Powerlines December 2025

Ensuring Reliable Service for Our Members

by Jack Johnston, CEO

As we approach the new year, I want to share an important update regarding DMEA’s rates. To continue providing safe and reliable power to our members, DMEA is proposing changes to our rates, which are set for potential implementation on January 1, 2026.

For residential members, our single largest member group, the standard access fee—used to maintain our poles, lines, substations, and service crews—would increase from $29.50 to $37 per month. The cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity would not change for the residential rate class. For residential single-phase bills this works out to roughly $0.25 per day or $7.50 per month. Other rate classes, such as small and large commercial, industrial, irrigation, and municipal, would see adjustments to the energy rate, demand charge, and/or the access charge. Across all classes, this translates to an average increase of 7.49% in projected revenue.

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Additionally, residential and small commercial time-of-use rates would be discontinued to improve fairness to all members. Previous power supply contracts dictated the benefits for time-of-use offerings; however, under our current power supply contract, there is no support for this rate. All of these adjustments are very carefully being considered to minimize subsidization of rate classes. Although this proposal represents a 7.49% average increase across all members, we understand members use and manage energy differently, which means actual impacts will vary per member.

We know any increase is challenging, especially with higher costs across so many areas of life. Since 2019, inflation has risen more than 25%, yet DMEA has held rates steady for six years through careful cost management, local renewable investments, and lower wholesale power costs. Rising costs for materials, equipment, and safety infrastructure, such as 48% for hard hats and 82% for poles, now make this adjustment necessary to maintain the reliability and service quality you rely on.

Thank you for your understanding as we take steps to ensure DMEA continues delivering dependable and safe service for years to come.

Members are encouraged to submit feedback via mail, email, or online by December 15, 5 p.m., or in person at our Rate Hearing on December 16, 6:00 p.m. at the Montrose office. Learn more at dmea.com/rates.

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Small Changes, Big Savings

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Tips for decreasing your energy use

Before reaching for your space heater, seal air leaks, use caulk and weather stripping around windows and exterior doors, and add insulation where it matters. Once things are sealed, follow these tips:

Space heaters are designed to warm small spaces.
Keep flammable items at least 3 feet away.
Place heater on a flat, level surface.
Make sure cord is not frayed or cracked.
Plug into outlet, not extension cord.
Do not use around pets or small kids.

Find more energy saving tips! Visit dmea.com/efficiency

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You Just Know What You Like

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Thanks for voting Elevate Internet “Best Internet Provider” in both the Montrose Daily Press Best of the Valley and Delta County Independent Best of Delta County Awards for the fourth year in a row!

Our team works hard to deliver fast, reliable, locally supported internet service that you can count on.

You also voted DMEA “Best Place to Work” in the 2025 Best of the Valley Awards, acknowledging our teamwork, dedication, and positive culture.

We’re proud to serve our communities and keep them thriving!

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ElevateIQ: Superhero Protection & Control

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Hero-level network security–for all of your devices.

What’s the secret behind Gigfoot’s always-on digital superhero powers? ElevateIQ is a powerful, easy-to-use mobile app that puts you in control of your home Wi-Fi. From your smartphone or tablet:you are armed with multi-layered defenses, guarding you and your most vulnerable sidekicks like smart TVs, thermostats, and Wi-Fi cameras — before danger strikes.

No equipment required

Just download the ElevateIQ app and it is ready to work with your router.

Quick Link Carousel

Easily access your most-used features right from the home screen.

Banish Viruses and Malware

ElevateIQ is constantly hunting for bad actors and stopping them at the front door.

People and Avatars

Create profiles for family members with avatars to manage devices and set controls.

Get the app today!

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'Tis the Season for Holiday Giving

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Looking for ways to spread joy and warmth this holiday? With inflation on the rise, the need for food donations and volunteers has grown. Here’s how you can help:

Mrs. Claus for a Cause: Drop off new toys or art supplies at our DMEA lobbies during business hours by December 12.
Sharing Ministries: Volunteer or donate socks, sugar, flour, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, and holiday foods to 49 North 1st Street, Montrose. Learn more: sharingministries.com
Families Plus: Provide a dish for their Annual Wrapping Party on Wednesday, December 10, or drop off items with a long freezer or shelf life. Learn more: familiesplus.net
Cedaredge Food Bank: Provide food or cash donations at 245 West Main in Cedaredge on Thursdays, 1 - 3 p.m. or Fridays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Operation Round Up: Thanks to members like you who round up their electric bill, we donate approximately $57,000 to local families in need every year. Learn more at dmea.com/operation-round-up

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2026 DMEA Scholarships

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DMEA is offering more than $105,000 in scholarships to local graduating seniors and continuing education students.

$5,000 High School Graduate
Awarded to 10 graduating seniors from the local high schools within DMEA service territory.

$5,000 Continuing Education
Awarded to three applicants who are currently enrolled full-time in an accredited post-high school educational institution.

$5,000 Technical College of the Rockies
Awarded to two applicants who are attending or planning to attend full-time at TCR.

$5,000 Colorado Mesa University Montrose
Awarded to two applicants who are attending or planning to attend full-time at CMU-Montrose.

$5,000 Lineworker
Awarded to two applicants enrolled in or planning to enroll in a lineworker school.

$5,000 Guzman Character
Awarded to two high school graduates showing exceptional character.

Funds for scholarships come from Guzman Energy and unclaimed capital credits.

Applications open December 1, 2025. Apply by March 31, 2026 at dmea.com/scholarships.

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Light Up! Powered by DMEA

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Before you plug in your light display this year, use these tips stay safe and save energy:

Take a moment to inspect every cord and connection. Replace it if it’s damaged.
Use power strips for lighting and displays—avoid overloading outlets.
Set timers so your lights sparkle when you want them to—and turn off automatically to save on your electric bill.
When decorating outside, look up and around for power lines.
Never throw lights or other decorations into trees near power lines.