Local leadership during a historic transition
As Board President, I helped guide LPEA through the end of its restrictive wholesale power contract, returning local control over our power supply for the first time in decades.
Building a resilient local energy future
I support a diversified and decentralized power supply that strengthens reliability and allows LPEA to partner with local energy producers.
Committed to open communication with members
I have worked to ensure LPEA shows up more in Archuleta County through community meetings, open conversations, and clear communication.
Committed to stable and affordable rates
Through careful planning, LPEA kept rates stable for members this year even as our former wholesale power supplier raised rates again.
Focused on reliability and wildfire mitigation
I support investments that strengthen our electric system through vegetation management, stronger infrastructure, and targeted improvements that reduce wildfire risk.
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For decades, LPEA has provided reliable power to our community because of skilled line crews, careful planning, and a cooperative model that puts members first. As your District 1 Director and current Board President, my responsibility is to protect that foundation while leading the cooperative through a historic transition.
My family and I have built our life in Archuleta County. I am a mother, a homemaker, and part of a small family business here. Like many in our community, I care deeply about keeping this a place where people can afford to live, work, and stay rooted.
This year, LPEA kept rates stable for our members. That stands in contrast to our former wholesale power supplier, Tri State, which raised rates yet again. Through careful planning, LPEA members did not have to absorb that increase. That is the future we are working toward: protecting members from decisions made elsewhere while managing costs here at home.
On April 1, 2026, LPEA ended its restrictive 50 year wholesale power contract. For the first time in decades, we can now make smart business decisions based on what works best for our communities.
That change allows us to move toward a more diversified and decentralized energy system that strengthens reliability and resilience. Instead of relying on a single wholesale supplier, LPEA can now work with multiple energy partners and local projects to build a balanced power supply.
A clear example of this change is the recent Vallecito Dam hydropower agreement. This project allows LPEA to purchase clean, reliable power produced right here in our region. It provides long term stability, dependable generation, and keeps energy dollars closer to home. It also shows how LPEA can partner with local producers as we evaluate other generation opportunities across our service territory.
Our region is rich in energy resources. Instead of sending our hard earned dollars to the Front Range, we can reinvest here at home, creating jobs, strengthening energy independence, and building a more affordable energy future.
Protecting our electric system from extreme weather and wildfire risk is also critical. We live in a high fire danger area, and that risk is real. I have supported investments that harden the grid through vegetation management, stronger infrastructure, and targeted improvements that improve reliability and reduce fire risk.
I have worked to ensure LPEA shows up in Archuleta County through local meetings, open conversations, and straightforward communication. Members deserve clear communication and leadership that listens and responds.
I care deeply about this community and about the cooperative that serves it. I would be honored to earn your support and your vote. Together, we control our energy future.
- Nicole Pitcher