MEDICAL DEVICE POWER OPTIONS • ENERGY EDUCATION • WINTER HOME PREP
SPECTACULAR STARGAZING
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SEPTEMBER 2026
EEA
Photo by Scott Burnworth
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Medical Device Power Options By Andy Carter Member Engagement Manager
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echnological advances have made life easier for people with medical conditions requiring supplemental oxygen, like sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly starts and stops throughout the night. The medical devices that provide relief are powered by electricity and members who rely on them should have a plan in the event power is interrupted. When making an emergency power back up plan for a medical device, consider different scenarios where you may be without power. What will you need to shelter in place for a winter storm? What will you need if you must evacuate because of a wildfire? You will also need to consider the power requirements for your device to make sure your backup power supply can provide the watts to operate it, as well as store enough energy to provide power during the time you don’t have grid power. Supplemental oxygen is normally supplied using an oxygen concentrator. Concentrators can use between 280 to 350 watts. If you were planning for a 12 hour outage, you would need a power source that could supply 350 W and store 4.2 kWh of energy (350 W x 12 hours / 1,000 W/kW). Common power sources are a portable power station using a rechargeable battery, a solar generator with battery storage, or a fossil fuel generator. Another alternative is portable oxygen bottles. These can be used at home or can also easily be transported to a safer location. Check with your health care provider for recommendations on how many bottles you should have for emergencies.
The most common device used to relieve sleep apnea symptoms is a continuous positive airway pressure system that provides low pressure air that keeps your airway open while you sleep. A CPAP uses 30-90 W, depending on its features. If you were planning for 8 hours of sleep without grid power, you would need a power source that could deliver 90 W and store 0.72 kWh. Portable power stations that store up to 1-kWh are readily available. If you were planning for several days of power supply you could buy solar panels to recharge the 1-kWh battery or purchase a portable power station with more storage capacity. You could also consider a solar generation system with battery storage or a fossil fuel generator. Power interruptions are not always of long duration. Short interruptions or blinks may cause your medical device to reset or turn off. CPAP users are especially aware of this because an interruption that resets their device makes it difficult to breathe and wakes them up. This can be avoided if the portable power station you are using has pass-through charging which allows battery charging while running a device. During an interruption, the power station automatically switches to battery power from the grid and the device functions normally. Empire Electric Association works hard to keep your power reliable, but we cannot prevent all outages. Your safety is an important part of our mission. Please take the time now to be prepared.
EMPIRE ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC Empire Electric Association’s primary mission is to safely, responsibly, and reliably meet the electrical energy needs of our member-owners.
23999 Road L.4 Cortez, CO 81321 phone 970-565-4444 toll free 800-709-3726 pay by phone 833-923-1409 eea.coop
Office Hours Monday–Thursday — 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday — 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
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Facebook.com/EEACortez @eeacortez
September 2026
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Mail Payment Processing Update
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ontinuous process improvement is one way Empire Electric Association finds ways to reduce costs and keep rates affordable. EEA offers several different ways members can pay their electric bill including mailing a check with their payment stub, paying in person at our office, one-time electronic payments using the SmartHub app or web browser portal, or auto payment where your bill is automatically paid from a bank account or credit card. Mailed-in check payments are the most expensive payments to process. The costs include the postage paid return envelope, labor to process the payments, and specialized equipment and software required by the banking industry to automate the process. There are also several points in the process where things can go wrong. Those include delays in mail delivery or checks that cannot be processed using the specialized equipment and require manual processing. EEA uses Vectra Bank for our local banking needs. Vectra offers several services for business clients that can help them save time and money. Those services include a payment processing service referred to as a lockbox, where Vectra manages payments submitted by business customers directly to Vectra. EEA performed a cost analysis of our mail payment processing and found that using Vectra’s lockbox service will lower our expenses and provide more time for EEA consumer services representatives to directly serve members. Vectra’s lockbox service is in Salt Lake City, Utah, and test mailings from our service
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ctric Empire Ele t m Bill Pay en ity, UT Salt Lake C
EEA will be using a lockbox service for bill payment beginning in October 2026. Only the bill payment address is changing. All other correspondence should still be mailed to EEA at PO Box K, Cortez, CO 81321. area show the time for a payment to be delivered is no longer than the current delivery time. EEA plans to begin using Vectra’s lockbox service in October 2026. You will notice that the address on the postage paid return envelope will change to a Salt Lake City address. EEA is not changing any other contact information. All correspondence — except a bill payment — should still be mailed to PO Box K, Cortez, CO 81321. If you have a question about EEA’s choice to use a lockbox service or want to explore other ways to pay your bill, please call 970-565-4444 or email contactus@eea.coop.
Colorado Country Life
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Notice of a Change in the Tariffs of Empire Electric Association, Inc.
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n July 10, 2026, the Empire Electric Association Board of Directors approved changes to the following rate tariffs: Residential Single Phase All Energy, Residential Single Phase Time of Use and Demand, General Service Single Phase All Energy, General Service Single Phase Time of Use and Demand, General Service Three Phase Time of Use and Demand, Irrigation Single Phase All Energy, Irrigation Single Phase Time of Use and Demand, Irrigation Three Phase All Energy, Irrigation Three Phase Time of Use and Demand, Large Power, Security Lighting, Power Cost Adjustment Clause, Transmission Service, and Fee Schedule. We take our commitment to affordability seriously. The EEA board and staff work hard to ensure we operate efficiently so that we can provide you with reliable, affordable power. We recently completed a financial forecast that shows a rate increase is needed to ensure EEA can continue to provide reliable power. We also completed a cost-of-service study to help ensure rates remain cost-based. The EEA board evaluated the data and decided to approve a 4.72% revenue increase across all rate classes. The revenue increase will be applied to the Grid Access Charge and Distribution Demand Charge. Our financial modeling indicates this increase will allow us to operate for the next several years without needing any additional rate increases. We will continue to focus on affordability and maintaining a reliable system.
Other rate changes approved by the board include resetting the Power Cost Adjustment base rates and updating the energy charges across all rate classes to reflect the new Tri-State rate. These energy charge changes are necessary to continue to match our expenses with how we collect revenue and are not part of the 4.72% revenue increase. Additionally, the Irrigation Three Phase All Energy rate will be eliminated. The handful of members currently on that rate will be moved to Irrigation Three Phase Time of Use and Demand. Finally, the Meter Tampering Fee will be increased from $250 to $350 to recover our current cost to deal with tampering events. The updated tariffs are scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2027. Written comments about the proposed changes may be submitted electronically through EEA’s website or through hard copies delivered to EEA’s main office. Hard copies may be submitted by mail to PO Box K, Cortez, CO, 81321, or hand-delivered to EEA’s main office at 23999 Road L.4, Cortez, CO, 81321. Additionally, verbal comments may be submitted during the member input segment of EEA board meetings. For any questions about this notice and/or the proposed changes, please contact EEA at 970-565-4444 or toll free at 1-800-709-3726. Copies of tariffs and pertinent policies are available on EEA’s website at eea.coop. Tariffs and policies are also on file at EEA’s main office and are available for inspection during regular business hours.
SCAM TIP OF THE MONTH Your smart thermostat, security camera, video doorbell, and other connected devices make life more convenient — but they can also be targets for cybercriminals if they’re not properly secured. Change default usernames and passwords, use strong, unique passwords for each device, and enable multi-factor authentication when available. Keep your devices up to date by installing Colorado Country Life
software and firmware updates, which often include important security fixes. Secure your home Wi-Fi network with a strong password and modern encryption. A few simple steps can help keep your personal information and smart devices safe from scammers. Source: CISA September 2026
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS MONTHLY CALENDAR AND CO-OP PHOTO CONTEST WINNER September 7 – Labor Day, EEA office closed. September 11 – EEA board meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. at 23999 Road L.4, Cortez, CO. The agenda is posted 10 days in advance of the meeting at eea.coop. Members may attend in person or remotely. Instructions to attend remotely are included on the agenda. September 15 – Not-for-profit donation and sponsorship requests due for 2027. Youth Trip applications become available.
Beautiful Storm Photo by Charlotte Daves
We Listened To Our Members
In January, EEA changed its bill process timing based on member requests for Fixed Bill Due Dates and More Time to Pay. Each bill cycle now has a fixed due date: 2nd, 9th, 16th, or 23rd each month. We also added 3 to 7 more days to pay! Making these changes required removing the grace period for late fees. Your payment must be received by the due date printed on your bill or you are subject to a $4.00 late fee. To explore options that ensure prompt payment, call us at 970-565-4444.
10 September 2026
EEA Donations and Sponsorships The EEA Board of Directors is accepting requests for donations and sponsorships for the 2027 calendar year. These contributions are intended for not-for-profit organizations. To be eligible for funding in 2027, all requests must be submitted by September 15, 2026.
Scan the code for more information and application.
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WHOLESALE POWER IMPACTS • ANNUAL MEETING RECAP • MEMBER APPRECIATION
SEPTEMBER 2026
MEMBERS ELECT DIRECTORS AT ANNUAL MEETING
GVP
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Wholesale Power Partnerships Impact GVP’s Future Plans By Chrystal Dean Chief Executive Officer
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hen you flip on a light switch, charge your phone, or run your air conditioner, it’s easy to think of electricity as simply coming from Grand Valley Power, your electric cooperative. But behind every kilowatt-hour delivered to your home or business is a much larger energy system designed to provide reliable, affordable power. One term you’ll hear us talk about often is wholesale power. It’s common language in the electric utility industry, but what it means — and why it should matter to you — isn’t always clear. Understanding wholesale power may help explain many of the decisions we make. In simple terms, wholesale power is the electricity that distribution cooperatives purchase before delivering it to homes and businesses. Think of it like a grocery store. The store purchases fruits and vegetables from suppliers and then makes them available to customers. Similarly, Grand Valley Power purchases electricity at wholesale pricing and delivers it through our distribution system to the members we serve. Today, Grand Valley Power purchases its wholesale power from Xcel Energy. Beginning June 1, 2028, GVP will transition to Guzman Energy as its wholesale power supplier. This partnership allows Grand Valley Power to focus on what we do best: maintaining and improving our local electric system and serving members. From investing in reliability and maintaining substations and power lines to managing vegetation and servicing meters, our focus is on providing the hometown service our members expect. Meanwhile, wholesale power providers focus on the complex work of generating electricity and planning the large transmission networks that move power across the state. Wholesale power providers also offer access to diverse energy resources and broad transmission networks. This diversity can improve reliability by providing multiple sources of power when weather conditions, equipment issues, or transmission outages
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affect a particular generation source. A larger, more flexible energy portfolio can also create opportunities to more effectively manage power costs. Because wholesale power accounts for more than half of Grand Valley Power’s total expenses, choosing the right wholesale power partner is one of the most consequential decisions we make. Our responsibility is to be careful stewards of our members’ resources while balancing affordability, reliability, and long-term value. Those priorities were a significant factor in the board’s decision to transition to Guzman Energy in 2028. A key benefit of the new partnership is greater price certainty. Guzman Energy will provide Grand Valley Power with fixed wholesale power rates, reducing exposure to fluctuating energy prices. That certainty will help us plan for the future and budget for infrastructure improvements, strengthen our system against wildfire risks, invest in new technologies, and continue providing reliable service through fair and transparent rates. Looking ahead, Grand Valley Power is also exploring ways to increase flexibility in how we serve our members. As we begin working with Guzman Energy, we will have opportunities to evaluate whether local generation resources could complement the electricity we purchase at wholesale. These opportunities could further diversify our energy portfolio while advancing the cooperative’s long-term goals for reliability, affordability, and local control. Wholesale power may not be something you think about, but it impacts every aspect of your electric service. From the rates you pay to the reliability of the grid, wholesale power influences how Grand Valley Power plans for the future and fulfills its commitment to serving you. By understanding how wholesale power works, members can better appreciate the many partnerships and strategic decisions that help keep the lights on across the Grand Valley.
