Powerlines August 2025

Investing in Reliability Today—and Tomorrow

by Jack Johnston, CEO

At DMEA, reliability isn’t just a goal; it’s a promise we work to uphold every day. As your electric cooperative, we’re constantly making improvements behind the scenes to ensure your lights stay on and your power remains dependable, no matter the season or circumstance.

To support this commitment, we’ve made significant investments across our system to strengthen reliability today and build resilience for tomorrow.

One key area of focus is technology. We’re upgrading aging equipment with modern, more capable alternatives—like replacing oil-filled, manual hydraulic reclosers with advanced vacuum bottle devices. These new reclosers offer real-time data through fiber-optic, wired connections. They allow our system operators to automatically isolate outages and re-route power, reducing the number of affected members and restoring service more quickly in most situations.

But equipment alone isn’t enough. Over the past two years, we have upgraded over 50 reclosers, many in rugged terrain. To support this advanced equipment, Elevate’s outside plant crews are also building out a dedicated fiber path directly to our system controls. This high-speed connection gives us real-time monitoring and rapid coordination during outages, making our grid faster, smarter, and more resilient.

We are already seeing the results. These smart devices and fiber upgrades contribute to our improved reliability score, measured by SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index). This score tracks the average number of outage minutes a member experiences each year. We are proud to report a five-year average of just 150.63 minutes, which is 100 minutes less than the national average.

None of this would be possible without the people behind the system—our 24/7 system operators. No matter the hour, someone is always monitoring the grid—responding to alerts, analyzing load patterns, and coordinating crews. By combining advanced technology with human expertise, we are delivering faster response times, better service, and a higher level of safety for our communities.

In the end, reliability is about more than wires and poles—it’s about trust. You rely on us every day, and we take that responsibility seriously. Through strategic investments in innovative technology, locally generated energy, and ongoing system maintenance, DMEA is working hard to deliver safe, reliable power—now and into the future.

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2022 Capital Credits are Being Retired

DMEA is looking for members with unclaimed capital credits. Over the years, we’ve returned millions to current and past members—but some go unclaimed. Check the 2022 list and learn more at dmea.com/capital-credits.

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Foundations for the Future

Elevate Internet Grant

Each year, Elevate awards one $10,000 grant to a non-profit organization or agency based in Elevate/DMEA territory. This year, we are focusing on providing assistance to tech-related programs that directly impact the quality of life for our communities.

What we fund

Programs
Services
Small-scale capital facility improvements
Tech-related resources

Application deadline

September 1, 2025‍

Find more information & apply at elevateinternet.com/news/2025-foundations

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Light Up Navajo

The Navajo Nation is made up of more than 399,494 tribal members. Covering 27,000 square miles in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, it is one of the largest tribal nations in the United States. Yet, 10,000 homes remain without electricity and other basic utilities.

In June, DMEA sent two crews to the Navajo Nation, spending one week building power lines and short line extensions. During this visit, along with our visits in 2023 and 2024, we’ve helped power 499 homes.

Electricity paves the way for water, phone service, and broadband.

866 families have received electricity since the project began.

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Elevate Impact

Affordable, reliable internet is essential in today's world, but some families struggle to afford this modern necessity. Elevate is committed to providing every community member in our rural area with high-speed internet. Elevate IMPACT ensures every household can stay connected and thrive.

IMPACT Discount

$20/month off for internet plans

How to Qualifiy

Apply for IMPACT and Lifeline at elevateinternet.com/assistance-programs and provide official proof of eligibility.

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Concern for Community

DMEA & Elevate Bring Cool Connections to Delta Outdoor Heritage & Safety Days

This year’s Delta Outdoor Heritage & Safety Day was held at Confluence Park in Delta. The annual event is a local favorite, drawing families from across the Western Slope to celebrate the region’s rich outdoor heritage and learn about recreation and safety.

Delta Outdoor Heritage & Safety Day featured dozens of exhibitors and activities — from BB gun shooting and fly tying to bounce houses, disc golf, archery, rock climbing, and even a fishing derby. It was a true celebration of our outdoor way of life and a reminder of how lucky we are to live in such a vibrant, connected community.

This year, DMEA brought two bucket trucks and a pole to highlight the electricity that powers our lives and keeps our local communities running.

Right alongside, Elevate was serving up free ice cream and signing up local families and businesses with lightning-fast internet. Seeing kids and parents light up over a free scoop and swapping stories about everything from streaming their favorite movies to local electric safety is exactly why we love building community with our members.

“We had so much fun connecting with Delta’s community spirit, and adding some extra sweetness to the day.” — Katie Yergensen, Marketing & Communications Director

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Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello, learn something new, and enjoy a free ice cream on us. We look forward to continuing our support of Delta County with the reliable electric service and world-class internet you deserve.

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Elevate 101 Fall Sessions

A Senior's Guide to the Digital World

Feeling lost in our digital world? Elevate is here to help!

Learn the basics of internet use, streaming TV, smart devices, and more. All classes are from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and are free of charge! Refreshments will be provided.

Join Elevate Internet experts to tap into the world of on-line TV. Learn about the differences between cable, live streaming, and on-demand TV, and figure out what’s best for you. All classes are from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and are free of charge! Refreshments will be provided.

Intro to Streaming - Two sessions

Tuesday, August 12, Montrose
DMEA Office, Grand Mesa Community Room
11925 6300 Road, Montrose

Thursday, September 25, Delta
Delta Library Community Room
124 E 6th Street, Delta

Participate to win fantastic prizes!

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The Electric Strip

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