A Guide to Paying Your La Plata Electric Bill with Ease

As a La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) customer, I know paying your monthly electric bill can feel like a chore. Between juggling due dates, paper statements, and payment options, it’s easy to get frustrated with the process That’s why I wanted to write this comprehensive guide to demystify LPEA billing and outline the easiest ways to pay your bill.

After trial and error I’ve figured out how to pay in seconds without the hassle. Whether you prefer paperless billing auto-pay, online payments, or another method, my goal is to explain the ins and outs of LPEA billing so you can find a payment process that works for you.

Let’s dive in!

Overview of La Plata Electric Association

First, a quick LPEA overview for context. People who live in La Plata and Archuleta counties in southwest Colorado get their electricity from LPEA, which is an electric distribution cooperative. In their large service area, this member-owned utility serves more than 33,000 homes, businesses, and other buildings.

LPEA gets electricity from a number of different generators and sends it to customers in the area through their lines and substations. As an electric co-op, LPEA is owned by its members and run by a board that was elected by the people.

Now, onto billing and payment specifics.

When Are LPEA Bills Due?

LPEA bills for electric service each month. Your due date is printed on your monthly statement.

Payments are due 20 days after the bill was issued. For example, if your bill is dated January 5th, payment must be received by January 25th to avoid late fees.

I recommend paying a few days before the printed due date to ensure your payment processes in time, especially if mailing a check which can take 5-7 days to reach the LPEA office.

How Much Are Late Payment Fees?

If your payment is not received by the due date, you will incur a late fee. For the first two late payments in a 12-month period, the late fee is $4 or 1.75% of the past due amount, whichever is greater.

On the third late payment, the late fee increases to $15 or 5% of the past due amount, again whichever is greater.

Clearly, it pays to pay on time and avoid late fees. I simply schedule my LPEA payments through my bank’s online bill pay feature a week before the due date.

Payment Options Offered by LPEA

LPEA makes paying your electric bill as quick and convenient as possible. Below are the payment options they offer:

• SmartHub – Pay online 24/7 through the SmartHub web portal or mobile app. Debit/credit cards accepted.

• Phone – Call 970-247-5786 anytime to pay by phone with an automated system.

• Mail – Send a check or money order with your payment coupon to the LPEA office. Allow 5-7 days for delivery.

• In Person – Visit either the Durango or Pagosa Springs office during open hours to pay by cash, check, or credit/debit card.

• Payment Kiosks – Pay by cash, card, or check at a self-serve payment kiosk located at Camel’s Pantry in Ignacio or Talbert’s in Bayfield.

• AutoPay – Set up automatic monthly payments from your checking account or credit card so you never miss a payment.

Personally, I’m a fan of AutoPay. With my LPEA bill paid automatically each month, it’s one less thing to remember.

Avoiding Late Fees and Disconnection

Nobody wants the stress of late fees or potential disconnection from non-payment. Here are my best tips for avoiding those scenarios:

• Enroll in AutoPay or schedule recurring online bill pay through your bank

• If mailing a payment, allow 7-10 days for it to reach LPEA before the due date

• Pay as soon as you receive your bill instead of waiting until the deadline

• Take advantage of SmartHub’s reminders for due dates and past due notices

• Contact LPEA immediately if you receive a disconnection warning so you can set up a payment plan if needed

LPEA wants to keep your power on, so they will work with you on a solution if you communicate about billing issues right away.

Payment Assistance for Qualified Customers

Some LPEA customers face hardships that make it difficult to pay their electric bill. If you find yourself struggling, LPEA partners with certain assistance programs that may be able to help, including:

• LEAP – Low-income energy assistance program helping with winter heating bills.

• Energy Outreach Colorado – Grants to cover a portion of electric bills for qualified applicants.

• Local nonprofits like Pine River Shares and the Durango/Bayfield Family Center provide utility bill grants.

I encourage you to contact LPEA’s customer service team to learn about bill payment assistance options if money is tight. They can walk you through the application process for these programs.

Contacting LPEA

Hopefully this guide provided a helpful overview of how to pay your LPEA electric bill with minimal hassle. But if any questions come up, here are the best ways to contact LPEA:

• By Phone: Call 970-247-5786 Monday through Thursday from 7 AM to 6 PM

• In Person: Visit either the Durango or Pagosa Springs office during open hours

• By Email: [email protected]

• Online: Start a chat at www.lpea.coop

No matter how you reach out, LPEA’s customer service team is friendly and responsive. Don’t hesitate to call, email, chat, or visit if you need anything bill or account related.