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Annual Meeting:
A Co-op Exactly Like No Other By Rita-Lyn Sanders Director of Member Services and Communication
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rand Valley Power is fortunate to be one of the few cooperatives in this country that can proudly claim: Our annual meeting drew a packed house! Members filled nearly every seat in the venue as we highlighted the year’s accomplishments and brought our cooperative’s character to life. Together we celebrated: • 90 Years of Empowering Lives with Hometown Service as the oldest electric cooperative in Colorado. • Seven years of no lost-time accidents. • Improvements to our distribution system, including the completion of the Highline Substation expansion to support growth in north Grand Junction and Clifton. • $23,500 in scholarships awarded to students living in households served by Grand Valley Power. These accomplishments support the theme we selected to celebrate our 90-year history: A Co-op Exactly Like No Other. More than 500 people, including members, directors, guests, and employees enjoyed the good company and heard about these achievements and others that have occurred over the past year. Attendees were treated to a presentation by Betsy Bair, District Director for U.S. Representative Jeff Hurd. Bair read a brief account of Grand Valley Power’s history that Congressman Hurd had read into the Congressional Record. She also presented Grand Valley Power CEO Chrystal Dean with a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol to commemorate the Betsy Bair, District Director for U.S. Representative Jeff Hurd, read a brief account of Grand Valley Power’s history to commemorate the cooperative’s status as the oldest electric cooperative in Colorado.
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cooperative’s status as the oldest electric cooperative in Colorado. The meeting was punctuated by the announcement of several amazing door prizes, including bill credits donated by our future wholesale energy supplier, Guzman Energy; a television; and a quarter 4-H beef purchased at the Mesa County Junior Livestock Auction by our friends at Alpine Bank. Thank you for these, and to all of our partners including Western United Electric Supply, Ireland Stapleton, Hubbell, CFC, and Ward Electric for their prize donations. We also want to recognize the assistance of the Fruita Monument High School FFA students who helped with parking along with the staff at Colorado Mesa and Sodexo for their services. Like previous years, we ended the meeting by answering questions members submitted with their RSVP. If you missed the event, we invite you to watch the 2026 Business Report video highlighting GVP’s accomplishments and key points from the meeting. Visit gvp.org/exactly to find the video. ON THE COVER: Kyle Coltrinari, Secretary-Treasurer of the Grand Valley Power Board of Directors, established the quorum at the 2026 annual meeting led by Board President Brian Woods (left) and CEO Chrystal Dean (seated). Photo by Geoff Crumbaugh Photography.
Grand Valley Power, a co-op exactly like no other, celebrated 90 years at its annual meeting last month.
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS MEMBERS ELECT INCUMBENTS IN UNCONTESTED ELECTION Grand Valley Power members reelected three directors to the board at the annual meeting on August 6. Three candidates ran for three positions in the uncontested election. Incumbents Joseph Burtard, Joe Landini, and Janie VanWinkle were re-elected. Each will serve a new three-year term and rejoin the other six sitting directors on the cooperative’s board. The Election Supervisory Committee oversaw the election, which was conducted by a vote of acclamation of the members present at the annual meeting. Thank you to all members who participated in this year’s election.
Congratulations!
JOVANNY ANGEL Members elected (left to right) Joseph Burtard, Joe Landini, and Janie VanWinkle to Grand Valley Power’s 9-member board. Photos by Tanya Marchun
2026 CMU Tech Electric Lineworker Scholarship Recipient
GOLF
PAT KANDA MEMORIAL
TOURNAMENT
2026
A Co-op EXACTLY Like No Other
Honor Pat’s commitment to community and let’s golf for Mesa County nonprofits.
2026 Annual Meeting
View the Business Report on Youtube
Register Today! Friday October 9
Tiara Rado Golf Course Colorado Country Life
September 2026
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Member
APPRECIATION DAY Join us for an afternoon of family fun at
2135 I ½ Road | Grand Junction, CO 81505 www.StudtFarms.com
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 RSVP BY SEPTEMBER 23
Go to gvp.org/appreciation to reserve your
FREE
Fun Farm Standard Passes!
Quantities are limited!
EVENT CHECK-IN: 11 A.M. - 2 P.M.
Admission for up to 4 family members and one small pumpkin Food and drinks available for purchase on-site
10 September 2026
Colorado Country Life
EV REBATES • EV EXPERIENCES • GCEA MILESTONES
THINKING ABOUT AN EV? Lessons learned from an EV owner
SEPTEMBER 2026
GCEA
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Thinking About an EV? Here’s What We Learned By Darcie Perkins District 3 Board Director
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he idea of owning or leasing an electric vehicle intrigued us. After test-driving several models, we knew EVs could be fast, fun to drive, and economical. We also knew that GCEA had committed to a strategic goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2030. Charging an EV at home would allow our family to do our part in supporting that goal while reducing our own contribution to climate change. Still, we had questions. Would an EV handle the steep dirt road to our home during the winter? Would it give us the flexibility to make longer trips to Denver or around the Western Slope? How much range would we lose in cold weather? Would we need to install a Level 2 charger in our garage? When our most reliable vehicle reached 300,000 miles and repair costs continued to climb, it was time to make a decision. After a year of research and weighing our options, the combination of federal and state incentives gave us the confidence to lease a Chevy Equinox EV for two years. We decided it was time to give an EV a try. Within the first few weeks, we discovered that we didn’t need to install a Level 2 charger after all. Charging overnight with a standard household outlet has been more than sufficient for our daily driving around the valley. We also found that traveling beyond the valley was much easier than we expected. Public charging has been convenient, and over the past two years it has only become easier as more charging stations have been added throughout Colorado and across the country. Driving an EV has become our preferred way to travel over mountain passes. The instant torque provides confident acceleration on steep grades, and regenerative braking recharges the battery on the Colorado Country Life
Dusty and Darcie Perkins have embraced the best of both worlds, preserving their rural lifestyle while incorporating energy-efficient electric transportation into their daily lives.
descent while greatly reducing the need to use the brakes. Our all-wheel-drive Equinox has handled our steep, slick dirt roads every bit as well as — if not better than — our four-wheel-drive Dodge Ram during the winter. Perhaps the biggest surprise has been the savings on fuel. The reduction in our transportation costs has been so significant that we recently leased a second EV — a Hyundai IONIQ 5. We are now a two-EV household. One of the most important differences between electric vehicles and gasoline-powered vehicles is that EVs run on electricity, an energy carrier rather than a single fuel source. Electricity can be generated from a wide variety of energy sources, making it more adaptable to changing energy markets and helping provide greater long-term price stability than relying solely on gasoline. As the electric grid continues to incorporate more renewable energy, the electricity that powers an EV can become cleaner over the life of the vehicle. Our lease on the Chevy Equinox expires this September, and one thing is certain — we’ll continue driving electric. If you’ve been curious about owning an EV, consider giving one a try. You may discover what we did: EVs are fun, fast, practical, and a smart way to reduce both emissions and the impact of fluctuating gas prices. September 2026
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS
How I Finally Made the Switch By Alliy Sahagun Member Relations Supervisor
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hen I joined GCEA seven years ago, I and plan charging stops around meals or shopping. had my first experience with electric One of my favorite stops is Sam’s Club in Grand Juncvehicles and quickly came to apprecition, where I can top off the battery while grabbing a ate not only how enjoyable they are to snack or running errands. drive, but also how economical and efficient they can If you’ve been thinking about making the switch be. Every time I took members on an EV test drive, to an EV, now is a great time to explore your options. someone would ask, “Do you own an electric vehicle?” Between Colorado’s incentives, programs like VXC, Now I can happily answer, “Yes!” and GCEA’s EV charger rebate, owning an EV may be About a year ago, I decided it was finally time to more affordable than you think. Add lower fuel and see if owning an EV could fit my budget. I started maintenance costs, and the savings continue long after researching available incentives and discovered the you drive off the lot. Visit GCEA.coop to learn more Vehicle Exchange Colorado (VXC) program, which about available rebates and resources. helps income-qualified residents replace older, higher-emitting vehicles with an electric one. I also learned about Colorado’s tax credits for qualifying EV purchases and leases. Once I realized these incentives could be combined, I felt confident an EV might WHAT IS OFF-PEAK CHARGING? actually be within reach. CHARGING WHEN DEMAND ON THE GRID IS Armed with our VXC authorization, my husband and I drove our 2009 Ford Fusion to L O W E R ( U S U A L L Y O V E R N I G H T ) Denver to shop for used EVs. After test-drivMember Benefits ing several models that didn’t quite win us Lower electricity rates during off-peak hours over, we spotted a lease special on a Hyundai Avoid higher peak demand charges IONIQ 5 at a dealership in Centennial. Grid & Community Benefits Five minutes behind the wheel was all Reduces strain on the electrical system – it took — we were hooked. The IONIQ 5 brings everyone’s rates down checked every box: roomy enough for our Supports grid reliability and integration of family, all-wheel drive for snowy mountain renewable energy sources roads, a quiet and comfortable ride, and an impressive 290-mile driving range. When FACILITATING OFF-PEAK CHARGING the dealership calculated our lease payment Use Your Car’s Settings: Schedule charging to start after 9 after applying the available incentives, we p.m. in the car app or dashboard. could hardly believe it. We traded in our old Smart Chargers: Schedule your Level 2 charger, using the gas-powered car and drove home in our new scheduling or “delay start” feature. EV without stretching our budget. Plug In Anytime, Charge Later: Plug in when you get home Ten months later, I couldn’t be happier and program the car/charger to wait until after 9 p.m. with the decision. Thanks to GCEA’s rebate, I installed a Level 2 charger in my garage GCEA REBATES & TIME OF USE RATE and typically charge just once a week on Sunday during off-peak hours. If I need Switch to GCEA’s TOU rate: To save on an extra charge during the week, I simply electricity during off-peak hours and qualify schedule it through the Hyundai app to begin for Level 2 EV charger rebates, up to $1000. after 9 p.m., helping me avoid higher peak For more info, scan the QR code. demand charges. Road trips have been easier than I SAME POWER, DIFFERENT HOUR expected. I look for hotels with EV chargers
Don’t Be Peaky:
Smart Managed EV Charging
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Colorado Country Life
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
$1000 EV REBATE New or used EV purchases (no leases) with a net purchase price under $35,000
This rebate may be paired with Colorado State EV tax incentives and programs, including the Vehicle Exchange Colorado (VXC) Program Must be registered in Gunnison, Hinsdale, or Saguache County Available to PowerWise Pledge™ contributors Must apply for the rebate within 90 days of purchase
Colorado Country Life
September 2026
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Congratulations to Brian Muth on His Retirement from GCEA!
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fter nearly 20 years of dedicated service, Engineering Technician Brian Muth retired from GCEA in March. Throughout his career, he played an important role in helping maintain and improve GCEA’s electric system while serving our members and communities. One of his proudest accomplishments was being part of the effort to rebuild the Crested Butte line and transitioning overhead lines to underground in Mt. Crested Butte. Brian also leaves behind many great memories and stories. One of his favorites involves working alongside Chris Schodorf on a project where they found themselves surrounded by goats, who quickly took an interest in Brian’s laths. It turned into a moment he still laughs about today. Brian is proud of the work he’s been part of, but it’s the people he’ll miss the most. He really enjoyed working with the whole GCEA crew, especially Engineering Manager Joe Gornik. Even though Joe had just come on board, Brian was glad they got to work together and wishes they’d had more time. As Brian moves into retirement, he is most looking forward to spending quality time with his family and grandchildren. Thank you, Brian, for your years of service and dedication to GCEA. We wish you all the best in your retirement!
CONGRATULATIONS, JUSTIN! Congratulations to Justin Hulick on his new role as Engineering Technician II. Since joining GCEA in 2017 and earning his Journeyman certification in 2021, Justin has gained extensive knowledge of GCEA’s electric system, operations, and service territory. His hard work, experience, and dedication have made him an important part of our team. We’re proud to have you on the GCEA team, Justin.
