PowerLines August 2024

Monumental Solar Projects in the Works

I’m excited to share news about two solar projects that will help keep your electricity costs low and improve local grid reliability.

Last month, Alluvial Power broke ground on the Garnet Mesa Solar Project. That name probably doesn’t sound familiar to you, so please join me in welcoming Alluvial as the new owner of Garnet Mesa Solar. Guzman Energy, our wholesale power provider and original project owner, transferred ownership to Alluvial last month. Transferring ownership to a long-term owner/operator is common with solar developments like Garnet Mesa, and we are eager to collaborate with both organizations on this trailblazing project. Guzman Energy will continue receive all energy generated by the array and deliver that affordable power to DMEA and its other clients.

After taking time for approval and overcoming supply chain issues, the project is underway and is slated to be complete by December 2025. It will produce 200,000+ megawatt hours each year, powering more than 18,000 homes. The same land will also provide 219 irrigated grazing acres, supporting up to 600 sheep. We are excited to be part of this innovative ‘agrivoltaic’ project. Not only does it help DMEA reach 20% local power generation, but it also simultaneously maintains valuable agricultural land.

In addition to getting started at Garnet Mesa Solar, the USDA announced in June that DMEA was one of three Colorado recipients of the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program. Part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the PACE program provides $1 billion in funding to develop clean, affordable, and reliable energy projects in rural America.

DMEA was selected to receive a $72 million loan to help fund the construction of a 20-megawatt (MW) solar array with an additional 80 megawatt hours (MWh) of battery storage. Storing energy ensures power during peak load times, such as the evening hours when panels won’t produce energy. This array is estimated to account for approximately 10% of DMEA’s overall load and will produce enough energy to power another 7,000 homes. Our target date for this array to be operational is 2030.

The project will cost approximately $96 million dollars to develop. The USDA will forgive 40% of our loan, and we will also seek additional investment tax credits through Inflation Reduction Act, offsetting as much as 90% of the project costs.

I feel fortunate to lead our organization during these exciting times. The energy we generate right here at home can be efficiently delivered to our members, bypassing the reliance on distant power plants and extensive transmission lines. These projects allow us to produce affordable energy, further stabilizing your rates while benefiting our local agriculture and economy.

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Keeping Your Power Lines Clear

Learn about our vegetation management practices, find tips on maintaining your trees, and discover how we work to prevent outages. Visit dmea.com/vegetation-management.

Here’s a few helpful tips:

Don’t plant trees within 25 feet of DMEA’s power lines or around equipment, such as poles, transformers, or junction boxes.
You are responsible for keeping the line that brings electric service to your home clear of vegetation, but always contact DMEA to de-energize the line first.
Only shrubs or small trees (less than 20 feet high) should be planted within 25 feet of power lines.
Never trim trees that are close to power lines yourself. Report any trees growing into power lines or other equipment immediately to 877-687-3632.
Call 811 before you dig to locate any buried utility lines.

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Elevate Hit 15K! Now It's Your Turn!

We’re celebrating reaching 15,000 subscribers. Participate in our 15K Challenge and be entered to win prizes!

Join us in this group challenge where you choose to run, walk, bike ride, hike, or swim a total of 15 miles over the month of August 2024. Track your progress on the Strava app and share your journey with us. We will select 15 lucky winners who complete the challenge to receive special rewards. Lace up your shoes, hop on your bike, or hit the pool, and let's elevate our fitness together!

Who: YOU! Anyone age 14+ in DMEA/Elevate’s service territory can participate in the 15K challenge!

What: Run, walk, bike, hike, or swim 15 miles in the month of August 2024. Any combination of these activities is welcome.

Why: Elevate hit 15,000 subscribers! We wouldn’t be able to do this without our incredible communities.‍

Where: Anywhere you can run, walk, bike, hike, and/or swim in the DMEA/Elevate service area.

How: Download the Strava app on your smartphone, join our club called ‘Elevate 15K!', record your activity in Strava, and post each activity to Elevate15K! during August 1-31* for a chance to win sweet prizes awarded to 15 winners in September!

_{*Each activity must be posted to our Strava Club ‘Elevate 15K!’ by August 31, 2024 to win prizes.}

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It's Better Here

At Colorado Boy, you get more than just great pizza and a pint. You'll be welcomed like an old friend, enjoy a cozy dining experience, and cherish moments with loved ones. Built on a passion for excellence and a love for all things local, Colorado Boy is where community and connections thrive.

Similarly, Elevate is building connections that set our local communities up for a lifetime of success. Our fiber internet is enhancing how we live, work, and play. Whether you're sharing a slice with friends or streaming your favorite show, we're committed to bringing you closer to what you love.

Let's raise a glass to our local favorites – that's why it's better here.

Get fast fiber internet starting at 400 Mbps for $54.95 per month.

Lifetime connections. Local internet.

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Concern for Community

POP! BANG! BOOM! Elevate Lights up Delta Skies

The Fourth of July in Delta was one for the history books. Families and friends gathered at Confluence Park, setting up their blankets and lawn chairs early to secure the best viewing spots.

When the Delta Fire Department kicked off the annual fireworks show, the initial bursts of color and light were met with smiles and cheers from the crowd. However, the Elevate-sponsored finale stole the show! Vibrant explosions lasted several minutes, with increasingly elaborate displays, culminating in a breathtaking crescendo that illuminated the night sky.

How we helped:

Elevate donated $10,000 to the Delta Volunteer Fire Department to help secure high-quality fireworks and implement comprehensive safety measures, guaranteeing a safe experience for all attendees.

Elevate is committed to strengthening community bonds with fast fiber internet and celebrations like this one. Although the spectacular display may have lasted just minutes, bringing friends, families, and neighbors together creates connections that last much longer.

How you can help:

You can support this 100% community-funded show too. Visit deltafire.org to donate today!

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Elevate 101 Internet Safety

Feeling lost in our digital world? Elevate is here to help! Join us for our last class!

Join Elevate Internet experts to level up your online safety skills. Learn tips and tricks for cyber safety, how to spot malicious messages, and demo Elevate’s new Wi-Fi app and
safety features.

When: September 19, 10-11:30 a.m.

Where: Delta Public Library 124 E 6th St.

Register at: elevateinternet.com/101 or by calling 844-386-8744.

Attend all four sessions and you’ll be entered to win a Kindle or an iPad!

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Electricity Safety Outside

Did you fill out the crossword puzzle in the print version of our newsletter? Check your answers here and learn about how to stay safe with electricity when you are outside this summer.

Across

Never touch an electrical appliance if you are wet; always dry off completely.

Look up and live. Be aware of the location of power lines.

Storm fronts can move rapidly, and lightning is a potential danger 10 miles in advance of a storm.

If electric wires in your neighborhood have sagged for some reason or a tree limb has pushed the line out of place, keep your neighborhood safe by alerting DMEA.

Water and electricity never mix!

Stay away from the wires connected to your house.

Never climb trees near power lines. They can conduct electricity if branches touch the wires.

Never climb a utility pole or tower.

Down

Keep appliances like radios away from pools and hot tubs.

Pad mounted transformers (those green metal boxes) carry high voltage electricity and are safe when locked, but they can be deadly if someone reaches inside.

Don't play on or around pad-mounted electrical equipment.

If a kite gets stuck in a tree near power lines, don't climb up to get it. Contact your electric utility for assistance.

Do not fly drones or model planes near overhead power lines or electrical substations.

Do not seek shelter under a tree during thunderstorms.

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