Powerlines September 2026

Friday Night Lights: More Than a Game

by Jack Johnston, CEO

Few things feel more like home than a Friday night under the lights.

For me, Friday Night Lights is about much more than football. It’s about family, community, and the traditions that connect generations. It’s watching parents cheer for their kids, grandparents in the stands, siblings running around the stadium, and entire communities coming together to support their schools.

Those moments mean a lot to me personally. Family is at the heart of what makes a community strong, and I love seeing the DMEA and Elevate team with their families at our local high school football games. That is what makes Friday Night Lights meaningful to me.

As a cooperative, we’re more than an electricity and internet provider. We’re part of the communities we serve—and, because we’re member-owned, those communities are at the heart of who we are.

Being a good cooperative means showing up. It means supporting our local schools, investing in our communities, building relationships with our members and customers, and being there for the moments that matter. Friday Night Lights gives us another opportunity to do just that.

I love seeing our DMEA and Elevate team members at these games—handing out giveaways, visiting with members, cheering from the sidelines, and simply being part of the evening. Those interactions are a reminder that the cooperative difference is often found in the simple things: being present, building connections, and giving back to the communities that have given us so much.

We’re proud to be part of these communities and to help create a new tradition that brings families and neighbors together.

From our DMEA and Elevate family to yours, we’ll see you under the Friday night lights.

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What To Consider When Considering an EV

Ongoing high gas prices may have you thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) for your next ride. Here are a few things to think about before you buy:

Driving Habits & Range

If your driving habits are mostly in-town or short commutes, an EV could help you keep transportation costs down. Consider the vehicle’s advertised range, which is improving in newer EVs as battery technology advances. Other things to think about are your typical daily mileage, winter temperatures, mountain driving, and any towing you’ll be doing.

Cost of Ownership

The sticker price isn't the whole story. Compare electricity vs. gasoline costs, maintenance, insurance, potential tax incentives, and the cost of installing home charging equipment. EVs generally require less routine maintenance because they have fewer moving parts—no oil changes, spark plugs, or a traditional exhaust system—but tires and windshield wipers will need replacing

How & Where to Charge

Unlike filling up at a gas station, EV charging can become part of your evening routine. Many people install a Level 2 charger at home. For most people, home charging is the biggest convenience advantage. Longer trips will require a bit more planning around where public fast chargers are available along your route.

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Community Calendar

Come out and connect with DMEA and Elevate at these upcoming events!

Elevate 101

Date: Thursday September 10
Time: 10AM - 12PM
Location: Cedaredge Library
More info: elevateinternet.com/101

Delta Car Show

Date: Friday, September 11
Time: 5 - 9 PM
Location: Downtown Delta – Main Street

Friday Night Lights

Date: Friday, September 18
Time: 7 PM
Location: Delta High School

Date: Friday, September 25
Time: 7 PM
Location: Cedaredge High School

Date: Friday, October 16
Time: 7 PM
Location: Olathe High School

Families Plus Fall Festival

Date: Saturday, October 17
Time: 11 AM - 5 PM
Location: Confluence Park, Delta

Trick or Treat Events

Date: Friday, October 30
Time: 3 - 6 PM
Location: Downtown Montrose & Downtown Delta

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Gigfoot Revealed

Are the tales true?

Dozens have shared their stories of a mysterious creature, dubbed 'Gigfoot', appearing at the same time that their internet speeds increase with Elevate. Some claim they 'don't have to dial up their internet no more', while others just want the truth about the 'cute' creature.

At long last, Elevate is revealing the existence of Gigfoot, and how he's been working behind the scenes to help rapidly expand their fiber network for the last ten years. Elevate explains that he’s shy; he doesn't want to be in the spotlight for bringing fast, reliable internet to over 18,000 subscribers. He's proud to be a local and dedicated to bringing the best possible internet to Montrose and Delta Counties.

Don't miss any details on the Gigfoot's big reveal.

Order Elevate today at elevateinternet.com

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Concern for Community

DMEA Board Member Damon Lockhart poses with Megan Shea and her goat that DMEA purchased at the Delta County Fair Junior Livestock Auction.

A Fair Part of Our Communities

There’s something special about a county fair. It brings generations together and celebrates local traditions. For many families, the fair is an annual tradition—and for young people, it’s an opportunity to showcase projects and livestock they’ve spent months preparing.

DMEA and Elevate are proud to be part of these community traditions. Whether it‘s visiting with families, cheering from the stands, attending community events, or supporting the Junior Livestock Auctions, we believe being a good cooperative means being involved in the communities we serve.

This year, DMEA and Elevate, along with our board members and power partner, Guzman Energy, supported the Delta and Montrose County Fairs and Junior Livestock Auctions. These programs directly support youth livestock buyers and recognize their efforts and investment in their fair projects. Funding for these efforts comes in part through DMEA’s Capital Credit Community Fund, which helps return dollars to the communities where our members live and work.

How You Can Help

Support local 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) members and fair programs by volunteering at fairs or donating to local buyers’ clubs and fair boards:

Montrose County Fair & Rodeo Stockmen’s Buyers Club: montrosecountyfairandrodeo.com/stockmens-buyers-club/

Delta County Fair Board: deltacountyboards.org/county-fair-board

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Is ElevateIQ Right for You?

There’s an App for That

It’s generally accepted that there is an app for anything you can think of to make life easier, but which ones are really valuable for your lifestyle? ElevateIQ comes free with any Elevate service and touts many benefits. Here are just a few to help you decide if it’s right for you:

Prioritize Your Devices

Need to jump on a work call and other users in your home are taking up bandwidth? Make sure your device won’t buffer by making it the priority.

Cyber Security Protection

Find out how many viruses and threats were blocked.

Share your password

For visitors who need Wi-Fi, a quick scan gives them access to your signal.

Parental Controls and Monitoring

Restrict content and set screen time limits for kids an their devices.

Maximize your Wi-Fi. Get free ElevateIQ today!

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The Electric Strip

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