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WELCOME TO THE GUNNISON LINE CREW, TANNER! Tanner Hite is transferring from GCEA's Crested Butte Line Crew after beginning his apprenticeship with GCEA in 2025. A graduate of the Electrical Line Worker program at Colorado Mesa University Technical School, Tanner has been building his skills and experience while serving our members in the Crested Butte area. We're excited to have Tanner join the Gunnison crew and look forward to seeing him continue to grow in his career. Colorado Country Life
THE VALUE OF ELECTRICITY • CAPITAL CREDITS LIST CONTINUES
SPECTACULAR STARGAZING
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SEPTEMBER 2026
HEA
Photo by Scott Burnworth
Electricity Brings Everyday Value
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
By Dennis Herman General Manager
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hen it comes to electricity, we rarely think twice when we flip on a light switch, brew coffee in the morning, charge our phones, or adjust the thermostat. We simply expect the power to be there. That’s how it should be because you are a member of Highline Electric Association, and reliably powering your life is our mission. We know many families across our local communities are feeling the impact of rising costs for everyday expenses. Groceries, gasoline, insurance, and other necessities cost more than they did just a few years ago. And because of that, we understand that every household is carefully considering where each dollar goes. That’s why I think it’s important to occasionally step back and consider the value electricity provides. The average U.S. residential electric bill is about $150 a month — roughly $5 a day. I often think about what that $5 provides. It’s about the cost of a specialty coffee, yet electricity powers nearly every moment of our daily lives, often without us giving it a second thought. In fact, many typical purchases cost more than a day’s worth of electricity. A fast-food combo meal averages about $9, and a single movie ticket can cost around $13. For about $5 a day, your refrigerator keeps food fresh around the clock. Your heating and cooling system helps keep your family comfortable through
the seasons. Lights brighten your home after sunset. Appliances make cooking and cleaning easier. Devices stay charged so you can work, learn, communicate, and stay connected with loved ones. When you think about everything electricity makes possible, it’s one of the greatest values in the average household budget. Even with electricity’s exceptional value, we know every dollar matters. If you’re looking for ways to lower your energy use, Highline is here to help. Whether you need efficiency advice from our energy advisors, information about co-op rebates and efficiency programs, or answers to questions about your monthly bill, our team is always available. In addition to rebates, we offer financing to help our members implement more expensive energy efficiency upgrades. Highline Electric is proud to be more than your electric provider. Because we’re a cooperative, we’re locally owned by you, the members we serve. That means every decision we make is guided by what’s best for our community, not by outside shareholders. We are continually investing in our electrical infrastructure to provide our members with reliable service. Thank you for trusting Highline Electric to power your home and your life. We’re committed to providing everyday value for you and your family, with reliable, affordable power so you can make the most of every energy dollar.
Celebrating HEA Anniversaries
Save the Date! March 23, 2027 Annual Meeting Phillips County Fairgrounds
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Congratulations to the following Highline Electric employees who celebrate a work anniversary in September: Darrin Manuello — 35 years Chance Everhart — 2 years Logan Cordell — 2 years Wes Longshore — 2 years September 2026
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HAY IS FOR HORSES
USE IT WITH CARE NEAR POWER LINES Using hay on the ranch or farm is like using water and feed — it is essen�al. However, be careful near overhead power lines. Here are some safety �ps to keep in mind: • Be aware of overhead power lines when moving bales of hay. • Do not store hay bales underneath power lines. • Bales could get close to or contact a power line, pole or guy wire.
IN ADDITION: • Tarps that cover hay can come loose in heavy winds. • The tarp can then whip in the wind. • The unruly tarp could contact a power line and cause an outage. Learn more:
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Pesticide Safety
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ighline Electric employees work hard to maintain reliable service across our rural communities — often accessing fields, pastures, and rights-of-way to restore power or to perform routine maintenance. When a field has been treated with agricultural chemicals, however, entering that area without warning can pose serious and immediate health risks to our crews. Just as you take precautions to protect your family and employees, we ask for your help in protecting ours. A simple notification can prevent harmful exposure and keep everyone safe.
We will be closed September 7 for Labor Day. Reminder: Our offices are also closed Fridays.
NOTIFY US OF OWNERSHIP OR NAME CHANGES IMMEDIATELY Highline Electric uses the date we are notified for any ownership or name changes. Demand reading resets must be performed when we are notified therefore, we are not able to backdate move-out dates. This ensures fair and accurate billing by allowing new occupants to set their
own peak demand for the remainder of their initial billing period. This enhances the member experience by providing greater transparency and fairness. For any questions, please contact our Member Services team.
READ THE OCTOBER CCL ISSUE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CO-OP MONTH CELEBRATION! Colorado Country Life
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Is Your Name Below?
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he names listed below are Highline Electric Association members who have unclaimed capital credits from the electric cooperative. HEA publishes an unclaimed capital credit list every year to notify HEA members that a check the co-op mailed to them was not cashed. Look for your name in the list below or scan the QR code. If you find your name, email capitalcredits@hea. coop, complete the Unclaimed Capital Credit Identification Form online at hea.coop/capital-credits, or call 970-854-2236. This list will continue in next month’s Colorado Country Life magazine. BAKER, TRACY BALL, JACK D BALL, SARA BALL, SHANA BALLARD, STEPHANIE BANE, DAVID BANEY, BART BANTA, MADELINE BANTA, RALPH BAPTISTA, STEVEN BAQUERA, LYNN BARAY, EMMA BARBER, PAM BARBMOORE, DUANE K BARDEN, JACQUELINE J BARE, SKYE L BARGER, CHRIS BARKLEY, ERIC BARNARD, ROBIN E BARNES, EDDIE R BARNES, MELINDA BARNETT, DAN BARNTS, HELEN BARRETT, ART BARRETTE, HOPE BARRITT, STACY BARTELS, A E BARTELS, WAYNE BARTHOLOMEW, SHAWN BARTON, DARREN R BASEGGIO, VINCENT & LAWRENCE BASHAM, KATHERINE BASS, PAUL BASSETT, FRANCES BAUCKE, EDWIN L BAUDER, JERRY L BAUER, KENNETH L JR BAUER, M SCOTT BAUGHMAN, ADAM & ANGELA R BAYSIDE MARINA BEAMER, KEITH BEATTY, DEANN BEAUCHAMP, MATTHEW BEAVEN, HERB BECKER, GARY D BECKER, LINDA M BECKER, RALPH T BEEDE, CRAIG BEELER, JAMES R BEEMER, JENNIFER L BEEMER, JERRY R BEGIN, DARLENE M
10 September 2026
BEGLEY, MARY ANN BEISNER, ANDREA BELL, DAVID V BELL, DWANE OR MARY BELL, LOIS M BELLENDIR, ANNIE E BELLENDIR, ANTHONY BEMUS, MELISSANNE BENCOMO, ERBEN BENEDEK BROADCASTING CORP BENNETT, TRAVIS BENSON, PHILLIP BENZEL, KEVIN S BERG, RICHARD J BERG, TED BERGERON, GLEN BERGES, PAM BERGES, TONY L BERGGREN, GUS BERGNER, CLIFTON BERNATCHEZ, STEVEN J & JILL BERNHARDT, CLARK OR CRAIG BERRY PETROLEUM BERRY, RONALD G BERRY, WAYNE L BEUTLER, T SCOTT BEVANS, JOAN L BIERMAN, JAMES F BILGER, KEVIN BILLINGER, TONYA BILLINGSLY, W K BILOW, JEFF J BINDER, DOUGLAS BIRCH EXPL LTD LIABILITY CO BIRD, DONALD L BIRGE, STEVE BIRKBECK, JERED & LAURA BISTRANIN, BETTY F BJL HOLDINGS LLC BLACK RAVEN ENERGY INC BLACKHAWK CONST BLAKE, RICKY BLANKENSHIP, ROBERTA BLEDSOE, HENRY A BLISS, SHAAN BLOME, KEVIN BLOMME, KACEE BLOOMFIELD, JONNA BLS BLUE BIRD MOBIL HOMES INC BLUE CREEK INC BLUE RANCH LLC, THE
BOCANEGRA, JESUS BODEN, LAVERN F BOEHM, PAUL BOEKHOUT, TED BOGGS FARMS BOHLENDER COLORADO FARMS BOHLENDER SOUTH FARMS BOHLENDER, JAY & MARY M BOHLENDER, RODNEY & LINDA BOHLENDER, TELDON BOLIN, RODNEY & TIFFANY BOLTON, LANCE & LORRIE BOLTZ, TOREY BOND, DENNIS L BONNE, SHIRLEY BOPPRE, SUSAN BORNMAN, JOHNNY BOSCHEN, MARY L BOSSOW, CRAIG BOSTRON, PHIL A BOURNE, MARCUS BOWER, DAVID BOYER, DAVID BOYLES, MICHAEL BRACKEN, EDWARD R JR BRACKEN, HOPE BRADLEY, DEBRA BRADLEY, MARK BRADLEY, TINA BRAKHAGE, KRISTA M BRAN-DEX WIRELINE BRANDT, AGATHA BRANDT, JOHN F BRANDT, LLOYD BRANDT, STAN BRAZ, BILL BRAZELTON, KIBBY BREDEHOFT, DEBORA BREDVICK, JEANIE BREIDENBACH, KEVIN BREMER, BYRON BREMER, LEAVETA BRIGGS, MICHELLE L BRIGHAM, HOWARD L BRIGHT & SCHIFF OIL BRINER, MILFORD C BRINKEMA FARMS BRISBY, TAMMIE BRISCOE, BRITINI BROCK, WILLIAM P BROCKBANK, BRIAN BROCKMEIER, ESTHER E
BROOK, JIM BROOME, ELIZABETH BROPHY FAMILY TRUST, JOSEPH P BROWN, ANDY & CAROL BROWN, BERNARD K BROWN, ED D BROWN, FRANK C BROWN, JOYCE M BROWN, PHILIP D BROWN, RANDY L BROWN, ROGER C BROWN, TOBY R BROWN, VICTORIA BROWNELL, AUDREY BROWNELL, GARY B BROWNING, GEORGE O BRUM & BETTY BINGHAM, JOHN BRUNGARDT, ROGER BRYAN, ROBIN J BRYANT, TRESSIE BUCHANAN, DONNA BUCHANAN, ED & SHEILA BUCHANAN, JOSEPH R BUCK, MELVIN BUCKNER, RENE BUCKRIDGE, AMY BUDD, JAMES S BUEHLER, DENNIS BUFFALO HILLS SIGN BUFFALO HILLS SIGN INC BUFORD, VIVIAN BULLOCK, JASON BUNNER, JERRY BURGESS, DUWAYNE G BURKE, JIM & BAILEY BURKHOLDER, CHAD BURKHOLDER, MICHAEL R BURKHOLDER, TYLER BURLINGTON NORTHERN RR BURMESTER, TAMIE R BURNAM, LONNIE BURNS, DELMAR L BURNSIDE, JAMES E BURTARD, ROB BURTON, CURTIS BURTON, KAREN Colorado Country Life
VISIT RED FEATHER LAKES • THE VALUE OF ELECTRICITY • WINTER HOME PREP
K.C. ELECTRIC RECOGNIZED FOR SAFETY See page 8
SEPTEMBER 2026
KC
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Electricity Brings Everyday Value By David Churchwell General Manager
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hen it comes to electricity, we rarely think twice when we flip on a light switch, brew coffee in the morning, charge our phones, or adjust the thermostat. We simply expect the power to be there. That’s how it should be because you are a member of K.C. Electric Association, and reliably powering your life is our mission. We know many families across our local communities are feeling the impact of rising costs for everyday expenses. Groceries, gasoline, insurance, and other necessities cost more than they did just a few years ago. And because of that, we understand that every household and business is carefully considering where each dollar goes. That's why I think it’s important to occasionally step back and consider the value electricity provides. The average United States residential electric bill is about $150 a month — roughly $5 a day. I often think about what that $5 buys. It's about the cost of a specialty coffee. Yet electricity powers nearly every moment of our daily lives, often without us giving it a second thought. In fact, many typical purchases cost more than a day's worth of electricity. A fast-food combo meal averages about $9, and a single movie ticket can cost around $13.
For about $5 a day, your refrigerator keeps food fresh around the clock. Your heating and cooling system helps keep your family comfortable through the seasons. Lights brighten your home after sunset. Appliances make cooking and cleaning easier. Devices stay charged so you can work, learn, communicate, and stay connected with loved ones. When you think about everything electricity makes possible, it’s one of the greatest values in the average household budget Even with electricity’s exceptional value, we know every dollar matters. If you’re looking for ways to lower your energy use, K.C. Electric is here to help. Whether you need efficiency advice, information about co-op rebates and efficiency programs, or answers to questions about your monthly bill, our team is always available. K.C. Electric is proud to be more than your electricity provider. Because we’re a cooperative, we’re locally owned by you, the members we serve. That means every decision we make is guided by what’s best for our community — not by outside shareholders. Thank you for trusting us to power your home and your life. We’re committed to providing everyday value for you and your family with reliable, affordable power so you can make the most of every energy dollar.
