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The Final Stretch
By Kylee Coleman Editor
February may be the shortest month on the calendar, but the wait for “what’s next” can feel like a slog. The bustle of the holidays is over, and the novelty of a new year — and many of the resolutions that came with it — has worn off.
This final stretch of winter can be a struggle, but it is also a time for projects, preparation, and planning. Begin chipping away at the chaotic and cluttered closet that needs a good going-through. Dig into research for the new refrigerator you might need to buy to replace the old one that is on its way out. Write down your gardening strategy for this summer. And parents of high school seniors, it is time to start thinking about the graduation party that will sneak up on you in a couple of months. These don’t require perfection; quiet, steady progress is always meaningful.
The feature story in this issue highlights thoughtful, behind-the-scenes work that happens year-round — the training, preparation, and care that strengthens our communities long before the results are visible.
If you feel like this short month is extra long, you are not alone. Let’s keep going, tackle what we can, gather all the patience we can muster, and trust that spring is closer than it seems
Monthly Giveaway
Enter to win a Bluecorn Artemisa scented candle.
The 6-ounce candle sits in a beautiful glass jar, and the sage, eucalyptus, and bergamot scent elevates any space. Visit our website at coloradocountrylife.coop to enter.
Read more about Colorado candlemakers on page 21.
Do you need a different way to enter our contests? Send a postcard to 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226, and include your name, mailing address, phone number, and the name of your electric cooperative. Contest closes February 20.
Shaping Outcomes
By Tom Walch CREA Executive Director
Every year around this time, electric cooperative leaders from around the state descend on downtown Denver to attend the annual meeting of the Colorado Rural Electric Association. The activities there are what you would expect at an annual meeting of a trade association: reports from officers, educational sessions, meetings of affiliated organizations, and presentations from guest speakers with their views on industry trends. But the real reason we are coming to Denver in the dead of winter is because of what’s happening just a few blocks away from our meeting venue, under the gold dome of the Colorado Capitol. That’s where the Colorado General Assembly convened on January 14.
interests are actively engaged in shaping the outcome. At the same time, lawmakers are advancing initiatives that will have real impacts on members and the communities they serve.
In this environment, strong grassroots engagement is not optional; the voices of co-op leaders, employees, and members will be critical to ensuring lawmakers understand how these policies affect real people in real communities. When legislators hear directly from the folks they represent, it strengthens our ability to protect affordability, reliability, and local decision-making.
CREA’s legislative team will have a full dance card this session, as we expect to engage on more than 40 bills. We will be working hard to preserve reliable and affordable electric energy for co-op members across the state. For example, we will work to ensure that transmission providers are not given a chance to escape their obligation to join a cost-saving Regional Transmission Organization or RTO. We will fight back against efforts to amend existing clean-energy statutes that could increase costs for many co-op consumers.
We are entering a challenging legislative environment. Several high-profile issues affecting electric co-ops are drawing significant attention at the Capitol, and many well-organized special
Grassroots engagement works best when it is driven locally and reinforced collectively. When co-op leaders activate their members, lawmakers listen. Today, Colorado’s electric co-ops are aligned around a common set of priorities, and that unity, paired with bipartisan interest at the Capitol, creates real opportunity. Change rarely happens overnight, but sustained engagement builds influence. Together we can shape outcomes that protect our members and the communities we serve. As the new executive director at CREA, I’m excited for the opportunity to lead this organization and build upon the unity of our communities and our co-op family.
Tom Walch is the executive director of the Colorado Rural Electric Association, the statewide organization supporting 21 electric distribution cooperatives and one generation and transmission cooperative.
Photo by Dave Collins/iStock/Getty
Rooted in Reliability
Investing in the System That Serves You
By Ruth Marks CEO
At
Mountain View Electric
Association, reliability isn’t just part of a slogan; it’s a responsibility we proudly carry every day. For 85 years, our mission has been to provide safe, reliable electricity to the communities we serve. As our system continues to grow and change, that responsibility calls for thoughtful investment in the infrastructure, technology, and people who keep your power on today while preparing us for the future.
