I recently read the article “LPEA renewable energy goal faces uncertain future” (Herald, July 23).
The article highlights a recent vote by our LPEA board member Kohler McInnis at a Tri-State meeting, our wholesale electricity provider.
The board instructed CEO Mike Dreyspring to request a variance of our current contract with Tri-State, allowing LPEA to increase our local renewable energy generation by 5 percent. If approved, this move would help LPEA to offset the high ratio of dirty coal-generated power that Tri-State offers.
It would also create more local jobs, community resiliency and long-term low rates. Coal-generated power is quickly losing any competitive price edge it has held over renewable energy costs.
The problem is that McInnis voted against the request that the LPEA board instructed our CEO to make to Tri-State. Its like being elected team captain and then move to hinder your team instead of help them.
McInnis defended his vote, saying “he had a fiduciary duty to make decisions that are best for Tri-State.” All elected representatives at any level should balance their constituents interests with the larger interests of the body they were elected to govern.
A Tri-State board member should never ignore his own co-op’s interest and blindly vote for only what makes Tri-State ever larger and more controlling.
We need a team captain who will be on LPEA’s side.
Jo Ann Kopke
Bayfield
