Southwestern Colorado Co-op Supports Renewables

Durango-based electric cooperative La Plata Electric Association recently awarded three grants to nonprofit organizations in its service territory. Money from the Renewable Generation Funds Grant program totaled $47,000 to support the nonprofits’ innovative efforts to pursue renewable energy generation.

Volunteers of America was awarded $16,000 to support a solar installation at its new senior housing facility currently under construction. The Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership in Pagosa Springs was awarded $13,000 to support a solar installation to generate electricity at its site. And the Unitarian Universalists Fellowship was awarded $18,000 to support a solar installation at its facility.

These innovative projects were selected based on visibility to the local community and the potential to blend renewable technologies with educational elements and community engagement.

The grant money comes from LPEA consumer-members who choose to contribute to support the development of renewable generation projects in their communities. This is the second year of the grant program and another innovative way LPEA contributes to the communities it serves.