Behind every light switch is a vast network spanning more than 6,500 miles of energized line across a 5,000-square-mile service territory. That system includes more than 95,000 poles, 25 substations, and thousands of pieces of equipment that must be inspected, maintained, and upgraded to operate safely and reliably. Much of this infrastructure was built decades ago, and proactive reinvestment helps extend its life, reduce outages, and restore power more quickly when disruptions occur.
Those investments are making a meaningful difference. In the past year, MVEA crews patrolled more than 1,600 miles of distribution line and 127 miles of transmission line. We achieved a System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) of just 29.94 minutes, well below the most recently reported national average of 126 minutes. Most importantly, in a profession that requires crews to work around high-voltage electricity and in all types of weather, our continued focus on safety resulted in zero lost-time accidents and zero preventable vehicle accidents.
Reliability also means planning ahead. As more
members connect to the system and electricity use continues to rise, the grid must be ready to support that growth. Last year alone, we connected more than 1,500 new members and answered over 62,000 member calls, reinforcing that our work is ultimately about serving people and communities.
Technology plays an important role in that effort. Investments in system monitoring, automated controls, advanced software, and drones allow us to spot issues sooner, restore power more efficiently, and reduce risks for crews working in the field. Our fiber broadband expansion, now more than 50% complete, not only brings high-speed internet access to members but also strengthens grid operations by supporting advanced reliability and wildfire mitigation technologies.
Every upgrade we make is guided by a long-term strategy focused on safety, reliability, affordability, and service. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we don’t invest for shareholders; we invest for you, our members. These improvements may not always be visible, but they matter every time you flip a switch, weather a storm, or count on power being there when you need it.
From pursuing federal grants to offset system improvement costs to launching programs that help members save energy and money, our dedication to this cooperative and the communities it serves remains at the heart of every decision we make. Thank you for trusting us to power your homes, businesses, and daily lives.
Working Together to Lower Winter Energy Demand
When outdoor temperatures drop, electricity use naturally rises. Colder weather drives us indoors, where we rely more heavily on home heating systems, more lighting, and household appliances. Heating systems run longer and more frequently to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Combine that with the fact that most people use electricity at the same times — typically in the mornings and early evenings — and the result is significant pressure on our electric grid.
Mountain View Electric Association works closely with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, our power supplier, to plan for these seasonal weather patterns and changes and to ensure you have reliable power every day of the year. This partnership involves detailed resource and infrastructure planning to make certain electricity is available whenever you need it. However, it is important to remember that our local system is part of a much larger regional and national electric grid.
During the winter months, when homes and businesses across the country are using more
electricity simultaneously, overall demand can approach — or occasionally exceed — available supply. This is especially true during severe weather events, such as ice storms, sudden temperature drops, or equipment malfunctions that reduce generation capacity. If such a situation arises, MVEA will provide timely updates and information to members via robocalls, emails, social media posts, and website notices.
To prepare for these scenarios and minimize risks, MVEA and Tri-State partner to take proactive measures to strengthen reliability year-round. These include routine system maintenance, investments in grid modernization and comprehensive disaster response planning. These proactive steps are designed to ensure our portion of the grid remains resilient even under extreme conditions. Yet, maintaining a reliable electric system requires a collective effort — and every member plays an important role in lowering demand when the grid is under stress.
PRESSURE
Energy use spikes during periods of extremely cold weather, which can add strain to the electric grid. When our community works together to reduce energy use, we can make a big impact in supporting system reliability. Four Ways to Ease Grid Strain This Winter
1. Lower your thermostat slightly. Even reducing the temperature by a few degrees can help.
2. Delay using large appliances during peak hours, which are 5-9 p.m. Run dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers during off-peak hours. And, avoid using multiple large appliances at the same time. Shift, stagger, and save energy!
3. Adjust your water heater. Setting it to 120°F and spacing out showers helps conserve both energy and hot water.
4. Unplug unnecessary devices. Power used for lighting and electronics adds up and accounts for a significant portion of home energy use.
lower rate periods. Learn more about this cost-saving rate at www.mvea.coop/rates or call (800) 388-9881.
Need Cash For College? Win a Scholarship!
If you are continuing your education next year, apply for a scholarship with MVEA today. Whether you plan to attend a traditional college, a technical school, or are interested in pursuing a career in engineering or as a lineworker, MVEA is here for you!
