Powerlines November 2025

Powering Progress: Garnet Mesa Solar Brings Local Energy to Life

by Jack Johnston, CEO

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In late September, we were honored to celebrate a milestone that had been years in the making—the grand opening of Garnet Mesa Solar in Delta County. Spanning over 380 acres, this project is one of Colorado’s largest agrivoltaic installations. It combines locally generated, renewable energy with agricultural production to benefit our members and honor the region’s heritage.

Garnet Mesa will generate over 200,000 MWh per year, of which DMEA will receive over 35 percent as part of our wholesale power purchase agreement. Even more impressive, the site will provide grazing pasture for 1,300 sheep this winter, showing how renewable energy and traditional ranching can work together for a more sustainable future.

Projects like Garnet Mesa take more than innovation — they take partnership and the smart use of available resources. DMEA worked with Alluvial Power, Guzman Energy, Delta County, and other local collaborators to bring this vision to life. Thanks to this teamwork, DMEA has increased its local renewable energy offtake percent, meaning more of the power that keeps our lights on will now come from the hills of our service territory.

Garnet Mesa Solar proves what’s possible when communities invest in local power. It reminds us that our cooperative model — owned by members and driven by the community — continues to deliver tangible benefits, providing safe, affordable power.

As we look toward the winter ahead, Garnet Mesa reminds us that the future of energy is bright—and it’s being built right here in our backyard.

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Foundations for the Future

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Congratulations to our 2025 Elevate Internet Grant Award Recipient!

Montrose County School District’s Project Lead the Way serves over 300 students participating in the Health Science Career Pathway each year. Funding will provide equipment for internet-based labs, biomedical simulations, and digital research tools to prepare students for careers in healthcare, nursing, and biomedical research.

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 focused on providing assistance to tech-related programs that directly impact the quality of life for our communities.

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Snap It! Fall Photo Contest

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Congratulations to our photo contest winner Sara Zuidema!

Thanks to all who submitted, and stay tuned for the Winter Photo Contest coming soon!

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Life-Changing Connections

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When every second matters, Elevate Internet is helping Delta Health make decisions in moments. From advanced imaging to real-time data-sharing, reliable internet is the backbone of today’s healthcare innovations. With lightning-fast speeds and trusted performance, Elevate’s network links Delta Health doctors, technicians, and patients so that critical decisions can be made immediately—because seconds save lives.

Now you can bring home Elevate’s seamless solutions and move from uncertainty to confidence—faster than ever before—creating outcomes that are nothing short of legendary.

Find packages and rates at elevateinternet.com/internet.

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Concern for Community

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Elevate Revs Up the Delta Car Show

On the warm fall Friday night of the Delta Car Show, we set up a community booth to connect with Delta families and hand out popsicles to kids. These booths are all about celebrating the impact Elevate has by bringing fast, locally-owned and operated internet to strengthen our communities.

Coloring for a Kart

Elevate partnered with the City of Delta on the 2025 Car Show coloring contest. Colorful entries poured in, each one as unique as the cars on display. Bright designs and
rainbow-colored trucks driven by Gigfoot were submitted from students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

The kids weren’t just coloring for fun—they were in it for a chance to win a custom Elevate-branded go-kart! When we stepped on-stage to announce the winner, the crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating the excitement Elevate brought to the event.

This year’s car show kid’s coloring contest included 194 entries. Our winner, a bright third grader named Clayton, beamed from ear to ear when his ticket was called. He and his sister climbed into the Elevate go-kart together, expressing pure joy at winning.

Kids, Cars, and Community

Between the classic cars, the 87 kids who competed in the Hot Wheels race, the swag at the Elevate booth, and the spirit of community, the Delta Car Show was more than just about cars—it’s about people coming together, celebrating creativity, and making memories.

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Shop Online? Shop Safe

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Shopping online this holiday? Let Gigfoot guide you through the forest of deals so you stay safe and stress-free. Follow these cryptid-approved tips:

Stick to the Trails

Shop on well-known, trusted sites and always be sure they are secure by looking for “https” in the site address.

Guard Your Goods

Keep account info secure with unique, strong passwords and safe payment methods. Always use a credit or debit card number (instead of bank accounts and routing numbers).

Be as Elusive as Bigfoot

Avoid using public Wi-Fi when shopping or checking out online—stick to secure, private connections so your info stays hidden (kinda like Gigfoot).

Get Gigfoot-Approved Protection

Use our free ElevateIQ app, which filters threats and potential scams at your router.

With Gigfoot and ElevateIQ watching your back, the only surprises this season will be under your tree! Get ElevateIQ today!

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Announcing 2026 Youth Programs

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Washington, D.C. Youth Tour

June 16–22, 2026

Spend an educational and fun week in Washington, D.C. All expenses paid for by DMEA!
Visit historic monuments, tour world class museums, and meet elected officials.
Develop life-long friendships with delegates from across the country!

2026 Youth Leadership Camp

July 12–17, 2026

Spend a week in Steamboat Springs, all expenses paid.
Float the Colorado River, hike to Fish Creek Falls, and ride on the gondola to the top of Mt. Werner.
Learn about the cooperative business model, tour a generation facility, and make lasting connections with students from Colorado, Wyoming, and Kansas.

How to Apply

Complete the Youth Leadership Application at dmea.com/youth-leadership-programs. DMEA will select one overall winner to attend the Rural Electric Youth Tour and up to three other students to attend the Youth Leadership Camp. If selected, you will be notified in January.

Applicants must be between 16 and 18 years old at the time of the programs and not yet graduated from high school; be a dependent of a DMEA member (your parents/guardians are DMEA members); and submit a completed application and a 500-word essay or a two-minute video (details in the application) before January 1, 2026.

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