In this month's newsletter recap, host Monica Vick covers what members need to know heading into May, including a quick tribute to the energy transition on April 1, celebrating National Lineworker Appreciation Month, highlighting our first wildfire resilience sponsorship, and a full calendar of upcoming events and deadlines. Stay connected at lpea.coop.

Wildfire in southwest Colorado is a year-round reality. With warmer winters, drier forests, and wind events that can turn a single spark into a catastrophe, LPEA is rethinking what it means to run a reliable grid.

In this episode of Southwest Power Stories, host Monica Vick takes you inside the cooperative's wildfire mitigation strategy. You'll hear how a machine learning platform called Firescape is mapping risk hour by hour, why reclosers get reconfigured when fire danger spikes, what a Public Safety Power Shutoff actually looks like from inside the dispatch center, and how vegetation management crews are climbing trees ninety percent of the workday to keep the lines clear.

You'll also meet LPEA's 2026 sponsorship partner, Wildfire Adapted Partnership, and learn how neighborhood ambassadors and a chipper rebate program are helping homeowners adapt to the ever-warming climate.

Featuring LPEA CEO Chris Hansen, Senior Director of Engineering Ryne Waggoner, Director of Distribution Toby Allred, Relief Dispatcher Rachel Killinen, and Wildfire Adapted Partnership Executive Director Ashley Downing.

Learn more about Firescape here: https://www.firescape.ai/
Apply for a chipper rebate here: https://www.wildfireadapted.org/chipper-rebate
Discover more about LPEA's Vegetation Management plan here: https://lpea.coop/vegmgmt
Sign up for our Watt's Up newsletter here: https://lpea.coop/newsletter

In this month's newsletter recap, host Monica Vick covers what members need to know heading into April, including the cooperative's historic transition to energy independence on April 1, the CommunityPowerX regional energy forum on April 23 at the Durango Arts Center, Board of Directors elections updates, town halls in Durango and Pagosa Springs, internship opportunities, a downed power line safety reminder, and a full calendar of upcoming events and deadlines. Stay connected at lpea.coop.

On April 1, 2026, La Plata Electric ends decades of buying nearly all its wholesale power from a single supplier and goes back to it's roots by stepping into a regional energy market for the first time. In this episode, we follow CEO Chris Hansen as he travels through the service territory, meeting members over coffee to discuss what this transition means for rates, reliability, and the co-op's energy future. From joining Southwest Power Pool to exploring battery energy storage, this is the story of a cooperative taking control of its own destiny.

In this episode, LPEA CEO Chris Hansen visits Manna, one of the Roundup Foundation's very first grant recipients, to mark 30 years of giving. Executive Director Marissa Hunt shares how Manna has evolved from a traditional soup kitchen into a comprehensive food security hub, offering daily meals, a food market, case management, and a culinary job training program. It's a firsthand look at what happens when small contributions add up to real community change. Hosted by Monica Vick, from La Plata Electric.

Discover how the La Plata Electric Round Up Foundation has transformed small acts of generosity into over $2.5 million of community investment over 30 years. This episode reveals the power of rounding up your electric bill to fuel charitable programs and emergency aid, while also sharing insights on maximizing energy rebates, understanding power blinks during storms, and engaging in community initiatives like Coffee with Chris. Learn about the Foundation's recent $153,500 distribution to nonprofits and upcoming events, and find out how your everyday actions can create lasting change. Hosted by Monica Vick, from La Plata Electric.

Kick off the new year with a quick check-in from La Plata Electric. In this January Watt's Up Recap, we share highlights from our 2026 operational plan, including investments in safety, reliability, wildfire mitigation, local solar, and cost control. You'll also hear updates on battery energy storage, the completion of our broadband sale, 30 years of Round Up impact, upcoming scholarships, board elections, key dates, and new rebates available to members. A fast, informative snapshot of what's happening at your cooperative—and what matters right now.

The December 2025 LPEA podcast recap reflects on a meaningful year, with CEO Chris Hansen thanking members, employees, and community partners for their trust and dedication while reaffirming LPEA's commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable power. A major highlight is the retirement of Cindy "CID" Straight after 50 years of service, honoring her lasting legacy of professionalism, care, and commitment through decades of change. The episode also shares key updates and reminders, including board election applications, rate changes, scholarships, community programs, upcoming events, and ways members can stay engaged and support one another.