PowerLines December 2024

Enjoy the Fruits of your Co-op Membership this Holiday Season

Jack Johnston, CEO

I am pleased to announce this holiday season that the Board of Directors has approved the retirement of $3.3 million in capital credits to members who purchased electricity in 1995. Our ability to retire capital credits directly results from DMEA’s strong financial condition and Elevate’s continued growth.

What are capital credits?

Capital credits are a benefit unique to cooperative members. When you pay your electric bill, you plant a seed that helps your co-op thrive. We use your payment to provide your service and improve the reliability, stability, and affordability of electricity for our community. Once these objectives are met, any extra operating margins are allocated back to our members and ultimately returned.

How much?

Credits are based on the amount of electricity each member purchased in 1995, as well as our operating margins that year. Members will receive a refund either as a bill credit (for credits that are $50 or less) or a check in the mail.

Why now?

Being a member-owned cooperative means anticipating challenges, appreciating what’s important to local residents and businesses, and partnering closely with you. To that end, we conduct an in-depth review of our budget and financials each fall. This year, our financial position was healthy enough to allow this level of return.

As with every year credits come as spending increases during part of the cold weather months. Not everyone in our community may be fortunate enough to experience warmth and joy this holiday, but I hope this credit helps in some way to enhance the spirit of the season for you and yours.

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2025 Scholarships Now Open

DMEA is offering more than $100,000 in college scholarships to local graduating seniors and continuing education students.

Apply by March 31, 2025 at dmea.com/scholarships.

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DMEA Bill Makeover

Get Excited! Changes are Coming in May 2025. We’re working on a new and improved monthly bill with essential information at your fingertips. Stay tuned to future newsletters for a sneak peek at what’s to come.

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It's Better Here

World Class Performance. Local Internet.

Based on 115 years and five generations of experience, Snow Capped Cider has learned a thing or two about growing apples. Step into their tasting room, and you'll sample authentic cider made from centuries-old apple varieties and water melted from Grand Mesa snow, patiently fermented to perfection. With the time and passion put into their beverages, it's no wonder that Snow Capped is winning international awards.

Elevate is built with local sweat equity and quality that similarly sets us apart. As the only locally-owned fiber network, our internet is helping businesses like Snow Capped Cider be the best at what they do. So settle in with friends and family to sip some world-class cider from apples grown just up the hill.

Join us for a taste of why it's better here. Visit elevateinternet.com.

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Concern for Community

DMEA helps marquee take center stage

Magic Circle Players has been an integral part of our area for over sixty years, providing a space where local talent and creativity thrive. This organization brings all age groups together to cultivate cultural vitality in Montrose. As a community gathering place, Magic Circle Players fosters connections and provides a venue for creative expression that has a lasting impact on both participants and audiences.

How we helped:

A modern, attractive sign is essential for reaching the public. Our DMEA board funded a special request of $25,000 for a new marquee sign to provide an updated, eye-catching display that informs the public about theater events. With this new sign, the theater will showcase upcoming performances and community gatherings, enhancing visibility and appeal to longtime supporters and attracting new visitors to broaden its audience.

Funding comes from our cooperative’s unclaimed capital credits fund. When capital credits from previous years go unclaimed, usually because a member moves on, we can
reinvest their credits in the community. By supporting Magic Circle Players, we’re giving back to our members and strengthening a local institution that enriches lives through the arts.

DMEA's donation was the first chunk of money for the sign. It really helped us get our feet off the ground for the reconstruction. We couldn’t have done it without them.’
— Lisa Rediger, Magic Circle Players Manager

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How you can help:

Attend an event at the Magic Circle Theater, audition, or volunteer. Find a calendar of events and contact information at magiccircleplayers.com.

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Shop Safe This Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, online shopping is a fast and convenient way to check gifts off your list. However, it’s also a time when cybercriminals ramp up their efforts to steal personal information. You can protect yourself and your loved ones online by following a few key safety steps.

Think twice before you click: Promotional emails offer easy access to deals, but be cautious with links. Check the sender’s email address for legitimacy, and avoid clicking links from unfamiliar sources. When in doubt, visit the retailer’s website directly.

Lock down your connection: Before entering personal details, ensure the website’s address begins with “https:” and shows a closed padlock icon. These symbols indicate your data is encrypted, helping to keep it safe from prying eyes.

Check your accounts: This season, keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unexpected charges. Spot anything unusual? Report it immediately to protect your finances.

Add another layer of protection: ElevateIQ stops bad actors at the door to your devices. Download the app today to stay one step ahead of those Grinches!

Get ElevateIQ today!

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The Electric Strip

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