PowerLines September 2024

15,000 Strong & Counting

With my favorite season just around the corner, I’m reminded of how much I appreciate Western Colorado. Whether you’re calling in an elk as the sun rises, enjoying a leisurely day leaf-peeping, or simply enjoying the extra crisp in the air, there is much to be grateful for. I’m also reminded of how grateful I am for the support our members and communities have shown Elevate over the years. When you choose Elevate as your internet service provider, you’re getting so much more than better internet service. You become part of a movement to ensure our local communities have the modern necessities required for success for generations to come. It’s with immense pride that I announce that more than 15,000 of you have chosen our service!

So, what’s next?

With almost 2,000 miles of fiber in place, 85% of DMEA’s members have access to Elevate’s broadband service. But there’s still work left to reach every single member, and I’m happy to report we are making steady progress. We completed construction of our first federal grant, Reconnect 2, in May of this year, bringing fiber and highspeed internet to approximately 2,400 rural homes and ranches throughout Montrose and Delta counties. Work has now ramped up on our Reconnect 3 grant, which will allow us to bring service to another 1,400 homes and businesses. There are several new areas in our service footprint, with even more on the way:

Internet service is now available

East Mesa 1 & 2
Reconnect 3 Flat Top
Reconnect 3 North Delta
Reconnect 3 Surface Creek

Internet services is coming soon

Reconnect 3 Cedar Mesa
City of Delta Phase 1
South Cimarron

Looking forward, our construction pipeline should keep our construction team busy through 2027! The remaining Reconnect 3 zones cover our most rural Delta County members, from Somerset to the Grand Mesa. In addition, Elevate was awarded $3.8M in January of this year from the Capital Projects Fund, which will help us bring service to another 333 homes and businesses in scattered areas near Olathe, Delta, and Montrose.

With more than 15,000 members now connected, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know there’s more to do, and our commitment to bringing reliable, high-speed internet to every corner of our community remains as strong as ever. On behalf of all of us here at DMEA and Elevate I thank you for being part of this journey with us. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to our members still waiting for Elevate – your patience and support do not go unnoticed. Together, we’re building a brighter, more connected future for all.

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Friday Night Lights

Huddle up for a free community night hosted by DMEA and Elevate Internet! Join us for a special member appreciation event and enjoy free admission, special
giveaways, and a chance to cheer on your hometown team.

‍Montrose vs. Palisade | Friday, September 6 at 7:00 p.m.| Montrose High School
Cedaredge vs. Del Norte | Friday, September 20 at 3:30 p.m.| Cedaredge High School
Olathe vs. North Fork | Friday, October 4 at 7:00 p.m.| Olathe High School
North Fork vs. Meeker | Friday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m. | North Fork High School
Delta vs. Moffat | Friday, October 25 at 7:00 p.m. | Delta High School

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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, so 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 officiall proof of eligibility. Official proof includes the letters of award from the State of Colorado/Colorado PEAK indicating your participation in one of the below programs (for anyone living within the household). Participants will be required to renew annually.

SNAP
Medicaid
Federal Pell Grant
Veterans Pension & Survivors Benefit Program
Federal Housing Program
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
WIC
LifeLine

Learn more about Elevate IMPACT at elevateinternet.com/assistance-programs.

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Concern for Community

Lifelong lessons at the County Fair

At the end of July, Montrose and Delta Counties hosted their annual fairs, bringing together community members for fun and competition. The fairs oer various activities and provide entertainment for all ages. They also serve as a platform for people to compete in events such as livestock shows, goat roping, and much more, showcasing their skills and hard work. Participants also have the opportunity to display and sell handcrafted goods, agricultural products, and culinary treats. The fairs are an excellent way to celebrate local talent and build community in a festive atmosphere.

How we helped:

Together, DMEA and Elevate sponsored both fairs, committing $2,500 to support local agriculture. DMEA board members also purchased livestock from the Junior Livestock Sales, winning the bids for sheep and pigs in Montrose and chickens, sheep, and a pig, with additional add-ons for other competitors in Delta. Our power provider, Guzman Energy, also took part in the auctions, buying one sheep and two pigs in Montrose and a goat and a pig in Delta. DMEA will process our livestock purchases locally and donate all meat to the community food banks in Montrose and Delta counties.

‘I had lots of fun making new friends and showing my sheep.’ - Annabelle Greenwood, age 9

How you can help:

Attend, sponsor, or volunteer next year:

Montrose County Fair and Rodeo:
1001 N 2nd St, Montrose, CO 81401
Dave Sebring: dsebring@monstrosecounty.net
montrosecountyfairandrodeo.com

Delta County Fair:
403 Fair Grounds, Hotchkiss, CO 81419
Ryan Bates: rbates@deltacounty.com
deltacountyfair.com

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On the Hunt for Safety

DMEA’s rights-of-way can provide attractive hunting grounds and easy passage, but they also contain our power lines, substations, and workers, day and night.

Before you begin a hunt, note the location of power lines and other electrical equipment. Dense trees can make them hard to see.
Never shoot at power lines or electrical equipment.
Obey all signs or postings that advise electrical safety.
Never shoot nearby power lines or other electrical equipment. A single shot can cause vast damage to the electrical system, which can result in power interruptions and physical risks to those nearby.
Before you shoot, be sure of your target and what's beyond it.

Report any damage to electrical equipment you may come upon to DMEA immediately by calling 877-687-3632.

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Electricity Safety Inside

Did you fill out the crossword puzzle in the print version of our newsletter? Check your answers here and learn about indoor electric safety.

Across

Make sure electric blankets are not folded when turned on. That extra layer could overheat if not flat.

Are electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen near water sources unplugged? Even when they are off, they can cause a shock hazard if they get wet.

Are portable heaters placed at least three feet from combustibles, such as drapes and newspapers? Make sure it is in good working order with no odd smells, sparks or smoke when operating.

Down

Are three-pronged outlets properly grounded with a third wire inside the outlet attached correctly?

Check each light in all rooms, including lamps and ceiling xtures to make sure each bulb is the appropriate wattage for its xture

If children are present, do all unused outlets have safety covers? Do they have faceplates covering wiring and do plugs fit snugly?

Are cords frayed, cracked, or otherwise damaged? Are they under furniture or wrapped tightly around any object?

Are all electric cords placed away from hot surfaces or water sources? If you have ever received even a slight shock from touching them, it is time for a replacement.

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Network News

Elevate is expanding its 100% fiber network into many new areas over the next few years. We're working hard to bring fiber to every corner of DMEA's service territory so all our community members can access the nation's fastest and most reliable internet. Read our monthly construction progress report to see what areas are coming soon!