K.C. Electric Staff David Churchwell Darren Fox General Manager Operations Manager dchurchwell@kcelectric.coop dfox@kcelectric.coop
K.C. ELECTRIC MISSION Our mission is to provide our members with safe, reliable service at the lowest cost, while maintaining an environmentally responsible, accountable, and sustainable operation now and in the future. Colorado Country Life
Bo Randolph Office Manager and CFO brandolph@kcelectric.coop
George Ehlers Member Services Specialist and IT Manager gehlers@kcelectric.coop
Phone 719-743-2431 Toll-free 800-700-3123 Web kcelectric.coop
Address 422 3rd Avenue Hugo, CO 80821 September 2026
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K.C. Electric Association Recognized for Safety
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n July, K.C. Electric Association was presented with a No Lost Time Award from the Colorado Rural Electric Association. A No Lost Time Award is recognition that signifies that a cooperative’s staff has completed a specific period of work hours without an injury severe enough to cause an employee to miss work. The significance is in highlighting safety protocols along with keeping insurance and worker compensation costs down. This achievement is an indicator that hazard controls, training, and safety-first habits are working well. It also demonstrates to the board and the cooperative members that K.C. Electric employees are working to keep the power on safely.
K.C. Electric Association Operations Manager Darren Fox (middle) and Stratton Lead Lineman Riley Shaffer (right) accept an award from CREA Director of Safety and Loss Control, Curt Graham.
CLAIM YOUR SAVINGS
For about $150 a month, electricity powers hundreds of tasks that keep your home comfortable, connected, and running smoothly — from brewing your morning coffee to keeping your family cool, safe, and entertained. • 720 hours of refrigeration
• 20+ loads of clean clothes • 15+ home-cooked meals • 90+ hours of lighting
• Numerous devices charged
• Hundreds of hours of cooling/heating
• Countless connections to work, school, and
entertainment
Each month, K.C. Electric members have a chance to claim a $20 credit on their next electric bill. All you must do is find your account number, call the Hugo office at 719-743-2431, and ask for your credit. The account numbers are listed below. How simple is that? You must claim your credit during the month in which your name appears in the magazine (check the date on the front cover). Jennifer Stansbury, Hugo — 11185xxxxx Alice Clay, Hugo — 11111xxxxx Nick Mousel, Cheyenne Wells — 11242xxxxx Greg Carlin, Burlington — 1152xxxxx In July, Robert Taylor called and claimed his savings.
30 days of comfort 8 September 2026
Colorado Country Life
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
DON’T GET OUT
If your machinery, vehicle, or other equipment makes contact with a power line, guy wire,, or electrical box, DO NOT get out of your cab. Stray power could energize your equipment and the ground. To avoid becoming electrocuted: • Call 9-1-1 and wait for us to arrive to cut the power. • Wait to exit your cab until the power is de-energized. In rare cases you may need to exit your cab due to smoke or fire. If you must get out: • Make a solid jump out without touching any part of the tractor or vehicle. • Hop away as far as you can, keeping both feet together as you hop away. For more information visit SafeElectricity.org.
Colorado Country Life
September 2026
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10 September 2026
Colorado Country Life
MORGAN COUNTY FAIR • YOUTH CAMP • CREA SAFETY AWARD
SPECTACULAR STARGAZING SEPTEMBER 2026
Turn to page 12
MCREA
Photo by Scott Burnworth
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Celebrating the Life of
Fabian Vigil
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ast month, Morgan County REA was hit hard by the unexpected passing of our fellow employee and friend, Fabian Vigil, on August 2. Fabian was an exceptional journeyman lineman, and as our working foreman he excelled in guiding MCREA crews in the field. While Fabian was incredibly proud to be a lineman, working to keep the lights on— his greatest priority was always the safety and well-being of the men he worked beside. He was a leader and teacher, committed to making those around him better. For over seven years, Fabian was an important piece of not only the co-op’s operations department, but of the entire MCREA team. Always willing to lend a hand, and equipped with a humor and wit that was uniquely his own, he was a trusted coworker and a good friend. This loss is felt deeply throughout our co-op family. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Fabian’s family and friends through this very difficult time.
MCREA MISSION Morgan County REA, a member-owned cooperative, is dedicated to serving our members by providing safe, reliable energy with a strong tradition and vision for the future. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Colorado Country Life
The MCREA staff and board remember journeyman lineman and working foreman Fabian Vigil for his leadership, wit, friendship, and dedication. Below: Fabian Vigil (seated top left) was an important part of MCREA’s team of linemen. Below left: Fabian’s dedication to linework was visible every day.
734 Barlow Road | PO Box 738 Fort Morgan, CO 80701 970-867-5688 | customerservice@mcrea.org mcrea.org facebook.com/MorganCountyREA @morgancountyrea
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Students represent their local electric co-op at Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp.
MCREA member Brynn Neal attends Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp near Steamboat Springs in July.
Brynn Neal Attends Leadership Camp
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his summer, Brynn Neal from Wiggins represented Morgan County REA at Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp. Held at the breathtaking Glen Eden Resort in Clark, Colorado, from July 11-16, Brynn was among 77 students representing electric cooperatives from across Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, and Oklahoma at this weeklong educational camp. (Elissa Thomas, acct. xxx2600) Throughout the action-packed week, Brynn participated in activities like a trip to downtown Steamboat Springs and a rafting expedition on the Colorado River. She also developed leadership skills and gained
valuable knowledge about the cooperative business model. “Youth camp taught me that leadership isn’t so much about you.” Brynn shared upon her return. “We all became a team and worked together to communicate and figure out problems.” When asked about her CYLC experience, Brynn said “To anyone who is even thinking about going, I would highly recommend it. It is truly life changing.” To discover more about Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp and MCREA’s other youth programs, visit mcrea.org/youth-programs.
WELCOME ETHAN EDDINGTON Morgan County REA welcomed Ethan Eddington to the team as our newest journeyman lineman on July 6. Ethan brings more than 11 years of line experience to the cooperative. After graduating from Mitchell Tech in South Dakota, Ethan has spent time working on both transmission and distribution systems. “Working at Morgan County REA is a great opportunity for me and my family,” Ethan stated. “Previously working with some of the team as a contractor made the transition really easy.” At home, Ethan is a big family man. He also enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time. Welcome to MCREA, Ethan!
8 September 2026
Colorado Country Life
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
MCREA Earns Safety Awards
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his July, at its annual conference, the Colorado Rural Electric Association presented MCREA with a 2025 No Lost Time Accidents award. MCREA also won the 2025 Achievement of Excellence in Safety — an award given to the Colorado electric cooperative with the highest overall safety evaluation. We at MCREA are proud of our team for continuing to cultivate a safe work environment, both out in the field and in the office. CREA’s Curt Graham (far left) and Marv Powell (far right) present the 2025 Achievement of Excellence in Safety award to MCREA operations team members (left to right) Alan Mason, Travis Varelman, and Fabian Vigil.
Keep Farm Safety in Mind Year-Round
N
ational Farm Safety and Health Week, September 21-25, recognizes the importance of safety in agriculture.
When it comes to operating farm equipment in rural areas, power line safety should always be prioritized and discussed. The equipment used today can be larger, faster, and more automated, making it even more important that operators pay close attention to where power poles and lines are located. Farmers and equipment should always be at least 10 feet away from power lines on all sides. (Ethan Ihli, acct. xxx2900) Here are some important electrical safety measures to keep in mind: • Make sure everyone working on the farm is educated about potential electrical hazards. Starting the day with a safety meeting and discussing where power poles and lines are located is a good way to do this. • Use a spotter when moving equipment to ensure proper clearance. Always move equipment, augers, and other implements in their lowest position. Fold and unfold well into the field, away from poles and lines. • Remember, overhead lines are not the only hazard on the farm. Pole guy wires, used to stabilize utility poles, are grounded. However, when one of the guy wires is broken, it can become charged with electricity. If you break a guy wire, call MCREA to fix it. Don’t do it yourself. Colorado Country Life
• Never attempt to raise or move a power line. If lines are sagging, call Morgan County REA to repair them. If you are ever in equipment that contacts a power line, know what to do: • Do not exit the equipment. When you step off the equipment, you become the electricity’s path to ground and receive a potentially fatal shock. Wait until utility workers have de-energized the line and confirmed it is safe for you to exit. • If the vehicle is on fire and you must exit, jump clear of the vehicle with both feet together. Hop as far from the vehicle as you can with your feet together. Keep your feet together to prevent current flow through your body, which could be deadly. Remember, always contact MCREA about damaged or downed power lines or poles. Our crews would much rather be made aware of an issue to fix it, rather than risk a potentially dangerous situation. Learn more about electrical safety at SafeElectricity.org.
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Photo by Dustin Price Photography
2026 Morgan County Fair Morgan County REA purchased a lamb from Tucker Martens of the Winning Edge 4-H Club in Wiggins at the Morgan County Junior Livestock Sale on July 30. MCREA is proud to support local youth who worked hard all year on their 4-H and FFA projects. Congratulations to all fair participants on their achievements this year.
WIN $30 OFF
Your Electric Bill
Each month, Morgan County REA gives two lucky members a chance at a $30 bill credit just by reading Colorado Country Life. Both members listed in the July magazine spotted their names and called to claim their credits. There are two more member names and their account numbers hidden somewhere in this issue. If you find your name and account number, call MCREA’s member services department at 970-867-5688 by September 30 to receive $30 off your next bill.
10 September 2026
A Summer at MCREA
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ver the summer, Morgan County REA brought on Fort Morgan High School junior Giancarlo Campa-Felix as a warehouse intern. As a member of the operations team, Giancarlo learned about the many materials linemen use daily, how to prepare material for each job, and what it takes to keep linemen supplied throughout the day. Giancarlo mentioned that the most important things he learned during his internship were the everyday skills. Time management, information retention, and how to make judgment calls were just a few of the many skills he plans to carry forward from his time at MCREA. “Giancarlo has a level of discipline and determination that you don’t see in many 16-year-olds,” said Nick Mosqueda, warehouse supervisor. During his time as an intern, Giancarlo got an inside look at what it takes for MCREA to supply power to its over 5,000 members. “I was really impressed by the size of the system,” he stated. Giancarlo was able to view MCREA’s power grid in person, with multiple ride-alongs across its expansive service territory with both our operations and engineering teams. After graduating high school, Giancarlo plans to study electrical engineering in college. While he always planned to major in engineering, he said that his time interning at MCREA made him want to pursue the electrical side of the field. “Being able to see the entire ecosystem internally made me want to keep learning about the world of electricity.” “I would definitely recommend Morgan County REA as a place to work or intern to anybody.” Giancarlo stated. “There’s a lot to offer, and the team here had a major impact on me professionally and personally.” MCREA thanks Giancarlo for all of the hard work he put in over the summer, and wishes him the best in his future endeavors. Colorado Country Life
MVEA DEMAND & TIME-OF-DAY RATES • ENERGY EDUCATION
SPECTACULAR STARGAZING
Turn to page 12
SEPTEMBER 2026
SEPTEMBER 2026
MVEA
Photo by Scott Burnworth
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
THE POWER OF CHOICE Demand Rate & Time-of-Day Rate: What’s the Difference? By Ruth Marks CEO
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n July, Mountain View Electric Association introduced new rate options for residential and small power members, along with an open enrollment period through October 15. Since then, member questions have helped us better understand where additional information may be helpful and we have expanded the rate options available to residential and small power net meter accounts. This month, let’s take a look at the options that are available to residential and small power members, including net meter accounts, and the question that is asked most frequently: What is the difference between the Demand Rate and the Time-of-Day Rate? The simplest way to think about it is this: The Timeof-Day Rate focuses on when you use electricity, while the Demand Rate focuses on how much electricity you use at the same time. Under the Time-of-Day Rate, the price of electricity changes based on the time of day. On-peak hours are 5-9 p.m., Monday through Friday, when electricity typically costs more. If your household can shift more of its energy use outside those hours, this option may be a good fit for you. The Demand Rate, which will become the default residential and small power rate beginning with October use on November bills, works differently. It doesn’t ask you to avoid using electricity during a specific time of day. Instead, it encourages you to spread out the use of major appliances and equipment. Approximately 80% of our members are expected to see little or no change under the Demand Rate. Your monthly demand is based on the highest one-hour period of electricity use during the billing cycle, Monday
Colorado Country Life
through Friday. For example, running your air conditioner, clothes dryer, oven, and dishwasher at the same time could create a higher demand than staggering the use of those appliances throughout the day or night. So, why are we making this change? As a member-owned cooperative, MVEA’s rate changes are designed to better control costs for everyone, as fairly as possible. Approximately 60 cents of every dollar MVEA collects goes toward purchasing power. Increasingly, what we pay for that power is influenced not only by how much electricity our members use, but by the demand placed on the electric system when a lot of electricity is needed at once. We also want members to have opportunities to manage their costs. On the Demand Rate, something as simple as waiting until the dishwasher finishes before starting the clothes dryer can make a difference. On the Time-of-Day Rate, shifting those same activities outside the 5-9 p.m. weekday peak period may help lower your bill. So, which option is right for you? We have a tool to help you make that decision. MVEA’s online rate comparison tool uses your actual energy-use history to compare the options and show how your bill may differ under each rate. I encourage you to explore the comparison tool, learn more about your options, and make your selection by October 15. Visit mvea.coop/rates or call (800) 388-9881. We’re committed to providing the information and resources you need to confidently choose the rate option that’s right for you.
