La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) has announced candidates for its 2026 board election, with voting set to open April 20.
Members will elect directors in three districts, while the District 2 race has been canceled under the cooperative’s bylaws.
LPEA’s board includes four geographically defined districts, each represented by one elected director.
The qualified candidates are:
• District 1, Archuleta County: Nicole Pitcher and James D. Lane.
• District 2, south and west La Plata County: Greg Barber.
• District 3, city of Durango: Jennifer Jenkins and Jodi Zuber.
• District 4, north and east La Plata County: John Purser and David Luschen.
“Our board elections are the most important ways members shape the future of their co-op,” said LPEA CEO Chris Hansen. “As we continue building on our recent energy transition, member participation is more important than ever. We encourage all eligible members to vote and join us at the annual meeting.”
District 2 election
canceled
Because only one candidate qualified in District 2, the LPEA board of directors voted March 25 to cancel the election in accordance with Article III, Section 5 of the cooperative’s bylaws.
Barber will serve as the District 2 director beginning May 20.
Proposed bylaw
amendment
To improve clarity and consistency in elections, the board has recommended a proposed bylaw amendment establishing a “record date,” which defines which members are eligible to vote.
Members will vote on the amendment at the 2026 annual meeting.
Full amendment language is available at lpea.coop.
How to vote
Starting April 20 at 8 a.m., eligible voters will have multiple ways to cast their ballots:
• Online: Through the SmartHub using the “Vote Now” button.
• By mail: Ballots will be mailed to LPEA members in mid-April.
• In person: Members may vote in person at the annual meeting.
To be counted, online ballots must be submitted by noon on May 19, and paper ballots must be received by 4 p.m. on May 19.
For more information about the 2026 director election, proposed bylaw amendment, voting procedures, and candidate statements, visit lpea.coop/elections.
Annual meeting
The election coincides with LPEA’s annual meeting, where both election results and the outcome of the proposed bylaw amendment will be announced.
LPEA will host its 2026 annual meeting on May 20 at its Durango headquarters.
Schedule:
• 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Registration, voting and lunch.
• 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.: annual meeting
Members are encouraged to arrive early to explore community power program booths and learn about electrification opportunities.
Attendees should bring a valid ID for check-in. Members are encouraged to register by May 13 to reserve a boxed lunch.
More information and registration are available at lpea.coop/annual-meeting.
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