Priming the pump
LPEA announces new home, vehicle electrification incentives

LPEA's Energy Management Technical Specialist Jon Kenney stands next to a heat pump retrofit on an area home. The co-op recently announced up to a $500 rebate for building all-electric homes or completing a full electric remodel conversion. This is on top of existing rebates for heat pumps, electric heat-pump water heaters, induction cooktops, smart thermostats and more. / Photo by Monica Vick
New chief executive of La Plata Electric Association, Chris Hansen, is diving into the carrot bin to incentivize electrification. This month, LPEA announced it has created or increased three financial incentives, all of them under a new umbrella campaign called “Resolve to Electrify.”
The initiatives include:
• Battery storage rebates up to $3,000
Members can receive up to $2,000 in rebates for home battery systems. An additional $1,000 is available for systems in interconnection-limited zones.
State and federal incentives also exist. The federal government allows tax credits of up to 30% of the cost of a battery system. Colorado also offers a tax credit.
“Our rebate program is designed to help offset upfront costs by approximately 10%, although the exact savings depend on the specific brand and the associated installation costs,” Hansen said in a press release Jan. 10.
Home battery energy storage systems costs vary based on capacity and brand. Installation often is an added cost. LPEA says that 10 to 20 kWh batteries range in cost from $10,000 installed while those exceeding 20 kWh generally cost more than $20,000 installed.
Energy storage can save a homeowner or business operator money over time because the energy that is stored typically will be at a lower cost. It can avert the need to use electricity on the ground during times of high demand, such as hot summer evenings.
• EV rebates up to $500
LPEA has increased the rebate for installation of Level 2 home chargers from $125 to $500.
Through the cooperative’s time-of-use rate programs, members can reduce costs of charging their electric vehicles by shifting use to lower-rate periods. This also helps reduce strain on the grid and makes it easier to integrate renewable energy at higher levels. Hansen has said he believes LPEA can achieve 97% renewable generation by 2035.
• All-electric buildings
LPEA has expanded its rebates for members transitioning to all-electric heating and cooling, including water heating and appliances.
Members building all-electric homes or completing a full electric remodel conversion can receive a $500 bonus. This is on top of existing rebates for heat pumps, electric heat-pump water heaters, induction cooktops, smart thermostats and more.
“This is a true example of community power in action,” Hansen said. “As a cooperative, we’re all in this together. By working collectively, we can reduce energy costs and accelerate the adoption of innovative energy technologies. Every member’s participation ... moves us closer to a sustainable, resilient, energy future.”
Allen Best is a Colorado-based journalist who publishes an e-magazine called Big Pivots. Reach him at allen.best@comcast.net. ?