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS
The Power of Choice
Demand Rate & Time-of-Day Rate: What’s the Difference? Demand Rate (New Default Rate) • Reflects both the electricity you use and the demand you place on the system. • Includes an Energy Charge (kWh) and a Demand Charge (kW). • Demand is based on your highest one-hour period of electricity use during the month, Monday through Friday. • Approximately 80% of members are expected to see little or no change under the Demand Rate. Members who regularly use several large appliances at the same time may see higher bills, while those who stagger use throughout the day may see savings.
Time-of-Day Rate • Much like MVEA’s current Time-of-Day Rate, this option allows members to save by shifting energy use outside of peak evening hours. • On-Peak hours are 5–9 p.m., Monday through Friday. Off-Peak hours include all other times, weekends, and designated holidays. • Current Time-of-Day accounts will automatically move to the new Time-of-Day Rate unless members select a different option during open enrollment. WHY IS THE DEMAND RATE BECOMING THE DEFAULT FOR RESIDENTIAL AND SMALL POWER ACCOUNTS? • • • •
About 60% of MVEA’s costs are tied to purchasing power. Those costs are influenced not only by how much electricity is used, but also by when it is used and the demand placed on the system. Much of our cost as an electric cooperative is now driven by our peak demand, not our total energy use. Aligning rates with those costs helps keep rates fair and more stable for all members. Members can help reduce their costs and the cooperative’s power costs by staggering the use of major appliances and equipment whenever possible.
Effective with October use on November bills, MVEA members will have the option to choose a rate plan that best fits their lifestyle and energy use habits. These options will also apply to the corresponding Net Meter rate classes. Open enrollment runs August 1 through October 15.
LEARN MORE & USE THE RATE COMPARISON TOOL | mvea.coop/rates
Fast, Reliable Fiber Internet Get our 3-year price lock guarantee! Discover rural America’s fastest-growing fiber internet! ConexonConnect.com 1-833-566-6416 Offer ends 9/30/26. New residential internet customers only. Standard rates apply at end of 36-month price lock period.
8 September 2026
YOUR CO-OP NEWS A Member-Owned Cooperative
PROGRAMS TO SAVE ENERGY & MONEY Energy Efficiency Rebate Program From select appliances to heat pumps, and electric mowers to EV charging equipment, there is a rebate to fit the needs of nearly every member who wants to save money and energy. + Smart Thermostats + Select Appliances + Electric Bicycles
+ Electric Heat Pumps + EV Chargers + And More!
Learn More | mvea.coop/rebates
Local. Trusted. Serving You. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kevin L. Paddock, District 5 President Barry R. Springer, District 6 Vice President Jim Riggins, District 7 Secretary-Treasurer Jim Beals, District 4 Assistant Secretary Joseph D. Martin, District 1 Tye W. Amendt, District 2
On-Bill Repayment Program (OBR) Take advantage of the OBR Program for a simple and transparent low-interest financing option for an energy audit and energy efficiency upgrades. No money down. No credit check. + Windows & Doors + Whole-home or Attic Fans + Electric HVAC Systems
+ EV Chargers + Insulation + And More!
Learn More | mvea.coop/electrify-and-save While Mountain View Electric Association proudly offers a variety of programs and resources to help co-op members save energy and money, if you have specific questions about your energy use, the best resource is our dedicated team of Member Services Representatives. Please don’t hesitate to call (800) 388-9881. To explore more ways to save energy and money, visit mvea.coop/energy-resource-center.
Wayne Vanderschuere, District 3
Telephone Numbers Toll-Free: (800) 388-9881 (719) 495-2283 Website mvea.coop Falcon Office 11140 E. Woodmen Road Falcon, CO 80831 Limon Office 1655 5th Street • P.O. Box 1600 Limon, CO 80828 Office Hours Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Stay Connected: Like. Follow. Share.
Switch & Save Go paperless through SmartHub or bank account auto-pay, and save up to $1 per month! SmartHub makes it easy to manage your account and monitor your electric use — anytime and anywhere. Bonus: All participating “Switch & Save” accounts are automatically entered into a quarterly drawing for a $300 account credit! Learn more at mvea.coop/payment-options.
Make sure to connect with MVEA on social media for timely service and program updates. facebook.com/@MVEAInc linkedin.com/company/ mveainc x.com/@MVEAInc youtube.com/@MVEAInc instagram.com/MVEAInc
Mission Statement
To provide our members safe, reliable, affordable, and responsible electric service and access to broadband services. This Association is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Colorado Country Life
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Youth Leadership
E
ach summer, MVEA gives local high school students the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, discover new perspectives, and develop leadership skills through two life-changing experiences. MVEA’s Youth Leadership Trip Contest offers high school sophomores and juniors the chance to earn an all-expenses-paid trip to either the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., or the Colorado Electric Education Institute’s Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp (CYLC) near Steamboat Springs. This year, Youth Tour winners Nate Alger and Yasmin Amadu joined more than 2,000 students representing electric cooperatives from across the nation for a week in Washington, D.C. Along the way, they explored historic landmarks, met elected officials, learned about the cooperative business model, and formed friendships that will last a lifetime. For Yasmin, the experience reinforced the many ways leadership can make a lasting impact saying, “Every day, Youth Tour offered a new perspective while reinforcing the importance of leadership. I returned home with lifelong friends and a greater appreciation for the important role electric cooperatives play.” Nate agreed, saying the experience was unlike any other visit to the nation’s capital. “Experiencing Washington, D.C. with MVEA and other rural electric cooperatives is one of the best weeks I’ve ever had. Even though I’ve visited D.C. before, nothing compares to this experience. You not only see the monuments and attractions, but you make new friends, learn about careers, and create new opportunities.” A few weeks later, CYLC winners Wesley Rains and Tager Vitt embarked on their own unforgettable adventure. Nestled in the mountains near Steamboat Springs, the weeklong camp combined leadership development with outdoor adventure. Campers enjoyed whitewater rafting, volleyball, leadership workshops, high-voltage demonstrations, a birds of prey presentation, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Craig Power Plant while learning about the cooperative difference and building lifelong friendships. Wesley said the experience gave him greater appreciation for electric cooperatives while helping him grow as a leader. “Attending camp was a great experience that I’m really glad I had. In addition to the many activities, I enjoyed meeting people from different schools and making new friends. Overall, camp helped me become more confident, taught me more about
10 September 2026
leadership and cooperatives, and gave me memories that I’ll always remember.” Reflecting on his week at camp, Tager shared, “It was awesome! I enjoyed visiting the Craig Power Plant, rafting, and the community of counselors and campers. I met a lot of new and awesome people who were so much fun. I also enjoyed the speakers who shared great advice on how to be better leaders. I would recommend this camp to a friend!” These programs are far more than memorable summer trips — they are investments in tomorrow’s leaders. High school sophomores and juniors living in MVEA’s service territory are encouraged to apply for next year’s Youth Leadership Trip Contest by November 16, 2026. To learn more, visit mvea.coop/ trip-contest.
Nate Alger and Yasmin Amadu were two winners of MVEA’s Youth Leadership Trip Contest and won a trip to Washington, D.C., with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour.
Tager Vitt (left) and Wesley Rains were two winners of MVEA’s Youth Leadership Trip Contest and won a trip to the Colorado Electric Educational Institute Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp near Steamboat Springs. Colorado Country Life
YOUTH CAMP • VISIT RED FEATHER LAKES • ENERGY EDUCATION • WINTER HOUSE PREP
MILKY WAY OVER THE HOUSE PHOTO BY SCOTT BURNWORTH
SEPTEMBER 2026
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Serving America’s Growing Demand BY JEFF WADSWORTH, PRESIDENT & CEO
Electric utilities across our country are facing an important challenge: meet rapidly growing demand while delivering the reliable, affordable service families and businesses depend on.
ABOUT YOUR CO-OP PVREA serves energy solutions to more than 58,000 homes and businesses in Boulder, Larimer, and Weld counties. We are a memberowned co-op, led by those we serve.
OUR MISSION
For years, the demand for electricity remained relatively stable. Today, growth is accelerating as increased electricity use across the economy drives the need for more power. Long-term planning has always been central to Poudre Valley REA’s mission. It helps us offer the lowest electric rates in Colorado, reliability that ranks among the best in the nation, and a level of service that consistently earns top marks from our members. The same forward-looking approach guides us as our industry enters a new period of growth. And standing alongside your cooperative are the reliability organizations and regional partners addressing these developments. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) recently reported that projected electricity demand growth over the next decade is substantially higher than NERC’s forecast just one year ago, highlighting the need for both sufficient power generation and the infrastructure required to deliver it. Closer to home, the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), our regional transmission organization, requested voluntary conservation efforts during periods of extreme heat and high demand this summer. These requests were not emergencies, September 2026
but they illustrate how quickly the energy landscape is changing. To face these challenges, we work alongside regional partners to plan years ahead for the generation and infrastructure needed to serve our communities now and into the future. Growth will bring new opportunities and new demands on our electric system. By planning and coordinating with our power supplier and regional partners, we prepare for this future while maintaining the affordable, dependable service that all our members deserve. To learn more about the trends shaping our energy future and what they mean for your cooperative, I invite you to join us for POWER HOUR: WHO SAID ELECTRICITY CAN’T BE FUN? on Wednesday, September 23 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Mash Lab Brewery & Kitchen in Windsor. Join the conversation, ask questions, play games, win prizes, and enjoy a relaxed evening with your local co-op. Learn more on page 10. The energy landscape will change, but our commitment to you will not. Together, we can meet the opportunities ahead while preserving the reliability, affordability, and exceptional service you count on every day. That’s the power of Poudre Valley.
We are committed to providing safe, reliable, efficient energy solutions with exceptional service to our members.
CONTACT US 1.800.432.1012 pvrea@pvrea.coop www.pvrea.coop
MAILING ADDRESS Poudre Valley REA 7649 REA Parkway Fort Collins, CO 80528
SOCIAL facebook.com/PoudreValleyREA instagram.com/poudre_valley_rea youtube.com/PoudreValleyREA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Peter Hyland, Weld County
Director Steve Anderson, Larimer County
Vice Chair Bryan Ehrlich, Larimer County
Director Rick Johnson, Larimer County
Secretary Thaine Michie, Larimer County
Director Jan Peterson, Larimer County
Treasurer Sheryl Dryer Henderson, Larimer County
Director Jack Schneider, Weld County Director Terry Willis, Weld County
Colorado Country Life
COOPERATIVE YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP
Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp is an annual trip for high school juniors and seniors from across Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming to develop leadership skills, participate in fun activities, and make lifelong friends.
WHAT THIS YEAR’S CAMPERS HAD TO SAY ARABELLA FITCH What was the most valuable lesson you learned? I learned that it is important to not care so much about what others think. That being a great leader means doing things you are uncomfortable with or scared to do. I will apply this in my many leadership positions at my school by caring more about the people I am leading than myself. What had the greatest impact on you and why? The memory that had the greatest impact on me from camp was either singing karaoke or jumping, dancing, and singing the last night of camp. I made such good friends, and it really showed me that even though we hardly knew each other, and were from completely different places and backgrounds, we were able to come together and have an amazing week together, then be sad when it came to an end.
RILEY NELSON Describe a moment when you challenged yourself or stepped outside your comfort zone. I challenged myself by starting conversations with people I didn’t know, even though I was very nervous. I learned that most people felt the same way. Sometimes all it Colorado Country Life
takes is breaking the awkward silence and initiating a conversation to build new friendships and connections. What did you learn about electric co-ops? What surprised me most was learning that electric cooperatives aren’t focused on making profits for shareholders. Instead, they reinvest their revenues into serving their members and supporting their communities.
HENRY BUDGE How did your understanding of leadership change? During one of the leadership seminars the speaker told us not to be afraid to try something that might be embarrassing. I challenged myself when I applied to be a camp ambassador which required me to give several speeches. What would you tell a student interested in attending? Attending CYLC is a great life experience where you get to learn many leadership skills and meet great people from across the country. I truly had a great time!