For the 2026 school year, MVEA will be awarding scholarships with opportunities for both traditional and nontraditional students. Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
Kevin L. Paddock, District 5 President
Barry R. Springer, District 6 Vice President
Jim Riggins, District 7 Secretary-Treasurer
Joseph D. Martin, District 1 Assistant Secretary
Rick L. Gordon, District 2
Wayne Vanderschuere, District 3
Jim Beals, District 4
(800) 388-9881 (719) 495-2283 Website www.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.
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Fiber Broadband Expansion Update
Starting 2026 Strong | Miles, Members, Momentum
By Jim Kennel MVEA Fiber Project Manager
Reliable, high-speed internet has become just as essential as reliable electricity. At Mountain View Electric Association, we are proud to help meet that need for our members.
As of mid-January, MVEA’s fiber project is officially 53% complete, with 2,438 miles of fiber installed out of 4,567 total miles. Construction crews are maintaining an impressive pace of more than 20 miles per week, which has allowed us to move the scheduled completion of initial installation up to the end of 2027. This momentum reflects the dedication of our crews and partners and is translating into real results for members across our service territory.
Today, more than 30,000 MVEA members in over 40 open zones have access to high-speed fiber internet through a partnership with Conexon Connect, the project’s internet service provider. Crews are actively working throughout our 5,000-square-mile territory, including areas such as Black Forest, Elbert, Falcon, Fountain, Monument, Peyton, and Simla. Looking ahead, we are planning for 1,100 additional miles of fiber installation in 2026, keeping the momentum of the project moving forward at scale.
So why is MVEA building a fiber network? Much
like when electric cooperatives formed in the 1930s to bring power to underserved communities, today’s cooperative difference is about connectivity. Affordable, reliable internet service is often limited in rural areas, and electric cooperatives are uniquely positioned to help close that gap. Because we already own the poles, wires, and underground infrastructure that reach every member, we can deploy fiber efficiently.
Beyond providing broadband access to members, the fiber network also strengthens our electric system. Fiber supports smart grid capabilities such as enhanced substation communication, faster outage detection, and reduced restoration times. It also supports advanced wildfire mitigation tools, including the ability to adjust device operations during high fire danger days.
Fiber internet service is available now or coming soon in many areas! To check updated availability, explore service options, and see if your home is in an open zone, visit www.mvea.coop/internet . You can also follow MVEA on Facebook for timely updates as new zones open and watch for special offers you won’t want to miss.
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Should I Upgrade My Appliance?
By Miranda Boutelle
Buying a new appliance can feel daunting. Before you hand over your hard-earned money, here’s how to choose an appliance that will help you save money over time.
Before you start shopping, keep in mind that not all new appliances are high efficiency and not all old appliances are inefficient. The yellow EnergyGuide label on new appliances shows the yearly energy cost, kilowatt-hour electricity use, and Energy Star logo, if certified.
Let’s look at some examples to see how the costs and savings stack up.
On a visit to my mom’s house, she proudly showed off her 1980s refrigerator she bought when her 1970s model died. If her 1980s fridge uses 2,000 kilowatthours per year, at 15 cents per kWh, it costs $300 per year to operate. But refrigerators have seen major efficiency improvements over the years. If Mom buys a new Energy Star-certified refrigerator for $1,000 that uses 500 kWh per year, equaling a $75 yearly energy cost. By cutting annual energy costs by about $225, the new refrigerator would pay for itself in roughly four and a half years.
Other appliances have seen improved efficiency since the 1980s. I recently bought a new washing machine when my old front-load machine died. I was considering a top-load machine. When I compared Energy Star-certified top loaders to front loaders, I changed my mind. Energy Star-certified front loaders use about 50% less energy and water than top-load agitator washers and about 25% less energy and water than top-load impeller washers that don’t have an agitator.
My new washer cost $698. According to the appliance’s EnergyGuide label, based on six loads of laundry per week and an electricity cost of 15 cents per kWh, the yearly energy cost is $15. Similar
non-Energy Star-certified models’ energy costs were $48 per year.
I also had to make the decision about buying the matching dryer. My dryer was functional but had features I didn’t like. At 15 cents per kWh and running roughly six loads per week for an hour each, my old dryer cost just over $130 per year to use.
