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The "Bridge Period" begins April 1, 2026 and last through 2028.

As we were planning our departure from Tri-State, we knew we would need to secure a supply of power to ensure reliability starting in 2026. However, we didn't want to rush into more long-term contracts. By signing this short-term agreement with Mercuria for April 2026 - 2028, we can ensure an affordable, reliable power supply for our members after our departure from Tri-State while we take our time to thoughtfully and strategically procure power for 2029 and beyond. 

Yes, we do not anticipate rate increases through 2026 to support the transition. Our focus is on securing cost-effective, renewable energy solutions that ensure stable and predictable rates for our members.

The $208.4 million CTP represents a settlement of debt we are already obligated to pay, regardless of our decision to leave Tri-State. It covers the debt incurred by Tri-State when it originally expected us to remain a member for 50 years. The final amount was determined in March 2026.

No, we would have been responsible for paying the $208.4 million for the debt incurred by Tri-State, regardless of our decision to exit the contract. This payment is related to debt Tri-State accumulated when it originally expected us to remain a member for 50 years. Our decision to exit simply triggered the settlement of this debt, but it is not an additional cost beyond what was already owed.

Yes. We have fully financed the CTP at a competitive rate, which will allow us to manage the cost effectively over time. Similar to how we formerly paid Tri-State monthly (as part of our electric rate) for the debt incurred on our behalf, we will repay the loan over time. The debt payment is not an additional cost, but rather a settlement of debt LPEA was already responsible for, regardless of the decision to leave Tri-State.

LPEA has signed the following Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for its future power supply:

PPAs with Tri-State (April 1, 2026 – December 30, 2033):

• 40 MW from Dolores Canyon Solar Project: One of the PPAs will provide LPEA with 40 MW of power from the local Dolores Canyon Solar Project, helping to increase the cooperative's use of renewable energy in line with its sustainability goals. 

• 40 MW of Firm Power: The second PPA secures 40 MW of firm power for LPEA from Tri-State, ensuring a stable and reliable supply of energy to meet the cooperative's needs.

Additional PPAs

• 5.8 MW of Steam Turbine Waste Heat Recovery Co-Generation from Harvest Four Corners LLC, locally generated renewable energy which further contributes to our sustainability goals. 

• 5.8 MW of Hydropower from Ptarmigan Resources and Energy Inc. for locally generated hydropower from Vallecito Dam. 

We are maintaining strong reliability throughout the transition. While no longer a Tri-State member, we remain a transmission customer, benefiting from Tri-State’s reliable infrastructure. We are managing the transition carefully to ensure uninterrupted service and the high level of reliability our members expect.

We joined the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) RTO on April 1, 2026, as we exited our contract with Tri-State. An RTO coordinates the efficient and reliable delivery of electricity across multiple utility systems. Joining SPP provides us access to a competitive energy market, offering better pricing and more control over our energy future.

Yes! Check out our LPEA Fact Checker for more information on our energy transition, Board elections, the recent rate increase, and more. 

Visit the Fact Checker