AMELIA WAGNER What had the greatest impact on you and why? My favorite memory was the rafting because it was so much fun and I was working together with my friends. I’ll always remember the fun and teamwork. What did you learn about electric co-ops? I was surprised to learn that electric cooperatives are owned by the people they serve. Camp helped me see how much they do to support their communities. Learn more about the Cooperative Youth Leadership camp at pvrea.coop September 2026
RETIREMENT CHECKS & BILL CREDITS REFLECT YOUR OWNERSHIP IN PVREA
Member credits are one of the lasting benefits of cooperative membership. Member credits reflect your ownership in Poudre Valley REA by representing the investments you made through your electric use. Member credit retirements provide a return of that member investment to member-owners. If you had service from us in 2006, 2025, or any combination of these years, you can expect to receive a member credit check or bill credit this month.
Along with some of the lowest electric rates in Colorado, member credits are another way we deliver value and help reduce your overall cost of electricity over time. To learn more about member credits or update your mailing preferences, please visit pvrea.coop/member-credits, email pvreacs@pvrea.coop, call 800.432.1012, or visit us in person.
Go Paperless LOWERING COSTS HELPS KEEP CO-OP RATES LOW.
PVREA offers the lowest electric rates in Colorado. Paper, printing, and postage add costs to your cooperative that we must recoup somehow. As a not-for-profit cooperative, we operate at cost. We must recoup costs incurred for doing business. Reducing the costs for paper, printing and postage keeps expenses in check that would otherwise be paid for by the membership. You can help keep co-op costs low and rates affordable. September 2026
Make the switch to paperless billing notifications. It only takes a few minutes. Scan the QR code to learn more, update your billing preferences in your online account or PVREA app, or call us and we’ll gladly walk you through the process. Colorado Country Life
Democracy Asks for Your Participation
Make Your Voice Heard
Democratic participation is a cornerstone of both American citizenship and cooperative membership. Whether casting a ballot in a public election or participating in your cooperative’s governance, your voice helps shape the future.
Cooperative Voices is a simple way for memberowners to stay informed and speak up when energy policies could impact the reliability, affordability, and local control of their electric cooperative.
Find voter resources at Vote.coop
Stop by our office during business hours to enroll and pick up your bucket.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE ON VOTER REGISTRATION DAY
Join Cooperative Voices & Receive a FREE 5-Gallon Bucket While Supplies Last
Tuesday, September 15 Find resources and information at NationalVoterRegistrationDay.org
Our Office Will Be Closed \\ Monday, September 7 FROM ALL OF US AT YOUR COOPERATIVE, PLEASE ENJOY THE LONG WEEKEND SAFELY.
On The Cover
LABOR DAY
Milky Way Over the House
Photo By: Scott Burnworth Location: Livermore A photography enthusiast for more than 25 years, Scott has nurtured a passion for capturing the quiet beauty of nature. His photos help him relive those moments and share them with others, offering a glimpse of the wonder and appreciation found outdoors.
Colorado Country Life
September 2026
Power Hour Who Said Electricity Can’t Be Fun? Join a relaxed atmosphere to discuss the trends shaping our industry, the energy future of Northern Colorado, and how we can all play a part in our community’s continued success.
• Wednesday, September 23 • 6–7 p.m. • Mash Lab Brewery & Kitchen, Windsor
Enjoy interactive activities, friendly competition, and opportunities to take home prizes and giveaways.
Hosted in partnership with the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area and Poudre Valley REA.
No RSVP required. Learn more at www.pvrea.coop/events
SAFETY CORNER
Farm Safety Starts with Awareness Large farm equipment and electrical infrastructure can be a dangerous combination, making awareness and safe operating practices essential on every farm and ranch. Before moving tractors, combines, hay equipment, grain trucks, or other large equipment, take time
to identify overhead power lines, poles and other electrical equipment in your work area. Keep your equipment and attachments at least 10 feet away from overhead lines, and lower or fold equipment before traveling whenever possible. If equipment contacts a power line, remain in the cab and call 911. Warn others to stay away and only exit if an immediate danger, such as fire, makes it necessary. For more safety resources, visit pvrea.coop
September kicks off the fall shoulder season, when cooler mornings and milder evenings often mean you can give your heating/cooling system a break.
SEPTEMBER 2026
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month September 2026
Open windows, use ceiling fans, and enjoy the fresh air whenever temperatures allow. It’s also the perfect time to schedule annual HVAC maintenance before colder weather arrives. Because demand is typically lower during the fall, heating and cooling professionals often have greater availability, making it easier to book an appointment. Colorado Country Life
SHIFT TO SAVE: OPTIONAL LOWER RATE PROGRAM • CO-OP ELECTIONS
2025
ANNUAL REPORT See page 7
SEPTEMBER 2026
SIE
2025 Annual Report
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hen you flip a light switch, plug in a phone, start a load of laundry, or power your business, you expect electricity to be there when you need it. Most of the time it is. But reliable electric service doesn’t happen by accident. It requires year-round planning, ongoing maintenance, strategic investments, and the dedication of employees working behind the scenes to serve San Isabel Electric Association members. Throughout 2025, reliability remained at the center of everything we did. On average, the amount of time an SIEA member experienced an outage was about 86 minutes for the year. Compared to the statewide average of about 178 minutes, that’s a strong indication of a resilient, well-maintained electric system. Delivering dependable service requires ongoing attention to infrastructure. Routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and targeted upgrades help ensure these assets continue operating safely and efficiently. Across our service territory, crews completed several maintenance and upgrade projects including replacing and upgrading hundreds of poles in Huerfano and Las Animas counties, replacing underground cable in Pueblo West, and improving substation controls. These improvements strengthened the system that serves homes, farms, ranches, schools, businesses, and critical community facilities throughout our service area. Colorado Country Life
While our members generally experience reliable service, outages can still occur due to storms, vehicle accidents, equipment failures, or other unforeseen events. When they do, lineworkers, dispatchers, engineers, and support staff work together to restore power safely and efficiently, often under challenging condiJacque Sikes Ryan Elarton tions and at all Board President General Manager hours of the day. We were fortunate to experience only a few severe storms in 2025, and most outage events were brief. It is the result of consistent system monitoring, maintenance, and long-term planning that help reduce disruptions and support faster restoration when outages occur.
On the cover: “First Light.” Photo by Bob Toepfer
September 2026
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SIEA ANNUAL REPORT The
Co-op Advantage Local Governance
You Have a Voice
in the Co-op
Your Piece of the
Co-op Pie $1.5 million in capital credits retired
21,000 checks were mailed
SIEA has about
4,600 miles of line
That’s a little farther than the distance between Anchorage, Alaska, and Tallahassee, Florida. We have about
81,000
distribution poles in our service territory.
Founded
in 1938
Network and Security Upgrades
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hroughout the last decade, San Isabel Electric has focused on hardening the electric grid by upgrading poles, wires, substations, and equipment to make sure our members can count on us for the electricity they need when they need it. Just as essential as poles and wires is the co-op’s digital infrastructure network. This invisible network keeps critical equipment secure, monitors the power grid, protects member data, ensures billing accuracy, and defends against cyber threats. Protecting mission-critical systems and sensitive information is a top priority for SIEA. In 2025, we upgraded several systems to improve communication and control between devices in the field and devices lineworkers use to access the data. This gives crews the information they need to troubleshoot outages and perform system maintenance more efficiently. New network technology provides significantly greater bandwidth than the old system. The increased bandwidth allows essential information to move more efficiently across locations and improves overall reliability and performance. The network also has modern security features that limit unauthorized access and help us proactively identify risks faster and before they become larger problems. In addition to network improvements, we upgraded security to monitor offices, warehouses, and vehicle storage areas. These systems help secure our facilities, help staff investigate incidents, and improve the co-op’s situational awareness during storms and emergency events. These digital infrastructure improvements play a critical role in ensuring the power SIEA members rely on for their daily lives is secure and protected.
Shift to Save
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an Isabel Electric’s Off-Peak Plus Rate rewards members for avoiding electricity usage during on-peak hours when electricity is more expensive. This optional rate works best for members who can shift most of their energy use outside the 5-9 p.m. on-peak period. However, this is not a good rate for households that use even a moderate amount of electricity during peak hours.
WHY PARTICIPATE? In 2025, the average amount of time members experienced an outage (SAIDI) was
86.8 minutes,
an indication of high reliability and minimal outages. The statewide average was 178.13. 8 September 2026
Scan for more info!
• Get access to 20 hours of significantly less expensive electricity, daily, Monday – Saturday, and all day Sunday. • Potential bill savings. • Get exclusive access to SIEA’s Smart Thermostat and Battery Storage incentives, and an additional EV charger rebate.
YOUR HOUSEHOLD MAY BE A GOOD CANDIDATE IF YOU:
• Can shift appliance use to off-peak hours • Charge an EV at home • Can avoid using electricity during on-peak hours
Colorado Country Life
SIEA Board of Director Elections Uncontested
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IEA’s Board of Directors Election is uncontested for Districts 1 and 6. During the annual meeting, incumbents Debbie Rose and Don Keairns will be seated to serve new three-year terms. We hope to see you at the meeting. The San Isabel Electric Board of Directors is proposing that the membership consider amending the Association bylaws at this year’s annual meeting. The changes will better align the bylaws with Colorado statutes for capital credit expenditures, and will remove the requirement for the use of newspaper publications while adding the requirement for publishing unclaimed capital credits online. Advertising costs for major newspapers have risen significantly over the last few years. While the cost of printing the names of member-owners who have unclaimed capital credits in “newspaper[s] of general circulation” continues to escalate, these costs cannot be avoided without a bylaw change. The Association plans to continue providing notice in the monthly magazine, in our local service area newspapers, and on the Association’s website. The Board of Directors is asking for your vote in support of this bylaw change. Ballots will be sent and voting will open on August 21, and will close on September 24 at 5 p.m. Members will have the option to vote either by mail, online, in Smarthub, or in person at the Annual Meeting on September 26, 2026. Voting instructions will be included with the ballot distributed on August 21.
2026 Annual Meeting
SIEA ANNUAL REPORT LOCAL GOVERNANCE SIEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SIEA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its co-op members. Directors are your neighbors and fellow co-op members, elected to serve three-year terms. The board establishes SIEA’s policies and monitors the financial position and management of the cooperative. Learn more about SIEA’s Board of Directors at siea.com/board.
President Jacque Sikes District 5
Vice President Debbie Rose District 1
Secretary Doris Morgan District 8
Treasurer Gregory Costa District 7
Dennis Maroney District 2
Edward “Ray” Garcia District 3
Standing Strong. Serving Together. Join us as we celebrate the resilience of our members, employees, and communities while looking ahead to a strong future.