The new matching Energy Star-certified dryer cost $698 and estimated annual energy use at 607 kWh, which is $91.05 per year at 15 cents per kWh. With an estimated savings of $39 per year, the new dryer would take almost 18 years for the energy savings alone to offset the purchase price. That’s a long time.
Whichever appliance you are upgrading or replacing, make an informed decision by comparing the cost of operation and shopping Energy Starcertified models to help lower your electric bill.
Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company. She has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy at home.
Refrigerators
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The Next Generation of Search and Rescue
Students gain more than a degree at Western Colorado University
By Becky Jensen
Brad Tabor’s broken body came to rest at the bottom of a steep section of rugged trail, deep in the backcountry of Gunnison County.
One minute he was riding his off-road motorcycle up the dirt single-track, working his way around roots and rocks. The next minute, he lost his balance, put his foot down to catch himself, and felt his knee buckle with a sickening crunch. Brad was thrown from his bike, tumbling backward downhill. When he finally rolled to a stop, searing pain shot through his right leg. He was alone and badly injured, lying prone on an exposed mountainside at 11,000 feet above sea level. To make matters worse, storm clouds gathered overhead.
“I realized I was in big trouble,” Brad said.
Unable to put any weight on his leg, he crawled upslope to his fallen dirt bike, grabbed his two-way GPS satellite device, and triggered an SOS distress call. Raindrops began to fall.
With temperatures plunging and daylight fading, Brad hunkered down in the rain, trying to stay warm under his backpack. But as the storm intensified, his clothes quickly soaked through. Hail pelted his injured body. He shivered uncontrollably.
Then Brad heard sounds in the distance that gave him hope. Voices calling his name, faint at first, then
growing louder. They were the young, confident voices of Western Mountain Rescue Team based out of Western Colorado University in Gunnison.
WESTERN MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM
Formed in 1968 after a group of Western students organized a search for a missing professor, WMRT is now the largest search and rescue — SAR — team serving Gunnison County.
Like all 50 SAR teams in Colorado, WMRT falls under the authority of the local sheriff’s department, often collaborating with emergency services to assist and evacuate people from remote and rugged terrain. WMRT averages roughly 40 rescue calls per year.
It is also the only student-led, collegiate SAR team in Colorado and the only such team in the United States accredited by the Mountain Rescue Association, an organization that represents the gold standard for search, rescue, and mountain safety education.
YOUTH IS AN ASSET
Gunnison County Sheriff Adam Murdie deeply appreciates WMRT’s finely honed skills and its long history of serving the community. Spanning 3,260 square miles, Gunnison County’s large and diverse landscape makes responding to 911 calls “a geographical chal-
lenge, to say the least,” the sheriff said. He oversees three SAR teams in his jurisdiction, including WMRT, which boasts 35 to 50 active members on its roster at a given time. It’s also a team he uses frequently.
According to the sheriff, WMRT is one of the best technical teams in the state, specializing in large-scale wilderness search, high- and low-angle rope rescue, avalanche and winter rescue, and more. “I often get requests [from other agencies] to utilize them outside of Gunnison County.”
When asked about the median age of the young team, the sheriff replied, “Their youth, their strength, and stamina is an asset out there.”
Although WMRT reports to Sheriff Murdie, the team is housed and partially funded by Western Colorado University, where the team remains affiliated as a student service club.
COLLEGE IS MORE THAN A DEGREE
McKenzie McConnell, a senior at Western, joined WMRT as a freshman in fall 2022. “I didn’t have any rescue skills. It was all completely new to me, and that’s how it is for a lot of people.”
That perspective serves McKenzie well as a WMRT mission coordinator and as its all-important training coordinator, making sure each team member is well
prepared before they ever go on a call.
“We train to MRA safety standards, so our training schedule is very rigorous,” McKenzie said. Lives depend on it.
According to McKenzie, the biggest challenge for WMRT is team turnover. “It’s tough because students eventually graduate, so training has to be on point. Our timeline for getting people fieldable — up to rescue standard — is condensed, so we expect a lot from our team members while they’re here.”
This doesn’t mean training is rushed. It means training is intense, structured into a two-year program built around fall and spring semesters. In addition to their regular coursework, student members of WMRT attend weekly SAR lectures, receive medical instruction every other week, and perform overnight field trainings monthly. New members often log more than 200 volunteer hours during their first year on the team.
