Focus on Home Safety During National Electric Safety Month

Jasen Bronec, CEO

Each May, DMEA and electric utilities across the nation celebrate National Electric Safety Month. It’s a time to honor the effort we put in year-round to ensure the safety of our employees and members. It also provides an opportunity to remind the public that while electricity is a necessity of modern life, it is also a potentially dangerous force.

The latest information from the Consumer Electronics Association shows that the average

home has a minimum of three televisions, two DVD players, at least one digital camera, one desktop computer, and two cell phones. I think it’s probably also safe to say that most of us have some sort of tablet or smart device in the home as well. As electricity plays a bigger and bigger role in our daily lives, it’s important to recognize that we all have a responsibility to keep our loved ones and ourselves safe.

According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year, 400 people are electrocuted in the United States. In addition, the National Fire Protection Association reports that electrical failures cause an average of 51,000 home fires, resulting in almost 500 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage annually. It’s undeniable: when electricity is mishandled, or electrical equipment is poorly maintained, accidents will happen. That’s why an active safety program that provides the proper training and equipment for all employees to do their jobs safely is DMEA’s top priority. This year, we’re also working to make sure you, our members, aren’t included in the statistics above.

There are many measures you can take to ensure the safety of your loved ones. By raising awareness about electrical hazards, we can work together to reduce the number of electricity-related deaths and injuries – one home, one school, and one workplace at a time.

DMEA also offers a variety of safety demonstrations for classrooms, businesses, and emergency responders. Learn more about these programs and find more safety tips and information at www.dmea.com or www.esfi.org.

The PowerLines Report | May 2016 1

May 2016NationalElectric Safety Month

1| IntroducingElevateFiber

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Vacuum refrigerator coils every three months to eliminate dirt buildup that can reduce effi ciency and create fi re hazards.

Ensure all countertop appliances are located away from the sink.

All appliance cords should be placed away from hot surfaces. Pay particular attention to cords around toasters, ovens and ranges.

Cords can be damaged by excess heat.

The top and the area above the cooking range should be free of combustibles, such as potholders and plastic utensils.

The wattage of the bulbs you use in your home should matchthe wattage indicated on the light fi xture. Overheated fi xtures

can lead to a fi re.

Check lamp cords to make sure they are in good condition – not damaged or cracked. Do not attempt to repair damaged cords

yourself. Take any item with a damaged power cord to anauthorized repair center.

Extension cords should not be used to provide power on along-term or permanent basis. Have additional receptaclesinstalled by a professional to provide power where needed.

Smoke alarms should be located on every level of your home, inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area.

Test smoke alarms every month. Batteries should be replacedat least once a year – or sooner if indicated in the manufacturers’

instructions. All smoke alarms should be replaced at leastevery 10 years.

Talk to your family about an emergency plan in the event of a fi re in your home. If you have small children, include them in planning an

emergency escape route – they are more likely to rememberthe plan if they’re involved in creating it.

• WWW.ESFI.ORG •

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DMEA Teams up with Tri-State to Offer Free ScienceTraining for Local TeachersIn partnership with the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project and DMEA, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (Tri-State) will hold the fifth annual Tri-State Energy Conference for Educators on July 28 – 29, 2016. Tri-State will host the hands-on workshop for 4th – 12th grade teachers at their headquarters in Westminster, CO.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about energy, STEM integration in the classroom, and using energy lessons

to meet required Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. The conference will provide educators with up-to-date information on all aspects of energy, including the science of energy, sources of energy, transportation, consumption, electricity, efficiency, and environmental and economic impacts. Participants will also receive the training and materials to implement engaging energy units in their own classrooms or after-school programs.

Interested teachers within DMEA’s service territory must apply online. If selected, participants can attend the conference free of charge. Lodging, meals, transportation, and conference materials are provided. Plus, attendees will also receive a NEED science energy kit, a class set of NEED energy info-books, access to all NEED curriculum guides, and supplemental resources.

Learn more about NEED: www.need.org | Apply online now: www.regonline.com/needtristate2016

For more infomation on all of DMEA’s hydropower projects, visit www.dmea.com/content/south-canal-project.

South Canal Hydropower Project Nearing CompletionThe South Canal brings much needed irrigation water to the farms and ranches in the Uncompahgre Valley. In addition, along the canal’s path, there are several locations with significant elevation drops that are being harnessed for their potential to produce local hydroelectric power. Significant progress is being made on a 2.4 megawatt hydroelectric power plant at Drop 5, pictured below. This will be the fourth hydroelectric generation facility constructed on the South Canal. Drop 5 will operate during the typical irrigation season, approximately April through October, and produce enough electricity to supply the annual needs of more than 900 homes in DMEA’s service territory. The plant is projected to be complete and operational this summer.