Don Keairns District 6
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 • WALSENBURG JR. SR. HIGH SCHOOL
Colorado Country Life
September 2026
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SIEA ANNUAL REPORT
2025 SIEA FINANCIAL REPORT OPERATING STATEMENT Revenues Sale of Electricity Other Revenues* Total Revenue
2024
2025
58,386,982 59,114,252 4,024,413 2,686,699 $62,411,395 $61,800,951
Expenses Cost of Purchased Power 33,481,548 34,848,942 Operations 3,090,011 3,837,683 Maintenance 3,046,529 3,468,358 Member Account Services 2,776,417 2,822,340 Administrative & General 4,425,640 4,644,472 Depreciation & Amortization 6,508,224 7,477,699 Interest 4,909,315 5,385,672 Other Deductions (252,877) 1,396,214 $57,984,807 $63,881,380 Margins *Includes G&T Capital Credits of: BALANCE SHEET
$4,426,588 $(2,080,429) 2,040,747 922,270 2024
2025 444,544,093 419,042,948 5.0% $78.39 26,166 $141.07 $152.45 0.79 0.59 $262,584,836 $164,740,479 $128,686,038 49.0% $1,208,380 1.75 73.0%
2025
ASSETS Utility Plant Electric Plant in Service Construction in Progress Gross Utility Plant Less: Accum. Depreciation Net Utility Plant
225,071,905 240,178,435 30,595,558 22,406,401 255,667,463 262,584,836 (93,818,126) (97,844,357) $161,849,338 $164,740,479
Investments
$49,208,559 $49,314,929
Current & Accrued Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents 194,598 359,496 Accounts Receivable - Net 8,206,263 8,840,330 Materials & Supplies 3,255,858 3,130,189 Other Current Assets 1,772,430 842,950 Total Current & Accrued Assets $13,429,149 $13,172,965 Total Assets
STATISTICAL INFORMATION 2024 kWh Purchased 437,039,235 kWh Sales 410,690,016 Percentage Losses 5.2% Purchased Power / MWh $76.61 Number of Meters 26,046 Electric Revenue / MWh $142.17 Cost of Service / MWh $141.19 Debt Service Coverage 1.24 Times Interest Earned Ratio 2.00 Gross Plant $255,667,463 Net Plant $161,849,338 Total Debt $119,158,410 Percentage of Debt to Plant 46.6% Property Taxes $1,221,429 Current Ratio 1.09 Annual Load Factor 71.9%
$224,487,046 $227,228,373
WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM Shown clockwise in the pie chart:
Industrial Sales Commercial Sales
Residential Sales Commercial Sales Industrial Sales Public Lighting Sales Fees, Collections Deferred Revenue Interest G&T Capital Credits Other Capital Credits Non-Operating Margins
Residential Sales
53.8% 22.6% 18.7% 0.2% 0.3% 0.0% 0.5% 1.5% 1.7% 0.6%
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY Long Term Debt
$119,158,410 $128,686,038
Current & Accrued Liabilities Current Maturities of Long Term Debt 6,304,000 6,898,000 Accounts Payable 3,853,549 4,248,615 Consumer Deposits 5,034,850 5,102,468 Accrued Taxes, Interest, & Other Liabilities 8,991,214 5,890,102 Total Current & Accrued Liabilities $24,183,613 $22,139,185 Deferred Credits Total Liabilities
$3,168,708
$1,733,145
$146,510,731 $152,558,368
Members’ Equity Patronage Capital 58,065,590 52,506,155 Other Equities 19,910,725 22,163,850 Total Members’ Equity $77,976,315 $74,670,005 Total Liabilities & Members’ Equity
10 September 2026
$224,487,046 $227,228,373
WHERE THE MONEY GOES
Cost of Purchased Power
Shown clockwise in the pie chart: Cost of Purchased Power Operations Maintenance Member Account Services Administrative & General Depreciation & Amortization Interest Other Deductions Margins
56% 6% 6% 5% 8% 12% 9% 2% -3% Colorado Country Life
WHAT’S A DRILLY GOAT? • COFFEE WITH THE CO-OP • RESPONSIBLE ENERGY
SPECTACULAR STARGAZING
Turn to page 12
SEPTEMBER 2026
SDCEA
Photo by Scott Burnworth
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Looking Toward the Future With Responsible Energy By Jon Beyer CEO
S
angre de Cristo Electric Association is working to reduce its carbon footprint without sacrificing reliability or affordability. In 2025, nearly half of the power we distributed came from renewable sources. This milestone reflects a collaborative partnership with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, future-ready planning, and a growing dedication to renewable energy. SDCEA’s responsibility is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to homes and businesses across our territory. We are also obligated to provide renewable energy in accordance with
Colorado’s clean energy requirements. The way we source this energy is through a combination of local and regional projects. We are a retail distribution cooperative; we don’t own large generation assets. Instead, through our membership with Tri-State, we work collaboratively to secure the majority of the power we deliver. This partnership gives us access to a diverse mix of hydro, wind, and solar projects being developed across the region as Tri-State works toward a 70% clean-energy goal by 2030. At the same time, SDCEA continues to procure renewable energy closer to home. One local example I’m particularly proud of is the Trout Creek Solar facility located south of Buena Vista. This 2-megawatt project, constructed by Juwi, Inc. on 20 acres of Colorado Department of Corrections land, was designed to maximize the energy available from our sunny mountain valley environment. When you add local consumer net-metered excess generation to Trout Creek’s output, more than 4% of the power on SDCEA’s grid comes from locally produced renewable sources. We get a lot of questions about whether renewable energy will lead to higher bills or less reliable service. The short answer is no. Our focus will always be reliable service and stable rates. In fact, renewable projects like Trout Creek Solar are selected with long-term rate stability and grid resilience in mind. As a member, you have a say in what
P.O. Box 2013 Buena Vista, CO 81211-20131 ph 719-395-2412 tf 844-395-2412 info@myelectric.coop 29780 US Hwy. 24 N. Buena Vista, CO 81211
www.myelectric.coop facebook.com/SDCEA.Inc @sdceaenergy
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS kind of energy you support. If you’d like to support additional renewable energy beyond the default supply, SDCEA’s Green Energy program allows voluntary purchases of renewable energy credits so individual members can match more of their usage with clean resources. For members considering on-site solar, EV charging, heat pumps, or other electrification measures, we offer rebates, educational resources, and on-bill repayment options. Responsible energy means working with Tri-State, finding local opportunities to increase renewable production, and staying focused on affordability and reliability. Responsible energy means future-proofing our grid so we can continue providing the energy services our members deserve.
SDCEA’s Trout Creek Solar facility. To read more about SDCEA and responsible energy, scan this QR code or visit myelectric.coop/renewable-energy.
e e h e t p f o h f t i Co W Co Returns in September!
S
angre de Cristo Electric Association members are welcome to join SDCEA employees for free coffee, conversation, and baked goods at the co-op from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on September 9. Drop by to get your morning pick-me-up on your way to work or take a break and drop in while you’re running early morning errands. Coffee With the Co-op will be held in the SDCEA community room, 29780 N. US Hwy. 24, Buena Vista. For more information, call 844-395-2412 or email info@myelectric.coop. Come to visit and bring any questions you may have about your co-op or your energy supply, and learn more about ways to increase energy efficiency in your home as we head into winter months. We hope to see you there!
8 September 2026
GET YOUR CAFFEINE KICK!
September 9 7 A.M.-8:30 A.M.
SDCEA COMMUNITY ROOM 29780 N. US HWY. 24 BUENA VISTA
Colorado Country Life
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Taya Martinez
Named Colorado Youth Leadership Council Representative Alternate
E
very year, one student from each state is chosen for the Youth Leadership Council, a leadership program run by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. While visiting Capitol Hill during Youth Tour in June, 12 Colorado students ran for the position by giving two-minute speeches about why they would be the best person for the job. Holli Johnson from San Miguel Power was elected to represent Colorado, and Taya Martinez from Sangre de Cristo Electric was selected to be the alternate. Youth Leadership Council representatives will spend a full year learning how to be better leaders, public speakers, and communicators. They will also learn how electric cooperatives and energy companies work.
Experience on the YLC will culminate at NRECA’s PowerXchange conference in San Diego, California, February 12-17, 2027, where national leaders will celebrate their hard work. Taya Martinez For more information on next year’s Youth Tour program and an opportunity to participate in the YLC, please scan the QR code or visit our website, myelectric.coop/ community/youth-programs.
Beware of Disconnect Scams
S
angre de Cristo Electric Association cautions consumers not to be fooled by impersonators who claim to be from SDCEA and threaten electricity disconnection for lack of payment. Area consumers often report very aggressive collection calls or texts demanding immediate credit card payment or purchase of a third-party credit card to avoid loss of electric service. The caller may demand something else entirely — like a payment of taxes. The calls may even appear on caller ID as a local call from SDCEA or Sangre de Cristo Electric. These callers are NOT affiliated with SDCEA and are attempting to talk victims out of their credit card or banking information. Consumer protection agencies caution that the scammers often target older adults. If you receive a questionable text or phone call, SDCEA recommends not responding. Instead, hang up and call SDCEA directly at 719-395-2412 or toll-free at 844-395-2412 to see if there really is an issue with the account in question. When an account is past due, SDCEA customers receive a phone call, a written notice, and are given Colorado Country Life
time to settle their bills before any disconnection takes place. The SDCEA customer service department can be reached during regular business hours for clarification of any billing questions. SDCEA members can also review the status of their account at any time online by clicking the Sign-In button at the top of any page on our website, myelectric.coop.
REMINDERS
• Don’t give out — or confirm — your personal or financial information to someone who calls or texts you. • Never pay someone who calls out of the blue, even if the name or number on the caller ID looks legit. • Don’t wire money or send money using a reloadable card. • Feeling pressured to act immediately? Hang up. That’s a sure sign of a scam. September 2026
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS
What is a Drilly Goat?
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angre de Cristo line crews recently worked near Twin Lakes to replace a dead-end insulator on a pole that is set in very steep terrain. Rather than crews de-energizing the line and climbing the pole to fix the issue, the crew relied on work from the bucket of a Drilly Goat machine, which can reach spots too rugged or narrow for standard equipment. After careful planning, the team swapped the
insulator without cutting service to any customers. In these photos, a crew member tosses a protective blanket on the line. This is one of several safety items the crews use, such as rubber gloves and sleeves, which help protect linemen while working on energized line. Insulators may look small, but they do a big job: They keep electricity from traveling into the ground, which can trip power lines or even spark fires.
See a Nest on a Power Line?
One quick call could stop a wildfire before it starts
H
ave you spotted a nest on a power line? Call our office tollfree at 844-395-2412 right away. Your call could protect homes, wildlife, and lives. Nests built on power lines sit in a dangerous spot. They’re often made of twigs and grass which conduct electricity. When that material touches an energized line, it can ignite. On a dry, windy day, a single spark can drop onto the ground below. What looks harmless can put our entire community at risk. You don’t need to touch it, move it, or get close. Just report it. Our crews are trained to remove nests safely.
10 September 2026
Nest material can ignite and damage electrical equipment.
Colorado Country Life
SECPA RECOGNIZED FOR SAFETY • THE VALUE OF ELECTRICITY
SPECTACULAR STARGAZING
Turn to page 12
SEPTEMBER 2026
SECPA
Photo by Scott Burnworth
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Electricity Brings Everyday Value By Mark Hall CEO
W
hen it comes to electricity, we rarely think twice when we flip on a light switch, brew coffee in the morning, charge our phones, or adjust the thermostat. We simply expect the power to be there — and that’s how it should be because you are a member of Southeast Colorado Power Association (SECPA), and reliably powering your life is our mission. We know that many families across our local communities are feeling the impact of rising costs for everyday expenses. Groceries, gasoline, insurance, and other necessities cost more than they did just a few years ago. And because of that, we understand that every household is carefully considering where each dollar goes. That’s why I think it’s important to occasionally step back and consider the value electricity provides. The average U.S. residential electric bill is about $150 a month — roughly $5 a day. I often think about what that $5 provides. It’s about the cost of a specialty coffee, yet electricity powers nearly every moment of our daily lives, often without us giving it a second thought. In fact, many typical purchases cost more than a day’s worth of electricity. A fast-food combo meal averages about $9, and a single movie ticket can cost around $13.
For about $5 a day, your refrigerator keeps food fresh around the clock. Your heating and cooling system helps keep your family comfortable through the seasons. Lights brighten your home after sunset. Appliances make cooking and cleaning easier. Devices stay charged so you can work, learn, communicate, and stay connected with loved ones. When you think about everything electricity makes possible, it’s one of the greatest values in the average household budget. Even with electricity’s exceptional value, we know every dollar matters. If you’re looking for ways to lower your energy use, SECPA is here to help. Whether you need efficiency advice from our energy advisors, information about co-op rebates and efficiency programs, or answers to questions about your monthly bill, our team is always available. SECPA is proud to be more than your electric provider. Because we’re a cooperative, we’re locally owned by you, the members we serve. That means every decision we make is guided by what’s best for our community — not by outside shareholders. Thank you for trusting us to power your home and your life. We’re committed to providing everyday value for you and your family, with reliable, affordable power so you can make the most of every energy dollar.
27850 Harris Road, Ste A La Junta, CO 81050 Phone: 719-384-2551 Toll Free: 800-332-8634
SECPA MISSION Our primary mission is to provide high-quality, reliable electric service at a reasonable cost to our members, improve their quality of life through new technologies and services, be a visible and active member of the community and serve our members with respect, courtesy and responsiveness.
Colorado Country Life
Fax: 719-384-7320 www.secpa.com facebook.com/secpaonline
September 2026
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS
*WIN WILLIAM CULPEPER acct 313xxxxxx
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH September kicks off the fall shoulder season, when cooler mornings and milder evenings often mean you can give your heating/cooling system a break. Open windows, use ceiling fans, and enjoy the fresh air whenever temperatures allow. It’s also the perfect time to schedule annual HVAC maintenance before colder weather arrives. Because demand is typically lower during the fall, heating and cooling professionals often have greater availability, making it easier to book an appointment. Regular maintenance can improve your system’s efficiency, help prevent unexpected breakdowns, and keep your home comfortable all year long. Source: Dept. of Energy
8 September 2026
FIND YOUR NAME AND WIN! If you find your name in this issue as follows (WIN* Your Name, your account number), contact Southeast Colorado Power Association at 719-384-2551 or 800-332-8634 to receive a $50 credit on your next power bill. Last month’s winner was Robert Dowell Jr.
