LPEA after Tri-State
LPEA serves more than 36,600 members across La Plata and Archuleta counties and parts of Hinsdale, Mineral and San Juan counties, from offices in Durango and Pagosa Springs. On April 1, 2026 it left Tri-State and joined the Southwest Power Pool regional market.
For solar and battery owners, the practical effect so far is in the programs and rates below. Its 2026 rates held flat from 2025. We’ll watch for any net-metering revision now that LPEA sets its own power costs.
The 4–9 p.m. hour that sets your bill
LPEA’s standard A-10 rate charges $5.73 per kW for your single highest hour between 4 and 9 p.m. in the month. A 6 kW evening peak is about $34. Solar production is fading in that window, so panels alone rarely move it.
That’s exactly what LPEA’s battery rebate asks a battery to do — minimize your 4–9 p.m. demand. A battery set up that way both qualifies for the rebate and trims your peak-power charge every month.
Solar sizing: 150% and an April payout
LPEA won’t approve a system expected to generate more than 150% of your gross usage over the prior 12 months. Excess kWh bank one-for-one; in the April billing period, LPEA pays for the leftover at the prior year’s avoided wholesale energy cost. As everywhere, production you actually use is worth far more than production you sell back.
Durango-area homes range from open mesa lots to steep, forested sites. We run a shading study and design for snow and wind on each one.
Rebates & programs
Programs change often. Status shown is what we could confirm on the date listed — always check with the program before you count on it.
Battery Energy Storage rebate
Open$1,000 for 10–19.9 kWh or $2,000 for 20 kWh and up, plus $500/$1,000 in orange or red interconnection-limited zones. The battery must be scheduled to minimize 4–9 p.m. demand with a 30%-or-lower state-of-charge floor, using an approved brand and mode.
- Base rebate $1,000 (10–19.9 kWh) or $2,000 (≥20 kWh); limited-zone bonus $500 or $1,000, which requires delaying charging until noon in April, May, September and October.(source)
- Eligible manufacturers: EG4, Emporia, Enphase, FranklinWH, SolarEdge, Sol-Ark, Spitzer and Tesla. Apply within 90 days of Permission to Operate; interconnection applications must be after Jan. 1, 2025.(source)
Residential EV charger rebate
Open50% of cost up to $250, or 100% up to $500 for income-qualified households (up to 150% of area median income). Professional installation and off-peak scheduling required; two per account; claim within 90 days.
- LPEA EV charger rebate: 50% up to $250 standard; 100% up to $500 income-qualified; requires professional installation and off-peak scheduling; max two per account; 90-day claim window.(source)
FAQ
Questions we hear
Is LPEA still a Tri-State member?
No. LPEA left Tri-State on April 1, 2026 and joined the Southwest Power Pool market.
Which batteries qualify for LPEA’s rebate?
LPEA lists EG4, Emporia, Enphase, FranklinWH, SolarEdge, Sol-Ark, Spitzer and Tesla, each in specific operating modes. Of what we install, Tesla Powerwall 3 and Enphase qualify; SigEnergy isn’t on the list as of September 2026.
Does a Powerwall 3 get $1,000 or $2,000 from LPEA?
One Powerwall 3 is 13.5 kWh, which falls in the 10–19.9 kWh tier ($1,000). Two units (27 kWh) reach the ≥20 kWh tier ($2,000). Limited-zone bonuses add $500 or $1,000.
How big can a solar system be on LPEA?
Up to 150% of your gross usage over the previous 12 months; larger systems won’t be approved.
What is LPEA’s peak-power charge?
$5.73 per kW in 2026 on the A-10 rate, based on your single highest hour between 4 and 9 p.m. in the month.