While WMRT is mainly student based, community members are welcome. McKenzie appreciates their perspective.
WMRT conducts a lowering during a training. Safety is always the top priority. Photo courtesy of Mackenzie Bode, remeMBrance media
WMRT consists of a mixture of Western University students, alums, and Gunnison community members.
Photo courtesy of Mackenzie Bode, remeMBrance media
WMRT built my confidence with the basic skills of rescue, but it’s more than that. My critical thinking skills have been heavily developed on this team. I also gained more confidence as I moved into leadership roles. After graduation, I’m thinking about going into emergency services management.”
— McKenzie McConnell, WCU Student
continued from page 13
“They bring more understanding and life experience to our younger team,” she explained. “In many ways, younger people are still developing, still maturing. Our older members tend to have a more careful way of doing things.” She said community members lead by example and show student members that sometimes applying a slower, more methodical approach is better.
When McKenzie graduates in May with a degree in recreation and outdoor education, she will also leave with invaluable lessons learned during her four years of volunteering on the Western SAR team. “WMRT built my confidence with the basic skills of rescue, but it’s more than that. My critical thinking skills have been heavily developed on this team. I also gained more confidence as I moved into leadership roles.”
McKenzie added, “After graduation, I’m thinking about going into emergency services management.”
A CAREER-BUILDING EXPERIENCE
Ryan White, Deputy Emergency Manager and Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator for Gunnison County, is a prime example of how a student can leverage their SAR experience into a rewarding career.
As an incoming freshman in 2010, Ryan chose Western Colorado University over other schools across the country because of the strength and reputation of its SAR program. The service-oriented team environment really spoke to him. “It’s the story of many,” he said.
As the volunteer Director of Operations for WMRT, Ryan’s role is to “standardize our curriculum, foster leadership development, share institutional knowledge, and — above all else — preserve the spirit of the organization, which should always be student-led.”
There’s “a big misconception that WMRT is a bunch of kids playing rescue,” Ryan commented. Nothing could be further from the truth. MRA reaccreditation is intentionally tough, which serves the team well. And Ryan believes in the robust systems WMRT has built over time. He’s also confident in how the team’s highly trained mission coordinators, like McKenzie, lead their volunteer crews during emergency responses in extreme environments under pressure. “These students who lead missions are amazing, capable decision-makers in the field. I’ve seen it. I trust them.”
According to Ryan, his experience on WMRT directly impacted his career path. “Because of my mentors, and the right opportunities, I am where I am today. I get to be the Deputy EM for Gunnison County, which allows me to contribute back to the community that gave me those opportunities.”
His career trajectory and pay-it-forward mentality are not unusual for WMRT alums.
Scott Morrill joined the Western team as a student in 1978. After a 36-year career in public safety, Scott recently retired as the Director of Emergency Management for Gunnison County. “Joining the rescue team is still the best decision I’ve ever made,” he said. “I made lifelong friendships, and it paved the way for my entire professional career.”
WMRT coordinates the hoist of an injured subject near Beaver Creek.
Photo courtesy of McKenzie McConnell
Scott estimates that 75% of WMRT student members move on to some form of public safety career after graduation from WCU. Today, alums enjoy successful careers in emergency management, in statelevel SAR management, as rescue rangers at national parks, and expedition guides around the world.
“The idea that a bunch of young people — most just teenagers out of high school — are willing to put themselves at risk to help others, take time out of their lives to go on these intense trainings, pay for their own gear out of pocket, and be on call 24/7,” Scott said, “that’s what makes these students special.”
POST-RESCUE REFLECTION
Brad Tabor thinks his rescuers from WMRT are special, too. Back home in Texas, he has fully recovered from his dirt bike accident. Brad’s love of riding in the Colorado mountains hasn’t waned, and he often thinks about the amount of effort it took WMRT to rescue him in the high country that fateful day.
To reach him, the team hiked four steep miles while hauling a transport litter and heavy medical supplies. Once on scene, they assessed Brad’s injuries, wrapped him in a warm sleeping bag, scouted landing zones for the helicopter, loaded Brad onto the litter, carried him across mountain terrain to the extraction point, and handed him off to the paramedics aboard the chopper.
