Powerlines July 2026

Bringing More Than Power: Four Years of Light Up Navajo

by Jack Johnston, CEO

Representatives from DMEA, Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, NextEra Energy Resources, & Southwest Power Pool.

This spring, I had the privilege of joining our DMEA crews on the Navajo Nation for our fourth year participating in the Light Up Navajo project. My daily duties were very different during this trip; I was just a volunteer there to help the crew wherever needed.

The days were very long and the work demanding in some very challenging terrain. Based in Dilkon, Arizona, our crews often spent 5 to 6 hours a day traveling to remote job sites. But every mile was worth it.

There are so many stories and circumstances related to this project, but one family left a lasting impression on me.

We were working to bring electricity to the home of an elderly woman who had lived for years without power. During our conversations, we learned she relied on medication that required refrigeration. Without electricity in her home, she had to store that medication at a neighbor’s house and plan whenever she needed access to it.

It was a powerful reminder that reliable electricity is about much more than lights and appliances. It’s about health, independence, and quality of life.

When we energized her home, we weren’t just making a connection to the grid. We were helping provide peace of mind and the ability to safely store her medication in her own home. That’s a moment that will be hard to forget.

Stories like hers remind me why electric cooperatives were created. Decades ago, cooperatives brought power to rural communities that others overlooked. Today, that same spirit continues through programs like Light Up Navajo, where utility crews from across the country work together to help families gain access to essential services.

This year, DMEA crews completed five projects, set 39 poles, and helped energize four homes, including a few homes of veterans, which is always extra special for us. Behind every pole and every connection is a family whose life, and all future generations, have been changed forever.

I’m incredibly proud of our employees who volunteered their time and talents for this effort. Their commitment reflects the cooperative principles of Concern for Community and Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives, but also demonstrates what it means to be helping neighbors.

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SmartHub: Insights to Savings

Monitoring your electric use through your online account can help you spot patterns, identify energy-hungry appliances, and make small changes that add up to real savings. By checking your usage regularly, you can see how weather, routines, or new equipment affect your monthly bill and adjust accordingly.

Here's How:

Log in to your account and select the dropdown arrow next to ‘Usage’.
Select one of the many ways to view and compare your past electric consumption.

For example, if you want to know how much energy your new air conditioner uses, follow these steps:

Usage Comparison: View a comparison between July 2026 (new AC) and July 2025 (old AC). Make sure to take temperatures into consideration.
Usage Tracking: Add a tracker for the date range you use your air conditioner in the summer.
Usage Management: Download a spreadsheet of usage data for the July 2025 to July 2026 date range and organize the data yourself.

Access your energy data, make informed decisions, and avoid surprises when your bill arrives. Learn more at dmea.com/smarthub.

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Friday Night Lights

Join us for the first special member and customer appreciation event of the season! Enjoy free admission and special giveaways.

Durango vs. Montrose

Friday, August 21, 7 PM
Montrose High School

Save the Dates:

9/18 Pagosa Springs @ Delta
9/25 North Fork @ Cedaredge
10/16 Cedaredge @ Olathe

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The Legend is Growing

We've heard the stories. Across Delta and Montrose counties, people have been asking questions. How does Elevate keep bringing fiber internet to more communities? How can service be so fast, reliable, AND offer local tech support? And what's with the reports of a large blue creature appearing shortly before internet service arrives in an area?

We can't explain every blurry photo, mysterious footprint, or late-night sighting. What we can tell you is that our team works hard every day to connect homes, businesses, and communities with legendary fiber internet. Still, as our network continues to grow, so do the theories. Coincidence? Maybe. But we're starting to understand why some folks think there might be something—or someone—helping us along the way.

Confirm your sightings with proven internet. Order service today!

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Concern for Community

A few of the regular North Fork Pickleball players.

Pickleball for All

The North Fork Pickleball Club (NFPC) is planning and developing eight dedicated pickleball courts and four dedicated tennis courts at the Delta County Fairgrounds. These courts will host clinics, tournaments, and serve new and experienced players in the area. The new tennis courts will also become the home courts for North Fork High School tennis team. The projected cost to build this community facility is estimated at $1 million.

How We Helped

DMEA’s Capital Credit Community Fund contributed $10,000 toward building new courts in Hotchkiss. These funds come from unclaimed capital credits.

We are so grateful to DMEA for being our 1st major sponsor! Their generous donation kicked off our fundraising campaign and sends a strong message that this project matters. Their investment is helping bring dedicated pickleball and tennis courts one step closer to becoming a reality for local residents of all ages.” — Kim Burke, President of NFPC

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How You Can Help:

Donate to the project by visiting nfpickle.com/donate.

Play pickleball. The sport’s popularity is rapidly growing across the country, promoting physical and social opportunities for young and older players.

Attend a clinic or find a court near you. Visit nfpickle.com for more information.

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Elevate 101

Intro to Streaming TV

Join the internet experts at Elevate to tap into the world of online TV. Learn about the differences between cable, live streaming, and on-demand TV, and figure out what’s best for you. Refreshments are on us!

Crawford Library

545 Highway 92
Thursday, August 6, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m

Cedaredge Library

180 SW 6th Ave
Thursday, September 10, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Participate to win fantastic prizes! Register Today at elevateinternet.com/101 or by calling 844-386-8744.

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The Electric Strip

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