The statistics from LPEA’s third “renewable energy” meeting as reported by the Herald (Sept. 19) are a distraction from the more important issue at hand.
The workshop focused on the cost of rooftop solar customers when the true economic burden to its members is a long-term contract with Tri-State that ties us to the cost of antiquated coal facilities, a 5 percent local generation cap and rising rates.
Tri-State currently charges LPEA an average wholesale rate of 7.4 cents per kWh with significant increases projected over the next few years. Our neighboring co-op in Taos, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, exited their Tri-State contract and is now paying a fixed rate to a wholesale supplier that is at least 20 percent lower than Tri-State. In addition, Kit Carson has a goal of 100 percent renewable energy with a focus on local generation and local jobs.
Instead of pointing the finger at 2 percent of our neighbors who have chosen to install solar at their own expense, and who hardly affect LPEA’s $100 million budget, LPEA should be analyzing the impact of its contract with Tri-State that extends through 2050.
For example, LPEA is sending approximately $70 million a year out of the local economy when that money could be recirculating within our community and creating jobs. Members are asking LPEA to bring a long-term, creative vision to the table that explores all options. We are not asking for the statistics on a small percentage of LPEA’s current budget. This renewable energy workshop completely missed the mark.
Monique DiGiorgio
Durango
