Are you tired of stressing about your LPEA bill payments? I get it! Keeping up with utility bills can be a real pain sometimes. As someone who’s lived in the La Plata area for years, I’ve tried pretty much every payment method LPEA offers. Today, I’m gonna share everything I know about La Plata Electric Association bill payment options to make your life easier.
What is LPEA?
Before diving into payment methods, let’s clarify what LPEA is. La Plata Electric Association is the electric cooperative serving our community in southwestern Colorado. They provide electricity to homes and businesses in La Plata and Archuleta counties.
The Easiest Way to Pay Your LPEA Bill
According to LPEA themselves, the simplest way to pay your bill is through their online portal called SmartHub. I’ve been using it for about two years now, and honestly, it’s super convenient!
SmartHub Benefits
- Pay bills online 24/7
- Set up auto-pay (my personal favorite!)
- Go paperless to reduce mail clutter
- Track your energy usage
- Manage your account from anywhere
To access SmartHub, just visit the LPEA website and click on the SmartHub login. If you haven’t registered yet, the process is pretty straightforward and only takes a few minutes.
Quick Pay Option (No Login Required)
Don’t want to create an account? No problem! LPEA offers a “Pay Now” option that doesn’t require logging in. This is perfect for when you’re in a hurry or just want to make a one-time payment without the hassle of remembering another password.
To use this option
- Visit the LPEA website
- Click the “PAY NOW” button
- Have your account number ready (it’s on your paper bill)
- Enter your payment details
I used this method once when I forgot my SmartHub password. and it was quick and painless!
Other Ways to Pay Your LPEA Bill
Not everyone’s a fan of online payments and LPEA understands that. They offer several alternative payment methods to suit different preferences
Pay by Mail
The traditional way of paying bills still works! LPEA sends monthly paper statements unless you’ve opted for paperless billing. Simply:
- Send your payment in the pre-addressed envelope included with your bill
- Use check or money order (never send cash!)
- Allow enough time for delivery before the due date
Important note: LPEA doesn’t accept post-dated checks, so make sure you have funds available when you mail it.
Pay by Phone
I’ve used this method a couple times when I was traveling, and it’s pretty convenient! LPEA has an automated payment system that’s available 24/7:
- Call (970) 247-5786
- Select the pay-by-phone option from the menu
- Follow the prompts to make your payment
- Have your debit or credit card ready
First-time users will need to verify their identity and create a 4-digit PIN for security purposes. Remember to keep that PIN safe for future use!
Pay in Person or at Payment Kiosks
If you prefer face-to-face transactions or need to pay with cash, you can visit one of LPEA’s offices:
Durango Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
45 Stewart St., Durango, CO 81303
Pagosa Springs Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. (closed from 1:30-2:30 for lunch)
603 S 8th St., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Both locations have payment kiosks that accept credit cards, banking account details, and cash. Just note that the kiosks can’t make change – any extra cash inserted will be applied as a credit to your account.
LPEA Bill Pay Programs to Make Life Easier
LPEA offers several specialized billing programs that might make your life easier depending on your situation:
Budget Billing
This is my neighbor’s favorite program! Budget Billing helps you avoid those seasonal spikes in your electric bill by setting up even monthly payments based on your annual average. It’s especially helpful if you hate dealing with high summer cooling or winter heating bills.
To qualify:
- You need to have had an LPEA account in your name for at least a year at the same address
- Maintain good credit history with LPEA
- Have a residential account (commercial accounts don’t qualify)
- Enroll during May or June each year
Your monthly amount gets calculated based on your previous 12 months of usage. If your usage patterns change significantly during the year, you can contact LPEA to recalculate your monthly average.
Invoice Billing
Got multiple LPEA service accounts? This program lets you consolidate all your charges onto one detailed invoice. Super handy for property managers or business owners! Call (970) 247-5786 to see if you qualify.
PrePay Accounts
This is an interesting option I’ve been considering trying. PrePay accounts work like a prepaid phone – you pay upfront for your electricity and get notifications when your balance runs low.
To qualify:
- Have an automated meter installed
- Get landlord consent (if applicable)
- Pay a one-time non-refundable start-up fee ($25-$65)
The nice thing about PrePay is that if your account goes negative, you don’t get hit with extra fees to reinstate power. When you add funds bringing your balance above $5.01, your power automatically turns back on.