2 www.dmea.com | 1-877-687-3632

3The PowerLines Report | May 2016

JENEVE ROSE

MITCHELL

Jeneve Rose Mitchell

Thursday, June 16, 2016Montrose County Friendship Hall4:30 - 8:00 PM

4:30pm: Registration & Voting Begin5:00 - 6:30pm: Booths, Activities, & Entertainment5:30 - 6:30pm: Grilled Dinner6:30pm: National Anthem & Tribute to Law Enforcement6:30pm - 8:00pm: Business Meeting, Polls Close

Please join DMEA for its Annual Meeting of Members and celebrate your co-op’s accomplishments over the last year. Come early to enjoy the many family-friendly activities and witness the unveiling of Elevate Fiber, our new fiber broadband company.

All registered members will receive a 10” DMEA cast iron skillet and be entered to win a variety of door prizes. The meeting will also conclude the 2016 DMEA Board of Directors elections for District 3, District 4, & the South Region. The results of the elections will be announced at the conclusion of the meeting.

ActivitiesDoor prizes

Expo BoothsBucket Truck RidesAuto DisplayCovered WagonPhoto booth

Grilled DinnerHamburgersHot Dogs

Chips & FruitDessert

Free Gift*DMEA

Cast Iron Skillet(*one per membership)

Plus, an appearanceby Power the robot!

Crawford local and American Idol contestant, Jeneve Rose Mitchell,will provide musical entertainment during dinner

and perform the National Anthem.

FREE ADMISSION

Music and entertainment by

Annual Meeting of MembersDELTA-MONTROSE ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

DMEA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.

Your Board of Directors:Bill Patterson, District 1 Kyle Martinez, District 2 Olen Lund, District 3 Jim Elder, District 4 Marshall Collins, District 5 Terry Brown, District 6 Mark Eckhart, District 7 John Gavan, North Tony Prendergast, South DMEA board meetings are open to all members and are generally held on the 4th Tuesday monthly, beginning at 3pm with the public comment period at 5pm. Call (970) 240-1212 to confirm specific dates, times, and locations.

Locations: Montrose Office 11925 6300 Road Montrose, CO 81401 M - F; 8:00am-5:00pm Read Office 21191 H 75 Road Delta, CO 81416 M & W; 9:00am-4:00pm Contact Us: 1-877-687-3632 www.dmea.com

Recipes & Pop Quiz Info:Submit pop quiz answers and recipes, including your name, address, and phone number to: DMEA Newsletter PO Box 910 Montrose, CO 81402 Or email your information to communications@dmea.com. If your recipe is published or you are announced as a pop quiz winner, claim your prize by calling (970) 240-1273 within 60 days.

Ingredients:2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 1/2 lb ground beef 3 tbsp chili powder 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp dried oregano Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper 1medium onion, diced 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups tomato salsa, plus more for serving 6 cups yellow corn tortilla chips, more for serving 4 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Beef & Bean Taco Casserole - GiGi King, Paonia

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Heat oil in large skillet at med-high heat. When oil is shimmering, add the beef, chili powder, cumin, oregano, 1 tsp salt and pepper. Cook until brown, about 5 min. Add the onions and garlic, and cook until onions are soft. Add beans, salsa, and 1/2 cup water. Lower heat to simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 min. Add salt and pepper to taste. Beef and bean mixture can be made up to a day ahead of time and stored. Lay 1/2 of the tortilla chips in the baking dish. Spread half of the meat mixture on top. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the meat. Repeat layer with remaining chips, meat, and cheese. Bake uncovered until cheese melts, about 20 min. Top with sour cream, shredded lettuce, tomato, avocado, and jalepenos if desired. Serve with salsa and tortilla chips on the side.

Drumroll Please:Fiber Business Name UnveiledDMEA has been your trusted community electric partner for 78 years and we are proud to announce Elevate Fiber, offered by Delta-Montrose Electric Association. Elevate Fiber will bring high-speed internet, phone, and video service to our members, even those in hard to reach places. Our goal is to continue our commitment to our members and communities by delivering the fastest and most reliable technology around: fiber.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the unveiling of Elevate Fiber at our Annual Meeting on June 16, 2016. Members will also have the opportunity to find out more about Phase I of the project. Follow our website and like us on Facebook to stay updated on our progress, fun events, facts around the benefits of fiber, and how Elevate Fiber will help take Delta and Montrose counties into the future.

Elevate Fiber - you asked for it, we listened!

DMEA.com Facebook.com/DeltaMontroseElectricAssociation