LPEA Maintains Rates Despite Rising Costs

The La Plata Electric Association approved its 2026 budget and will maintain current rates for members despite the increase in utility costs. The Community foundation serving Southwest Colorado seeks La Plata and San Juan County Applicants for its meaningful opportunity through learning and advancement scholarship, and the Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall. December lineup includes performances by a California based ballet company in Durango’s own Bardy Wranglers. You are watching the local news Roundup, brought to you by Sirius, Texas Barbecue and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings. I am Sadie Smith. The La Plata Electric Association announced that it will not increase rates for members in 2026 despite rising costs. The LPEA board of directors unanimously approved the budget in November. Board President Nicole Pitcher says The local cooperative is able to maintain a flat rate through discipline, financial planning, and putting members first L’S wholesale power supplier. Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association will raise its rates by an average of $9 per residential member per month. Starting in January 20, 26, LPEA will end its contract with Tri-State in April, 2026. The cooperative’s goal is to keep members electricity costs lower than 70% of other Colorado electrical cooperatives and reduce carbon emissions for more information and visit the LPEA website. The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado opened scholarship applications for first generation students in La Plata and San Juan counties. The meaningful opportunity through learning and advancement scholarship or moles will be open through Sunday, March 1st with the winners announced in early April. Applicants must be first generation and rising first year college or trade school students enrolled in a Colorado institution for fall 2026. Non-traditional students also are encouraged to apply. The scholarships are need-based, and can be renewed for up to four years. Visit the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado website for application details. The Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall will host out of state and local performers in December. Santa Barbara’s State Street Ballet will perform the Nutcracker Friday through Sunday, December 12th through 14th performances will feature the San Juan Symphony. Then enjoy a traditional cowboy Christmas at the Bardy Wranglers Christmas Jubilee at 7:30 PM on Saturday, December 20th. The show will include Western music, poetry, storytelling, and holiday humor. For tickets and performance details, visit the Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall website. Learn more about these and other stories online at Durango Local News. Thank you for watching this edition of the Local News Roundup. I’m Sadie Smith.