While Brad’s late-summer rescue was difficult, a snowy winter rescue is often harder, requiring more time, energy, and special equipment. Poor visibility, icy roads, and avalanche conditions can make winter extractions far more complex and dangerous for SAR teams like WMRT. But because of their frequent and rigorous training at elevation, the rescue team works like a well-oiled machine regardless of conditions. The students — tough, devoted, and exceptional at what they do — made Brad’s arduous medical evacuation look easy.
“Their professionalism and kindness were astonishing,” he recalled. Brad is still overwhelmed with gratitude more than a year later. After he was taken to a hospital by helicopter, he knew the WMRT ground crew faced a long hike out, carrying not only their own gear but Brad’s as well. “I couldn’t thank them enough.”
He also knows free rescues like his cost WMRT money.
So every year on his birthday, Brad asks for what he considers the perfect gift — donations made to WMRT through the Western Colorado University Foundation. “If it wasn’t for WMRT, I might not be here,” he said, marveling at the students’ selflessness.
“They are real heroes,” he said. “They exemplify bravery, compassion, and dedication. I am forever changed because of them. I am forever thankful.”
To learn more about Western Mountain Rescue Team, or to make a donation, visit western.edu/department/mountain-rescue.
Becky Jensen writes from a little cabin on a wild river in Northern Colorado and is the author of No Man’s Land: Unpacking One Woman’s Worth on the Colorado Trail. She’s also a proud member of Poudre Valley REA. You can find her at beckyjensenwrites.com.
WMRT conducts an uphaul using mechanical advantage during a fall training. Photo courtesy of Ryan Largent
WMRT conducts its annual Winter Overnighter Training near Gothic Mountain in Gothic. Photo courtesy of Ryan White.
Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction
Centuries ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.
On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise. Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed.
We found a limited supply of turquoise from Arizona and purchased it for our Sedona Turquoise Collection . Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-of-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.
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Connected Homes
The power of what’s plugged in
By Jennah Denney
Our homes are changing, and so is the electric grid. Across the country, more households are becoming “smart” and connected. From thermostats that adjust automatically to electric vehicles that charge overnight, the devices we plug in are becoming intelligent, flexible, and increasingly central to how we use and even produce electricity.
This growing network of connected devices creates new ways for electric co-ops and their members to work together to keep power reliable and affordable.
WHAT IS A CONNECTED HOME?
A connected home is one where everyday appliances and devices can communicate with each other, you, or even with your electric co-op. These could include thermostats that adjust to your patterns and preferences, water heaters that operate when electricity is cheaper, home batteries that store solar-generated power for later use, or air-source heat pumps that efficiently heat and cool your home.
Each of these tools can help you use energy more efficiently. When they are managed effectively, or when many homes coordinate and balance their energy use together, they can also help your co-op keep power flowing reliably and affordably for the entire community.
BEHIND
THE
METER: THE POWER YOU DON’T SEE
You might have heard the phrase “behind the meter.” This simply refers to energy equipment that operates on your side of the electric meter that you own or control. This could include solar panels, battery storage systems, or connected devices like EV chargers or smart thermostats.
Individually, they may seem small, but together they can make a big difference. If hundreds of water heaters slightly delay heating during a peak time of
day when electricity use is high, the co-op can avoid purchasing power at a higher cost, which essentially keeps rates lower for members. If home batteries store solar-generated energy during the day and release it back to the grid at night, it helps balance the overall supply and demand of electricity.
HOW CONNECTED DEVICES HELP THE GRID
Each day, our electric grid must maintain a perfect balance to match the amount of electricity generated with the amount of electricity we are using — all in real time. Because electricity can’t easily be stored at scale, this balancing act is constant and complex.
Connected devices give electric co-ops powerful new tools to help manage this complexity. Traditionally, electricity use was simple: Flip a switch and power flows instantly. But today, many devices can shift when and how they use energy, also known as load flexibility. Load flexibility allows you and your co-op to better align energy use during times when electricity is more affordable, without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
THE COOPERATIVE ADVANTAGE
Electric co-ops are led by the members they serve. That means co-ops can design connected home programs that work for your community where every member benefits from lower peak costs and improved reliability.
