Electric Co-op Makes Technological Strides

“Forward-thinking and proactive” are two ways that Dan Harms, manager of rates, technology and energy policy at La Plata Electric Association, describes the Durango-based electric cooperative.

Technological advances in battery storage, increased individual solar systems and electric vehicle home charging popularity put LPEA in the top percentage of rural electric cooperatives across the country. This use of the latest technology benefits its members by maintaining reliability and efficiency.

The co-op also uses advanced computerized technology to track the territory system and outages. Dispatch has a “live” wall that monitors all parts of the system 24/7 in real time and the line crews use smartphones and tablets in the field for maintenance, inspections and repairs.

This innovative use of technology allows LPEA to serve the membership better while keeping rates low.