Auto Pay
This is what I use personally and it’s been a lifesaver! With AutoPay, your bill gets automatically paid monthly from your bank account or card. You can even select a monthly payment date that works best for you.
Just call LPEA at (970) 247-5786 to set up AutoPay or to choose a convenient payment date. Keep in mind that AutoPay will begin with your next bill after signup, so any outstanding balances need to be paid separately.
When You’re Having Trouble Paying
We all hit rough patches sometimes. If you’re struggling to pay your LPEA bill, don’t panic! LPEA has policies in place to help:
- A bill is considered past due when not paid by the date on the bill
- If payment isn’t received three days prior to the next billing date, a reminder/disconnect notice is sent (for the first two occurrences in a one-year period)
- After a third notice, a late fee will be added ($4.00 or 1.75% of past due balance, whichever is greater)
- Service may be terminated if payment isn’t received by the disconnect notice due date
The most important thing is to contact LPEA before your bill becomes past due. They can help evaluate your situation and suggest options like payment plans or budget billing.
Bill Assistance Programs
LPEA can also refer you to local agencies with funds for utility bill assistance, including:
- Southwest Colorado Disaster Assistance (swcoda.org)
- Pine River Shares (pinerivershares.org or 970-884-6040)
- Housing Solutions of the Southwest (swhousingsolutions.com or 970-259-1086)
- Durango/Bayfield Family Center (lpfcc.org or 970-385-4747)
- Colorado Department of Human Services Low Income Energy Assist (866-432-8435)
- Discovery Goodwill ([email protected] or 719-635-4483)
- Aid to All (aidtoall.org)
- Southern Ute Tribal Assistance (970-563-4718)
Warning About Third-Party Payment Sites
Here’s something super important that LPEA warns about: be careful of third-party bill pay websites! Some companies try to look like official LPEA payment sites but aren’t affiliated with LPEA at all.
These unofficial sites might appear when you Google “Pay my LPEA bill,” and they sometimes even use LPEA’s name and logo to seem legit. While some do work, LPEA members have reported:
- Delayed payments
- Missed due dates
- Additional service fees
The safest way to pay is through LPEA’s official SmartHub system. It’s secure, convenient, and FREE!
Contact Information for LPEA
If you have questions about your bill or payment options, don’t hesitate to reach out to LPEA directly:
Phone: (970) 247-5786
Phone Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Email: [email protected]
Final Thoughts
Managing your LPEA bill doesn’t have to be complicated! Whether you prefer the convenience of online payments through SmartHub, the simplicity of AutoPay, or the traditional method of mailing a check, LPEA offers plenty of options to fit your lifestyle.
I’ve found that setting up AutoPay and going paperless has saved me both time and stress – no more worrying about due dates or late fees! Plus, it’s better for the environment too.
What about you? Which payment method works best for your situation? Have you tried any of LPEA’s special billing programs like Budget Billing or PrePay? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Remember, if you’re ever struggling to pay your bill, reach out to LPEA sooner rather than later. They’re usually pretty helpful and can connect you with resources to help you keep the lights on.
Stay energized, friends!
This blog post was last updated on October 13, 2025, with the latest information from La Plata Electric Association.
FASTER Fees Road Safety Surcharge
FASTER Fees Road Safety Surcharge
| Vehicle | Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle | $16.00 |
| Autocycle | $16.00 |
| Trailer Coach | $16.00 |
| 2,000 lbs or less | $16.00 |
| 2,001 – 5,000 lbs | $23.00 |
| 5,001 – 10,000 lbs | $28.00 |
| Passenger Bus | $37.00 |
| 10,001 – 16,000 lbs | $37.00 |
| 16,001 lbs or more | $39.00 |
| Farm Vehicle | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2,000 lbs or less | $8.00 |
| 2,001 – 5,000 lbs | $11.50 |
| 5,001 – 10,000 lbs | $14.00 |
| Passenger Bus | $18.50 |
| 10,001 – 16,000 lbs | $18.50 |
| 16,001 lbs or more | $19.50 |
Keep Colorado Wild Pass Fee
Beginning in 2023, Colorado residents can get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass during their annual vehicle registration. To learn more, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife webpage.
LPEA Member Education: Budget Billing
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