PowerLines April 2025

Celebrating the Linemen of DMEA

Jack Johnston, CEO

April 18 marks National Lineworker Appreciation Day, a time to recognize and thank DMEA’s dedicated linemen. They are the backbone of our operations, ensuring our members have safe, reliable, and affordable power. We have 21 linemen and six apprentices who maintain and safeguard over 3,400 miles of power line. Our linemen operate in extreme weather conditions at all hours, and their commitment to safety and service is truly commendable.

Becoming certified as a lineman is an achievement in and of itself, requiring a multi-year certification process, and in March, our linemen took their skills to the next level with winter survival training on the Grand Mesa. They practiced winter driving, backcountry navigation using our Snowcat and tracked vehicles, avalanche beacon training, and emergency preparedness, ensuring they would be ready for anything. At DMEA, continuous training is a top priority, preparing our teams to work safely and effectively in all conditions. I had the opportunity to participate in this training, and I’m proud of how our crews are prepared to handle any job challenges.

Sometimes, that training expands beyond our service territory. For the past two years, DMEA linemen joined forces with 44 other utilities from 16 states to bring power to Navajo Nation homes in the southwestern United States. We were proud to be the first Colorado electric cooperative to participate in the “Light up the Navajo” project. Our linemen stepped up, working alongside more than 250 others to bring electricity to at least 150 homes—transforming lives in the process. They worked 12-plus hour days for a week to help bring power, safety, comfort, and new opportunities to the Navajo Nation. Our team is excited and ready to visit the Navajo Nation again this year to continue this unique mutual aid by bringing power, not just restoring it, to communities in need.

Just like their work with the “Light up the Navajo” project, our linemen are always ready to serve—whether restoring power in our backyard or bringing electricity to those who have never had it before. No matter the hour or the conditions, they answer the call when a pole is down or a transformer is damaged, ensuring our members have the safe, reliable power they depend on. Their dedication extends beyond their daily work; it’s a commitment to service, safety, and community. To our linemen and their families—thank you for your sacrifices to keep the lights on in the canyons, valleys, and mountains we call home.

Join us in thanking our linemen by filling out the note found in this newsletter!

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New DMEA Bill Coming in May

Coming in May. Get ready for the glow-up!

Why get excited to receive a bill? Because when you open your DMEA bill next month you’ll see a new and improved version where it’s easy to read your charges and energy use. We’ve improved your at-a-glance graphics and information–so you can quickly understand your bill. Check out some of the changes:

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2025 Annual Election

Ready to serve on the DMEA Board of Directors?

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. Submit your nomination petition and signatures by April 11, 2025.

Save the Date!

The game is afoot at the 2025 Annual Meeting

Thursday, June 12, 4:30 - 8 p.m. at Hotchkiss K-8

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Legendary Internet

Living in our vast rural landscapes is a privilege that’s hard to match. Whether you’re video chatting with loved ones, working from home, or trying to settle the age-old debate about the existence of Gigfoot with some online research, Elevate’s high-speed internet has you covered.

Over the mesas and mountains of our rugged terrain, Elevate Internet was voted Best of the Valley in Montrose and Best of Delta County for the last three years in a row, confirming whispers that Elevate is the legendary local tried and true favorite.

Ready to encounter the best kept secret on the Western Slope? Join Elevate today!

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Concern for Community

Elevate Dodges, Ducks, and Dives for Kalli Carmichael

A crew of Elevate employees showed up in a big way for Delta High School’s 5th Annual Wish Week. This year’s fundraiser featured a dodgeball tournament to support a former student in need. We were proud to participate in the ‘Rally for Kalli’ tournament, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and community spirit to the court.

This high-energy showdown had teams dipping, diving, and catching to support Kalli Carmichael, a 2023 Delta High School graduate battling Gastroparesis.

From fierce face-os to dramatic last-second saves, the tournament was packed with power plays–proving that gig speed and fast-flying dodgeballs go hand-in-hand. Elevate’s team gave it their all, but Fiber Technician Taylor Katzer was the team hero as the last man standing, single-handedly taking out three opponents in the last game.

The true victory wasn’t on the scoreboard—it was the overwhelming love and generosity poured out for Kalli. With every throw, block, and burst of laughter, players reflected the very qualities that make Kalli so special.

How we helped

Elevate recruited a dream team of deft dodgeball do-gooders for this event.

“This tournament was a great opportunity for us to join the Delta community to support Kalli. I had such a good time playing a game I hadn’t in a while, and I was proud to be there with my team”. — Luke Young, Member Services Manager

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How you can help

Delta High School is accepting cash, check or credit card donations by phone or in-person to ShawnDee Young (financial secretary) at 970-874-8031 or Venmo @Rally-for-Kalli

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Elevate Expanding

Elevate acquires TDS operations in Delta County

Elevate is acquiring TDS Telecommunications LLC’s (TDS®) Delta County operations, expanding its reliable fiber internet service to more local residents.

Elevate planned to build to these customers by 2027. This acquisition helps us expand our reach, strengthen Elevate’s growing network, and reinforce our commitment to delivering top-tier broadband services at competitive rates to the entire DMEA service membership.

TDS selected Elevate's proposal through a nationwide bid process, which is a testament to Elevate’s commitment to the region. The agreement includes the transfer of four local TDS Field Service associates joining the Elevate team to ensure a smooth transition. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, pending approvals.

This 100% stock purchase transaction will maximize the quality of services and provide affordable services for Delta County residences and businesses.
This purchase makes financial sense for Elevate and brings certainty to the long-anticipated build-out plan for reliable and affordable broadband services in 100% of the DMEA service territory.
DMEA and Elevate proudly welcome TDS’s Delta County customers with our award-winning, friendly customer service and tech support.

Questions? Call 877-687-3632 or visit dmea.com

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Lineworker Appreciation

April is Lineworker Appreciation Month. Help Safety Crow appreciate our linemen who keep the energy flowing for all our members! Take a moment to send in a note of gratitude.

Download and print the slip here and return it to us at DMEA: 11925 6300 Road, Montrose, CO 81401 or 21191 H75 Rd. Delta, CO 81416.

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