Colorado Country Life
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
SECPA Recognized with Safety Award
I
n July, Southeast Colorado Power Association was presented with a No Lost Time Award from the Colorado Rural Electric Association. A No Lost Time Award is recognition that signifies that a cooperative’s staff has completed a specific period of work hours without an injury severe enough to cause an employee to miss work. The significance is in highlighting safety protocols, keeping insurance and worker compensation costs down. This achievement It is an indicator that hazard controls, training, and safety-first habits are working well. It also demonstrates to the board and the cooperative members that Southeast Colorado Power Association employees are working to keeping the power on safely.
Colorado Country Life
Left to right: CREA Director of Safety and Loss Control Curt Graham, SECPA Safety Manager John Parker, SECPA Line Superintendent Mike Trumble, and SECPA CEO Mark Hall.
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Lightning Safety Word Search Lightning can happen fast and be very dangerous but staying safe is easy when you know what to do! Read the following safety tips, then find and circle the bolded words in the puzzle below.
• When thunder roars, go indoors! If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to be dangerous. • Stay away from all water sources. Don’t swim, use hoses or play near standing water when a storm is present. • Avoid tall things and open spaces. Stay away from tall trees, poles and open fields where lightning tends to strike. • Wait 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder. Even if the rain stops, wait at least 30 minutes before going back outside.
H M E K H I S O D G W R D A Q I L Y T U O K Y K P A E G Z T A E I I N D O O R S T D B J A T A K G P H O P J F E N K G L W D J I H P Q J M G R U Z R P M S E E R T L L A T S H W S R N D O T Z T N G L L T T J V I Q D O R Z H S I P Y T L J W V E G J R T Y J D N U P V T T Q V I A Y X C U Y N G W Z B M X I I A T V D O M W P A L S T V D O U J S B W A R X C T W O H E Y E S J P P P R B O F M Q H V O K R M C G X O R D A O D V T G B X N B R K M X B I F K U
10 August 2026
Colorado Country Life
VISIT RED FEATHER LAKES • THE VALUE OF ELECTRICITY • ENERGY EDUCATION
SPECTACULAR STARGAZING
Turn to page 12
SEPTEMBER 2026
YW
Photo by Scott Burnworth
Electricity Brings Everyday Value
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
By Trent Loutensock General Manager
W
hen it comes to electricity, we rarely think twice when we flip on a light switch, brew coffee in the morning, charge our phones, or adjust the thermostat. We simply expect the power to be there. That’s how it should be because you are a member of Y-W Electric Association, Inc. and reliably powering your life is our mission. We know many families across our local communities are feeling the impact of rising costs for everyday expenses. Groceries, gasoline, insurance, and other necessities cost more than they did just a few years ago. And because of that, we understand that every household is carefully considering where each dollar goes. Dustin Durham and Courney Hungenberg 4212XXXXX That’s why I think it’s important to regularly step back and consider the value electricity provides. The average United States residential electric bill is about $150 a month — roughly $5 a day. I often think about what that $5 buys. Electricity powers nearly every moment of our daily lives, often without us giving it a second thought. In fact, many typical purchases cost more than a day’s worth of electricity. A fast-food combo meal averages about $9, and a single movie ticket can cost around $13. Felimon and Ana Maria Flores 30120XXXXX
For about $5 a day, your refrigerator keeps food fresh around the clock. Your heating and cooling system helps keep your family comfortable through the seasons. Lights brighten your home after sunset. Appliances make cooking and cleaning easier. Devices stay charged so you can work, learn, communicate, and stay connected with loved ones. When you think about everything electricity makes possible, it’s one of the greatest values in the average household budget. Even with electricity’s exceptional value, we know every dollar matters. If you’re looking for ways to lower your energy use, Y-W Electric is here to help. Whether you need efficiency advice from our energy advisors, information about co-op rebates and efficiency programs, or answers to questions about your monthly bill, our team is always available. Y-W Electric is proud to be more than your electricity provider. Because we’re a cooperative, we’re locally owned by you, the members we serve. That means every decision we make is guided by what’s best for our community, not by outside shareholders. Thank you for trusting Y-W Electric to power your home and your life. We’re committed to providing everyday value for you and your family with reliable, affordable power so you can make the most of every energy dollar.
Each month, Y-W Electric Association offers its members a chance to earn a $20 credit on their next electric bill. If you find your name and account number in this magazine, call Y-W Electric at 800-660-2291 and ask for your credit. It couldn’t be easier.
Win $20
OFF YOUR ELECTRIC BILL
Colorado Country Life
Get acquainted with your account number, read your Colorado Country Life magazine, and pick up the phone. You must claim your credit during the month in which your name appears in the magazine — check the date on the front cover. Congratulations to Freddie and Sharlene Barker, Allan and DeLinda Davisson, and Don Nadow Jr. for claiming their $20 bill credit from the July Issue.
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS
An Electric Dictionary
T
he science of electricity is complicated. And like most sciences, it has a language of its own. If you work with electricity for a living or you paid attention during that junior high or high school science unit that covered ohms, currents, and connectivity, you will know every term listed here. Here are some common electrical terms and their basic definitions: Path to ground: Electricity likes to take the easiest path. If electricity’s usual path is interrupted, the current will take the new path. If that path is a person, electrical current will shock or kill as it runs through the body, since the body has become part of the electric circuit or pathway. Ground literally means the earth or ground in the term “path to ground” because electrical circuits can be connected to the ground. A ground wire is a wire that has been intentionally connected to the earth but does not typically carry electricity, although it can if the system detects a problem. Ground fault: This is when an electrical circuit malfunctions and finds a path to ground outside the established path. When there is a ground fault, a human in contact with the wiring may suddenly become part of the pathway to ground. Voltage: Voltage, which is measured in volts, is what makes electric charges move. Industry professionals often liken electricity to an invisible fluid that moves through some materials better than others while doing its job. To expand on this analogy, voltage would be the pressure needed to move the fluid along. No voltage (pressure), no movement of electricity (fluid). Wakefield Sisters LLC 10533XXXXX Current: Measured in amperes (amps), current is the amount of electricity that is moving through the path as pushed by voltage (pressure). Continuing with the fluid analogy, current can be thought of as flow. Circuit: This is an electrical pathway in which electricity enters and exits. Your home’s electrical system/wiring has different circuits. Several devices that don’t draw much power (a lamp or clock, for instance) can be plugged into the same circuit, while large appliances that draw a lot of power are usually placed on their own circuit. Ohm: This is a unit used to measure electrical resistance. Resistance measures how much an object (like a wire) resists the current moving through it. Other ways to think of it (fluid analogy again): a water pipe with a lot of buildup would have higher resistance than a clean pipe; a small pipe would have
8 September 2026
higher resistance than a large pipe. GFCI: This stands for ground fault circuit interrupters, and they help protect against electrical shock and electrocution if they are working properly. GFCIs detect whether electricity is staying inside the circuit or leaking out somewhere else (like through you). It’s a good idea to test them monthly. Arc: An arc is a discharge between two electrodes that can cause intense heat or light. For example, lightning is a big arc. AFCI: This acronym stands for arc fault circuit interrupters, and they break the circuit when they sense a dangerous electrical arc. AFCIs are more sensitive to arc faults than regular circuit breakers. Step potential: As its name implies, it is the potential for a person to step from one voltage to another, which can cause electrocution. When there is stray electrical current running through the ground from a downed power line or other electrical source, it often spreads like ripples on a pond, and each ripple represents a different voltage. This happens because the electricity going into the ground is not limited to just where the wire touches. The ground resists the flow, which can cause a “pool” of electricity to form. When you step in it, you give it another path to take. Watt: Simply put, a watt is a unit of power, named after James Watt, who invented the steam engine. Joule: Simply put, a joule is a unit of work or energy. Conductor: This is anything electricity can go through. Edwin R. & Karen K. Ehrman 4322XXXXX Non-conductor: This is anything that is really bad at conducting electricity, like most plastics and rubber (although everyday rubber-soled shoes may not protect you). Non-conductors are also called insulators. One last definition: Electrical Safety. At Y-W Electric, safety is our TOP priority — your safety and the safety of our employees. Since electricity is invisible, people often forget to respect its potential for danger. Please respect electricity. Always be aware of power line locations when working or playing outside, always assume a downed power line is live, and NEVER go near one. If you are in a car accident involving a downed line, stay in your car — unless it’s on fire — and call 911 to report the accident and the downed lines. Along with first responders, our crew will be dispatched to de-energize the lines. For more information about electrical safety, visit safeelectricity.org. Colorado Country Life
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
BILLING CORNER
BILLING NOTIFICATIONS
Setting up billing notifications on the Y-W Electric Association, Inc. website ensures you stay informed about your account through email or text alerts. By following the registration and contact management steps, you gain full control over which alerts you receive and how they reach you.
INITIAL ACCOUNT CONFIGURATION
Before you can receive alerts, you must ensure your contact information is verified within the SmartHub system. This process confirms that the notifications you select reach the correct device or inbox. Go to “Contact Methods” to verify your contact method by making sure you have an email enrolled. A phone number can be added here as well. Follow the prompts and add the verification code for your phone. John and Eileen Lechuga 20260XXXXX.
MANAGING YOUR ALERTS
Once your contact details are verified, you can tailor your notification experience to prioritize the information that matters most to your household. You have the flexibility to select multiple alert types to avoid missing important deadlines. •
Select alert types by going to “Manage Notifications” to expand billing or usage sections and check your preferred alert boxes.
•
Decide what matters by entering each notification area and opting into specific alerts that keep you updated on your account status.
•
Mobile device access provides a convenient alternative for managing these settings if you prefer using the SmartHub app on your Android device or iPhone.
USING SMARTHUB MOBILE
Beyond the web portal, the mobile app offers a convenient way to stay informed and manage your account while you are away from your computer. This version provides the same control over your communication preferences, ensuring you remain updated regardless of your location. •
Download the app on your mobile device to access your account information, billing history, and payment options in real-time.
•
Access settings menus within the app by clicking the three dots at the bottom right, where you can find notification options identical to the desktop version.
•
Report service issues or check usage trends directly through the interface if you need to contact customer service quickly.
If you ever encounter difficulties or feel uncertain about the process, please contact the Y-W Electric office for direct assistance with your account setup.
SCAM TIP OF THE MONTH Your smart thermostat, security camera, video doorbell, and other connected devices make life more convenient — but they can also be targets for cybercriminals if they’re not properly secured. Change default usernames and passwords, use strong, unique passwords for each device, and enable multi-factor authentication when available. Colorado Country Life
Keep your devices up to date by installing software and firmware updates, which often include important security fixes. Secure your home Wi-Fi network with a strong password and modern encryption. A few simple steps can help keep your personal information and smart devices safe from scammers. Source: CISA September 2026
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS
WELCOME WESLEY COUCH TO Y-W ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION! We are excited to welcome Wesley Couch to the Y-W Electric Association, Inc. team. Wesley began his role as Apprentice Line Technician on July 27, and we’re thrilled to have him on board. A resident of Eastern Colorado, Wesley was raised in the Akron area and graduated from Akron High School. He furthered his education at Colorado Mesa University in the line technician program. Before joining Y-W Electric, Wesley worked as a line technician for the City of Fort Morgan. Outside of work, Wesley enjoys spending time outdoors camping, hunting, and fishing. Please join us in giving Wesley a warm welcome to the Y-W Electric family. Welcome aboard, Wesley!
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH September kicks off the fall shoulder season, when cooler mornings and milder evenings often mean you can give your heating/ cooling system a break. Open windows, use ceiling fans, and enjoy the fresh air whenever temperatures allow. It’s also the perfect time to schedule annual HVAC maintenance before colder weather arrives. Because demand is typically lower during the fall, heating and cooling professionals often have greater availability, making it easier to book an appointment. Regular maintenance can improve your system’s efficiency, help prevent unexpected breakdowns, and keep your home comfortable all year long. Source: Deptartment of Energy
10 September 2026
Colorado Country Life