PowerLines May 2025

Safety Culture: A Way of Life at DMEA

by Chad Stickler, Safety Director

At Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA), safety is not just a set of rules—it’s a value. Everything begins and ends with safety. When safety becomes a value, you don’t need to think about how to do something safely—it comes with the job. As the Safety Director at DMEA, we focus on a culture that prioritizes the wellbeing of employees and members. I am responsible for guiding the cooperative’s safety regulations and compliance requirements, developing training programs for personnel, and leading emergency response efforts.

A Respected Honor: The RESAP 2024 Award

One of DMEA’s proudest accomplishments last year was participating in the 2024 Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP). As mentioned in our October newsletter, DMEA was recognized by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) for our electric cooperative’s outstanding safety commitment. In addition to this award, we have had no lost work time due to accidents for the last two years. DMEA ensures reliable service and protection for employees and the community by prioritizing safety at every level.

National Electrical Safety Month and Lithium-Ion Battery Awareness

May is National Electrical Safety Month. This year, the month focuses on lithium-ion battery safety. Lithium-ion batteries power everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and home energy storage systems. While they are highly efficient, improper use or storage can pose fire hazards. DMEA encourages its members to follow essential safety tips to ensure the safe use of these powerful energy sources.

We are committed to promoting electrical safety for both our employees and members. By fostering a strong safety culture, proven by earning our RESAP award, and educating the community on essential safety practices, DMEA continues to deliver safe and reliable electricity to our members.

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Tips:

Use Authorized Batteries & Chargers – Always use manufacturer-approved batteries and charging equipment.‍

Unplug When Charged – Once charging is complete, disconnect the battery or device from power to avoid overheating.‍

Maintain Proper Temperature – Store and charge batteries at room temperature. Avoid Storage in Vehicles or Direct‍

Sunlight – Excessive heat can degrade battery life and increase the risk of fire.‍

Watch for Warning Signs – Stop using batteries or devices that emit an unusual odor, overheat, change shape or color, or no longer hold a charge.

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We Want to Hear from You!

Hello, It’s Us

DMEA / Elevate is working with Pivot Group, a respected national research firm, to conduct an anonymous survey of some of our members. You may be emailed or called to provide candid answers so we can improve DMEA and Elevate services.

If you have any questions, please contact DMEA and Elevate at 877-687-3632.

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2025 Annual Meeting

Save the Date!

The game is afoot at the 2025 Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 12, 4:30 - 8 p.m. at Hotchkiss K-8. Find more information at dmea.com/elections.

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Minecraft Movie Night Delights Families

Elevate Internet’s free movie night featuring Minecraft brought families together for an unforgettable evening in April. Through both sold out showings, this event ushered the community in for a fun-filled weekend cinematic experience.

Attendees enjoyed the action-packed adventure on the big screen and families received a $5 concessions voucher, making the night even sweeter with popcorn, drinks, and snacks.

Inspired by the video game, Minecraft transported audiences into a blocky world where a courageous young builder and her allies battled the fearsome Ender Dragon. The film’s thrilling storyline, humor, and nostalgic nods to the game made it a hit with fans of all ages.

For Elevate, the event was about more than just entertainment—it was an opportunity to introduce more Delta residents to the area’s only locally-owned fiber internet provider. Already serving three zones in Delta, Elevate is expanding to Zones 4 and 5 this summer, offering award-winning customer service and high-speed connectivity to even more homes and businesses.

The sold-out screenings underscored Elevate’s commitment to community through exceptional service and meaningful local events.

“We couldn’t be happier with the turnout. At Elevate, we’re committed to more than just providing the fastest fiber internet—we’re dedicated to building relationships and
strengthening our community. Seeing so many families come together for this event was truly special.” — Kent Blackwell, Chief Administrative Officer

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With the overwhelming success of this movie night, residents can look forward to more exciting Elevate-sponsored events in the future!

Join Elevate today at elevateinternet.com or call 844-386-8744.

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Create Real Change

Volunteer to Serve on the Operation Round Up Board

The Operation Round Up (ORU) Charitable Trust is a group of volunteer members from across the service territory and is responsible for dispersing funds collected from DMEA’s ORU program. There are two ORU board seats open and we are looking for new trustees from Districts 2, 4, or 5.

How much time does it take?

Trustees meet the second Monday of each month to review applications. These meetings typically last no more than two hours. Trustees serve three-year terms and are limited to a total of two terms.

Who can serve?

Anyone who is at least 18 years of age, a permanent resident of the district from which he/she is chosen, of good moral character, and a member of DMEA.

How do I apply?

If you are interested in serving as an Operation Round Up Trustee, download and complete the form at dmea.com/operation-round-up or contact Karen Archey at karen.archey@dmea.com, 970-240-1229.

Turn everyday generosity into lasting impact by changing lives locally.

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Safe Surfing

Steer Kids Clear from Inappropriate Content

It's surprisingly easy for children to stumble on inappropriate content on the internet, even when they're not looking for it. Whether it's an inappropriate video, an unexpected search result, or social media content, your child may encounter unwanted words and images online.

While it's important to be cautious about kids encountering inappropriate content, there are tools available to help you protect them.

With ElevateIQ, a free app provided with your Elevate service, you have multiple ways to keep kids surfing safely:

Set content filtering and site restrictions by user and device. For example, you can create settings based on your individual kids' ages and maturity.

Restrict all mature content from any devices. This includes family TVs, computers, tablets, etc.

Block individual sites or apps. YouTube or social media may have questionable content or language for young viewers.

Ready to catch the next wave? Steer kids to safe content in your home with ElevateIQ! Don’t have the app yet? Get ElevateIQ today!

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The Electric Strip

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