Together, we can build a grid that’s smarter, more flexible, and ready for the future that’s powered by what’s plugged in. Contact your local electric co-op or visit their website to learn more about programs for connected devices and additional ways you can save energy.
Jennah Denney writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives.
DateNight Dessert
Recipe by Kylee Coleman Editor
Staying in with your Valentine this year? Get the love — and chocolate — flowing. Cuddle up with your sweetie and these homemade chocolate lava cakes. Be sure to use a high-quality dark chocolate bar you’d eat plain — this is key to a delicious and decadent cake.
CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKES FOR TWO
INGREDIENTS
3 oz dark chocolate (60%-70% cacao), chopped
¼ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup all-purpose flour
Small pinch of salt
Butter and cocoa powder (for ramekins)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 425°F. Generously butter two 6-ounce ramekins and dust with cocoa powder.
Melt the dark chocolate and butter together. Either microwave in 15-second increments, stirring between, or use a double boiler and stir until smooth.
Stir in powdered sugar. Whisk in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until glossy. Gently fold in flour and salt just until combined.
Divide batter evenly between the two ramekins. Bake for 12-13 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft. Let rest for 1 minute, then invert onto plates or serve directly from ramekins. For an even sweeter treat, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Photo by Ty Pierce
5 Ways to Age-Proof Your Home
Easy upgrades to improve the lives of older adults
Ahome is more than four walls — it is where birthdays are celebrated, holiday dinners shared, illnesses weathered, and losses mourned. Home is, as the saying goes, where the heart is.
It’s little wonder, then, most people want to remain in their homes as they age, based on AARP research. Yet, according to the United States Census Bureau, less than half of U.S. houses are equipped with accessibility features for older adults.
It doesn’t take a full remodel to make a home safer. Updates like installing handrails or improving hallway lighting can go a long way.
For those who need support in making these changes, programs like Helping Homebound Heroes, a partnership between Meals on Wheels America and The Home Depot Foundation, provide older veterans with essential home modifications and repairs.
“By improving safety and accessibility, we’re helping senior veterans stay in the places they love,” said Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “Our work is about preserving independence and dignity — helping older adults live safely, confidently, and with connection to their communities.”
Here are five small fixes that can add up to big peace of mind:
1. CREATE A SAFER ENTRYWAY.
For older adults, steps to the front door can be an obstacle. A ramp or zero-step entry allows for easier coming and going, and a covered porch or awning keeps walkways dry. Path lights improve visibility at night, and a sturdy bench by the door provides a place to rest or put groceries.
2.
UPGRADE THE BATHROOM.
According to multiple studies, falls in the bathroom are more likely to cause injury than in other parts of the home.
If you’re planning a bathroom project, start with small changes like adding raised toilet seats, installing toilet and shower grab bars, and replacing your shower head with a handheld model. For a more extensive remodel, install nonslip flooring and replace traditional tubs with walk-in showers.
3. IMPROVE FLOORING.
The flooring in your home can have a big impact on safety. If you have thick or loose carpet, consider replacing it with a low-pile option.
Slip-resistant flooring, such as vinyl or cork, also provides good traction and can be more forgiving than hardwood or tile. Simple visual cues can help, too. Transition strips between rooms or on stair edges make changes in floor level easier to see.
4. BRIGHTEN UP ROOMS.
Brighter overhead fixtures improve visibility, making it easier to spot steps, furniture, and other obstacles. Motion-sensor lights brighten bathrooms and hallways so it’s easier to move around safely at night.
5. KEEP ESSENTIALS WITHIN REACH.
Storing everyday items at waist or shoulder height reduces the need for stretching, bending, and climbing, all of which can increase the likelihood of falls. Sometimes a simple cabinet reorganization is enough, but features like pull-down shelving can make storage more accessible.
For more resources and support for older adults, visit mealsonwheelsamerica.org
Artisan Candlemakers
Shine Bright
Whether you’ve been in Colorado for two weeks or 20 years, you will love supporting artisans who are making beautiful and handcrafted candles. From Black Forest to Grand Junction, these candlemakers encourage sustainability, environmental impact, small-business culture, and community building. Each candle’s warm, soft lighting is a perfect addition to your own winter hygge-inspired glow during our coldest months.
