PowerLines February 2025

Garnet Mesa Solar: Construction Update on Local Energy Generation

Jack Johnston, CEO

The Garnet Mesa Solar project, located about five miles east of Delta,Colorado, is making big strides toward providing safe, reliable, and renewable energy for the area. Construction is well underway, with underground wiring complete and work progressing on installing steel frames to hold the solar panels.

This 80-megawatt (MW) solar energy facility covers 383 acres and will generate about 200,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity annually. That’s enough to power around 18,000 homes in the Uncompahgre Valley with energy generated in our backyard. The project is a joint effort by Guzman Energy, Alluvial Power, and DMEA. Once finished, it will be owned and operated by Alluvial, with DMEA and Guzman using the energy it produces to meet local and regional needs.

One unique aspect about Garnet Mesa Solar is how it combines solar power with farming, known as agrovoltaic production. The solar panels will be mounted on low-profile trackers that follow the sun throughout the day, capturing more energy. These panels also provide shade for grazing sheep, so the land can still be used for agriculture. Additionally, the project includes planting more than 500 trees and 1,000 shrubs, improving the environment, and supporting local wildlife. This is the largest agrovoltaic project in all of Colorado. It is a very fitting addition for our region’s rich agricultural history.

This solar farm is more than just a source of clean energy—it’s a step toward diversifying our area’s power supply. By blending agriculture with solar energy, this facility will help balance the region’s energy production and offer longterm benefits to both our economy and the environment. Once completed this summer, it will play a huge role in helping generate local, renewable power.

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Concern for Community

Nourishing Seniors: DMEA’s Operation Round Up Empowers North Fork Senior Connections

North Fork Senior Connections (NFSC) offers multiple programs to combat food insecurity among low-income seniors in the North Fork Valley. In the winter months, they cook 64 quarts of soup twice a month, which are lovingly prepared with locally sourced, organic ingredients to create highly nutritious yet deliciously fulfilling meals. Volunteers then deliver these soups directly to the recipients' doors, ensuring seniors have some of the provisions they need to maintain their health and well-being.

Beyond soup deliveries, NFSC partners with local restaurants to host weekly community meals at the Paonia Senior Center and offer a wide range of enrichment programs, including gardening, current events discussions, meditation, group singing, and more. Many of these programs are led by senior volunteers, fostering deeper connections within the community

“The North Fork Valley is a food paradise, yet many seniors, even those who have lived here their entire lives, do not have access to healthy choices. Our goal is to connect the senior community to local farmers and other food producers, so they can share in the bounty of our valley”
- Faye Sullivan, NFSC board member

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How we helped

DMEA contributed $1,000 from Operation Round Up to the North Fork Senior Connections to further their vital work. This donation helps sustain key programs like the soup delivery service and supports the organization’s broader efforts to nourish seniors and connect them with valuable resources.

How you can help

Volunteer, contribute financially, or help spread the word about activities. Visit nfseniorconnections.org or email nfseniorconnections@gmail.com.

Ready to round up?

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Elevate Impact

Internet for all

Affordable, reliable internet is essential in today's world, but some families struggle to afford this modern necessity. At Elevate, we are committed to providing every citizen in our rural communities with high-speed internet. To help achieve this goal, we created Elevate IMPACT to ensure every household stays connected and thrives in our increasingly digital society.

Discount details

Qualifying residential subscribers receive a monthly discount of $20.00. This discount can be coupled with the Lifeline Discount ($9.25), resulting in a total discount of $29.25/month. It applies to Elevate internet service only. Consumers can choose any level of service they like.

How to qualify

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

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2025 Board Elections

Save the Date for the Annual Meeting on June 12!

The 2025 DMEA annual election is right around the corner, with candidate nominations opening March 3.

What are the required qualifications?

District 3, District 4, and South Region seats are up for election. In addition to living within one of these areas, members must also be 21 years of age or older and meet the criteria outlined in Article 4 of DMEA’s Bylaws found at dmea.com/governing-documents.

How do I run for the Board?

Starting March 3, submit your information online at dmea.com/elections. Once your membership is confirmed, we’ll send you a nomination form and signature petition. Complete the form and collect at least 15 member signatures.

When can I submit my petition?

Submit your nomination petition and signatures between March 3 and April 11, 2025.

When are the elections?

DMEA’s Board of Directors Election will conclude with the Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 12, 2025. DMEA will mail ballots to all eligible DMEA members in mid-May. Members can vote online, by mail, or in person at the Annual Meeting.

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Spark Sessions

Your needs and interests spark change here at DMEA because you, our members, are the owners. Your board members and leadership team are ready to sit down with you over a cup of something warm. Drop by for free food, awesome gifts, and one-on-one time with the DMEA and Elevate team. There's no formal agenda and no boring PowerPoint–we look forward to seeing you there!

Join us for our last session of the year!

Tuesday, February 18, 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Drive Brew Coffee
286 East Bridge Street, Hotchkiss

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Elevate 101

A senior's guide to the digital world

Feeling lost in our digital world? Elevate is here to help!L earn the basics of internet use, streaming TV, smart devices, and more. All classes are from 10:00 – 12:00a.m. and are free of charge! Refreshments will be provided.

Participate to win fantastic prizes!

Intro to the internet

Bring your questions and devices to this class for a general introduction to the world wide web and all its potential uses. Get answers, find tips, and learn tricks to navigate the internet with confidence and safety.

March 20, Montrose
DMEA Office, Grand Mesa Community Room
11925 6300 Road, Montrose

April 24, Delta
Delta Library Community Room
124 East 6th Street, Delta

Intro to streaming

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.

Coming in August and September. Locations to be announced.

Register today

To register, visit elevateinternet.com/101 or call us at 844-386-8744.

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The Electric Strip

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