The election for the LPEA Board is a chance to move forward. The difference between the candidates’ positions is related to last year’s cancellation of the LPEA and Tri-State contract.
Facts:
• The contract with Tri-State was canceled and the paperwork completed
• Replacement energy contracts have been signed by both parties – rewinding is counterproductive and expensive
• Tri-State was extremely restrictive, limiting local energy production to 5%, hindering the development of local projects
• Tri-State meeting minutes suggest they are counting on LPEA’s termination payment to avoid insolvency
Tri-State is not the partner that we want:
• They are $3.5B in debt due to coal investments
• Their bond rating has been downgraded twice and they have lost 30% of their revenue to member attrition
Moving forward on the current path is sensible:
• LPEA Board’s vision is focused on local control and supporting the local economy
• We have 300+ days of sunshine and an estimated 1GW of geothermal energy potential
• Local green energy will benefit our economy instead of sending $70M annually outside our region
• The 7MW Vallecito hydroelectric plant is partially owned by Pine River Irrigation District who will generate income selling directly to LPEA, while members will get lower energy costs
• Joining the Southwest Power Pool opens a new market for local producers. The region may become a net energy exporter, possibly paying a dividend to member owners.
The focus on going back to Tri-State is rearview thinking not forward thinking. Vote to reelect Witchel, Lewandowski, and Metzler to the LPEA board.
Stephen Crandall
Durango
