The options are clear for the La Plata Electric Association board: vote for more renewable energy (higher electric rates) or vote for a mix of energy to keep your electric bill low.
We’re all still hurting from the rise in sewer and water rates in Durango and we don’t need to see our LPEA electric bills drastically increase too.
If you want to keep you electric bill from rising, then vote for Mike Bell. He understands that middle- and low-income families can’t afford rate increases pushed by environmentalists wanting us to buy 100 percent renewable energy. Further, his business background and strong financial acumen will be an asset to the board.
Rachel Landis (his opponent) wants to revise/break contracts in order to purchase more renewable power. Really? LPEA board members with business and legal experience won’t embrace a high-risk and low-reward strategy.
If consumers wish to buy renewable energy, then they can select the green power option for their LPEA bill, or install solar panels at their home.
Renewable energy is more expensive than natural gas. Indeed, solar power generation is twice as expensive as natural gas.
LPEA has been purchasing a higher percentage of renewable power, but the rate increases have been partially offset by the decline in natural gas price. At some point, natural gas prices will go up. If you combine this with a significant rise in renewable energy purchases, it will be like the perfect storm on your electric bill.
Dave Peters
Durango
