Picture this: It’s 1939, and while city folk are enjoying the wonders of electric light, many of our rural areas are still in the dark. But that’s about to change! Thanks to President Roosevelt’s Rural Electrification Act, a group of determined locals band together to form LPEA. Their mission? To bring the power of electricity to every farm, ranch, and home in our region.
“The decision to establish LPEA wasn’t just about turning the lights on in rural homes,” says Graham Smith, LPEA’s Interim CEO. “It was a bold statement of self-reliance and community effort. For 85 years, we’ve kept those values at the core of our mission — ensuring the needs of our members are always front and center.”
As La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) approaches its 85th anniversary this October, the cooperative proudly unveils a new commemorative logo that captures its rich history while looking ahead to a bright future. This milestone reflects LPEA’s steadfast commitment to delivering power and progress to the rural communities of Southwest Colorado.
Founded in 1939 amid a landscape largely devoid of electricity, LPEA was born from the determination of local farmers and ranchers to illuminate their communities. This cooperative spirit mirrors the broader narrative of electric cooperatives across the nation. As this anniversary is celebrated, LPEA reaffirms its commitment to community-driven solutions and self-sufficiency.
Honoring the Roots
The special logo is inspired by a 1950s photograph of a Pagosa Springs manager beside a delivery vehicle, forging a connection between the past and present. This imagery serves as a foundation for the logo design, symbolizing the journey and the collective progress made as a cooperative.
The commemorative logo features “La Plata” in bold script, reminiscent of the original vehicle branding, alongside a depiction of Perins Peak — reflecting deep roots within the community. Available in two versions, the anniversary edition prominently showcases “85 years,” while the standard version incorporates a sunflower, symbolizing both the beauty of the region and LPEA’s commitment to sustainability.
The tagline, “More Than Poles & Powerlines Since 1939,” encapsulates LPEA’s essence. It signifies the organization’s role as more than just an electric utility; it represents a community united in cooperation, illuminating the spirit that has defined LPEA for over eight decades.
The color palette and typography of the new logo draw inspiration from the natural beauty of Southwest Colorado. Colors such as “Grounded Forest” and “Sunbeam Gold” evoke nostalgia while appealing to modern sensibilities. The typography —featuring a hand-lettered “La Plata” and classic typefaces from the 1920s — connects the enduring presence of LPEA to its rich history.
Looking Forward
As LPEA reflects on its past, it remains committed to a sustainable future, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030. Initiatives like the Sunnyside Community Solar Program illustrate LPEA’s dedication to innovative energy solutions, ensuring that it remains a trusted partner for generations to come.
The new logo represents not just a visual mark, but a celebration of LPEA’s heritage and a beacon for its future. As the cooperative moves forward, it continues to embody the spirit of innovation and community commitment that has guided it for the past 85 years.
Join the celebration of 85 years of powering progress throughout October with a series of events in honor of National Co-op Month.
For more information, please visit lpea.coop.
LPEA is a member-owned, not-for-profit, electric distribution cooperative serving La Plata and Archuleta, with segments of Hinsdale, Mineral, and San Juan counties. LPEA is the fifth largest cooperative of 22 in Colorado and aims to provide safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost to its approximately 36,500 members.
Amanda Anderson is Strategic Communications Officer for La Plata Electric Association.