September 3, 2014
NEWS
For further information contact:
Dennis Svanes, CFO, 970.382.3532
La Plata Electric Association adds “App” to list of services
Members can connect to their accounts through electronic devices
DURANGO, Colo. – In its continued effort to improve service to its members, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) now has an “App,” allowing members to connect to their accounts from any electronic device that accepts applications.
LPEA has, over the past year, up-graded its electronic services with the SmartHub, an online program that enables members to review their electricity usage, pay bills and more from their desk top or laptop computers. The SmartHub “App” takes the service a step further, so members can manage all aspects of their LPEA account from their smart phones (both iPhones and droids) as well as tablets.
“We want to give our members every option we have available to pay their bills and keep current with LPEA,” said Dennis Svanes, CFO. “There’s a great deal of information on the site, and if a new AMI meter has been installed at your home or business, you can securely monitor even more.”
LPEA members must first establish an on-line account through www.lpea.coop, and create a secure password. Then getting started with the app is easy, according to Svanes – simply visit the App Store via phone and/or tablet and search for SmartHub. The program will ask the member to identify LPEA and request the user identification/password.
“One thing we’re seeing is that through SmartHub – whether it’s through the app or on a regular computer – our members can track an increase in their bills,” said Nancy Andrews, a member of LPEA’s team of energy management specialists that handles energy assessments for the co-op. “When our members can actually see the days when they had increased electricity usage, they often remember, ‘oh yes, that’s when the grandkids came to visit,’ or ‘that’s when we fired up the hot tub.’”
One advantage of being able to track energy usage, according to Andrews, is that LPEA members can consciously take steps to reduce their energy consumption – or at least understand the actions that triggered an increase in usage.
“The app also has outage notifications, and our members can report outages as well,” added Svanes. “Sometimes during an outage, your only connectivity is through your cell phone or tablet. This new app keeps you connected to LPEA.”
LPEA, celebrating 75 years in 2014, provides to its more than 30,000 members, with nearly 41,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible. For additional information, contact LPEA at 970.247.5786. For further information, visit www.lpea.coop.
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LPEA is an equal opportunity provider and employer M/F/Disability/Veteran. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at program.intake.