By Jacey Blue Renner
CANDLE KITCHEN –GRAND JUNCTION
Candle connoisseurs will love the bespoke experience at Grand Junction’s Candle Kitchen. With more than 160 scents to select from, each soy wax candle is handcrafted for you in the shop. From container and label selection to scent blends, the choice is yours. The experts at Candle Kitchen will work to create your most memorable candle, ready same-day, just 2-4 hours after you’ve made your selections. High-quality scents, essential oils, and attention to details make each visit uniquely new. To learn more about how to create your own in-shop custom candle, visit candlekitchengj.com
BLUECORN CANDLES –MONTROSE
Bluecorn’s United States-sourced raw and ivory beeswax candles are lighting up Montrose. With all candles manufactured and sold in Colorado, every candle purchased supports and contributes to community impact. Bluecorn’s newest line, Aromatica, sources plantbased wax. From hand-dipped tapers that elevate family gatherings to seasonal scented candle tins like ponderosa pine, Bluecorn’s scent palate and design pay homage to Colorado’s Western Slope. To take a perfect-match candle quiz or find a local shop that carries Bluecorn candles, visit bluecorncandles.com.
OLD PINE CANDLE COMPANY – EVERGREEN
Now nestled in the foothills of Evergreen, Old Pine has long held roots in Colorado, with its beginnings taking shape in Denver. Family-focused and community-inspired, Old Pine Candle Company prides itself on its attention to environmental sustainability, including ecofriendly packaging and jarrecycling incentives. Each candle is 100% U.S. soy wax that can burn up to 50 hours. Try the Morning Light candle, with hints of palo santo and lavender. For more coziness, join the Old Pine Candle Club and receive a new scent monthly. Explore scents and more at oldpinecandleco.com
SOOTHING SCENTS SOY CANDLES – BLACK FOREST
With a background in botany, the owner of Soothing Scents Soy Candles, Gail Westmoreland, specializes in crafting botanical scents. Peach and jasmine are her personal favorites. As a small, one-woman-run business, each candle is made with her own hands before coming to yours. Consider pairing her Cinnamon Spruce candle — with notes of ginger, nutmeg, and evergreen spruce — with your winter reading nook. Curating a wide array of scent classifications, Soothing Scents Soy Candles has a scent for every home. Find your new favorite small-batch candle online at soothingscentssoycandles.com
Phil and Brenda Henderson, Empire Electric Association members, take a quick break from fishing and hiking adventures with friends in Coyhaique, Chile, to snap a photo with their copy of CCL.
Morgan County REA member Ann Archuleta travels to Istanbul, Turkey, and takes a photo with the magazine near Galata Tower.
Larry and Kathleen Bailey bring their CCL magazine on a recent trip to Petra, Jordan. The Baileys are members of Sangre de Cristo Electric Association.
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Show us your adventures with the magazine for a chance to WIN $25.
Upload your photo with CCL at coloradocountrylife.coop Find more reader photos on Facebook @COCountryLife and Instagram @cocountrylife PACK. SNAP. SHARE. WIN!
Elizabeth and Alex Chang bring a little bit of Colorado to Taipei 101 — Taiwan’s tallest building — during a family trip over the holidays. The Changs are members of Poudre Valley REA.
Empire Electric Association member Lillian Orbke snaps a photo with the magazine at the Senbutsu Limestone Cave at Hiraodai Karst Plateau in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan.
Mountain View Electric Association member Mark Cooper brings his copy of CCL for a float in the Dead Sea.
Sangre
Cristo Electric Association members Sandy Cranfill and Steve Barnes enjoy
stunning views of the North Atlantic Coast in Kildare, Ireland, with their copy of the magazine.
Leon and Janet Golden, Southeast Colorado Power Association members, with CCL in Charlevoix, Michigan.
WE WORK YEAR-ROUND TO REDUCE WILDFIRE RISK
Living in the rural West comes with undeniable wildfire risk, but it’s a fight we’re facing head-on.
At Tri-State G&T, we deploy data-driven monitoring and wildfire mitigation strategies to identify and mitigate risk to protect our communities and the critical infrastructure they rely on. We’ll do anything within our power to protect the people and places our members call home.
WHATEVER THE FUTURE HOLDS, WE’LL POWER IT.®
Scan to learn more or visit www.tristate.coop/wildfire
