La Plata Electric Association Inc.’s (LPEA) wholesale electricity provider, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association Inc., announced Friday, June 16, that it had submitted a new formula rate filing to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The new rate, if approved by FERC, would increase the rates for LPEA by 6.2%. 

Tri-State must obtain rate approvals from FERC rather than through its local Board of Directors. If approved by FERC, the new rates will take effect on January 1, 2024. 

In Tri-State’s June 16, announcement, Tri-State CEO Duane Highly explained, “For the first time since 2017, Tri-State is proposing a rate increase, driven by factors including inflation, increased fuel and energy costs, and supply chain pressures, and notably, the proposed wholesale rate increase remains below the rate of inflation over the past seven years.” 

Tri-State is expecting to receive a response from FERC within 30 days on whether the proposed rate increase is accepted. Once FERC accepts the rate, Tri-State will raise its rates to its members. 

“LPEA will continue to closely monitor the decision from FERC and the impact this rate increase from Tri- State will have on our members,” said Jessica Matlock, LPEA CEO. 

 About Tri-State 

Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association is a not-for-profit wholesale power supplier to 43-member electric cooperatives and public power districts serving nearly 1.5 million consumers throughout a 200,000 square-mile area of Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Wyoming. For more information, visit tristategt.com.  

About LPEA 

LPEA is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative serving La Plata, Archuleta, and segments of Hinsdale, Mineral, and San Juan counties. LPEA is the fifth largest cooperative of 22 in Colorado and aims to provide safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost to more than 48,000 meters. For additional information, visit lpea.coop.