isn’t just an LPEA or fire department effort – it requires collaboration. We encourage all members to take steps to create defensible space around their properties, work with us to trim vegetation near power lines and report any hazardous conditions near LPEA infrastructure. By working together, we can reduce fire risks and build a safer, more resilient community.
LPEA is a member-owned cooperative, and our direction is shaped by those we serve. That’s why we are expanding opportunities for member engagement in 2025. In addition to our annual meeting, board meetings, town halls and surveys, we’re launching “Coffee with Chris” – a series of informal gatherings where members can ask questions, share concerns and help shape the future of LPEA. These events will be held throughout the year at various locations in our service area, providing a chance for direct conversations about our cooperative’s priorities and the issues that matter most to our members.
We are committed to serving you with transparency, innovation and reliability. I look forward to meeting more of you, hearing your ideas and working together to secure a strong energy future for Southwest Colorado.
Chris Hansen is CEO of La Plata Electric Association.
