YOU HAVE A VOICE

BY JEFF WADSWORTH PRESIDENT & CEO

PVREA is deeply connected to the communities we serve, and we are focused on meeting members’ energy needs today and into the future. Providing our members with safe, reliable and affordable power will always be our highest priority, but this requires much more than simply maintaining power lines and other infrastructure.

It requires us to focus on what our elected leaders are doing at the golden dome in Denver and in Washington to ensure they are acting in your best interest. Based on this, PVREA is looking for our members to sign up to be a part of the Co-op Grassroots network, because when our voices come together in unison, lawmakers listen.

That’s exactly what happened recently on Capitol Hill when Congress passed the RURAL Act, a key provision for electric co-ops and our members. The bipartisan RURAL Act ensures that co-ops that co-ops are not at risk of losing their tax-exempt status based on unattended changes to the tax code in 2018.

Hundreds of co-op members and employees wrote into their legislator on this issue, and the legislation drew the bipartisan support of more than 300 lawmakers in the House and more than half of the Senate before it was passed. That’s a rarity in Washington these days.

Thank you to those members who wrote in on our behalf, because it made a difference. And we still have work to do and we need to be vigilant, which is why we’re urging members to be a part of our Co-op Grassroots Network. We’re making significant headway on our “80 by 30” goal, which is to increase carbon-free energy sources from an estimated 33 percent in 2019 to 80 percent by 2030, but to accomplish that goal pertinent legislation will have to take place. Our ask is for you to be involved in our Co-op Grassroots Network. We have created an easy way for you to be informed of legislation or regulation that could impact your electric bill and how to contact your representatives with your thoughts on these issues. Being a part of the network allows us to easily notify you by email or text when we need your help. See the bottom of this page on information on who to sign up. In today’s political climate, it may seem like your voice doesn’t matter; but as the RURAL Act proves, legislators still listen to co-op members’ voices. Please take 30 seconds to sign up and help us, help you.

Read more about PVREA on pages 7-10.

Sign Up Today!

Online at www.pvrea.coop/grassroots or text GOCOOP to 52886

ABOUT YOUR CO-OP

PVREA serves electricity to 45,000 homes and businesses in Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties. We are a member-owned co-op, led by those we serve.

OUR MISSION

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 PO Box 272550 Fort Collins, CO 80527

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Steven Anderson Larimer County Vice Chair Rick Johnson Larimer County Secretary James Fender Larimer County Director Bryan Ehrlich Larimer County Director Peter Hyland Weld County Director Thaine Michie Larimer County Director Jan Peterson Larimer County Director Jack Schneider Weld County Director Ronald Sutherland Boulder County

The legacy of Colorado electric co-op heroes FROM THE EDITOR

BY MONA NEELEY EDITOR

This is the Colorado Rural Electric Association’s 75th year of representing Colorado’s electric cooperatives as their statewide trade association. CREA and the co-ops are excited for the next 75 years, but before we move ahead, let’s take a quick look back.

When I was hired back in 1994, there were still CREA board members who remembered the lights coming on, including the late Mick Geesen from Mountain View Electric and the late Ray Macht from La Plata Electric.

Mick was only 21 when he arrived in Colorado in 1941 to start ranching on family land. He moved from an area with electricity and knew what a difference it would make for his home outside of Agate. So, he went to work to sign up enough members that the fledgling local co-op could qualify for a Rural Electrification Administration loan to build its system. And he stayed for

MONA NEELEY 50 years, guiding the local co-op.

R a y w a s another young rancher who saw the benefits of electricity. Pagosa Springs, only 4 miles from his place, had power and when the nearby La Plata Electric bought the city system and started expanding, Ray was ready. He rented equipment and began digging holes for power poles along his driveway and toward town, even using dynamite in the rocky spots.

Ray believed in the rural electric program so much that he immediately got elected to the board and spent the next 50 years helping guide the growing co-op.

These men are just two of so many heroic co-op pioneers. Their legacy is now carried into the future by the dedicated directors serving your electric co-op today.

Mona Neeley is the statewide editor of Colorado Country Life, which is published in coordination with your local electric cooperative.

RULES: Colorado Country Life is looking for pet stories explaining what makes your pet special or what amazing things your pet has done. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and runners up published in the magazine will be awarded cash. Stories will be published in the September magazine. Rules for the contest are as follows: 1. Story must be told in no more than 300 words. 2. Deadline to enter is May 22. Entry must be received in the office by 4:30 p.m. 3. Entries may be typed or handwritten. 4. Photo of the pet must be included with the entry. If the photo is sent digitally, it must be at least 4X5 inches in size at 300 dpi. 5. Digital entries must be sent to info@coloradocountrylife.org. 6. Mailed entries must be sent to Pet Story Contest, Colorado Country Life, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216.

Questions may be sent to info@coloradocountrylife.org. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Compassion Via a Lightbulb I can’t thank you enough for the inspirational and heartwarming piece about the Colorado and Oklahoma linemen who performed philanthropic work last summer in Guatemala (“Bringing Light, Finding Joy” December ’19). Citizens of Central America and poor nations around the world are often casti gated as being unworthy of the compassion and generosity we take for granted in America. And many Americans have never experienced firsthand the extreme poverty and injustices evident in poor countries around the world.

The article correctly notes that, in spite of unimaginable economic conditions, these citizens are able to find joy and hope in something as simple as a single lightbulb brought into their homes. The 20 lineworkers who participated undoubtedly also discovered joy and hope in their mission, and I’ll bet their lives will forever be changed for the better. Jim Little, Wetmore San Isabel Electric consumer-member

A Lower Carbon Footprint Reading the December issue, [I saw] a picture of former Gov. Bill Ritter and Tri-State Generation and Transmission CEO Duane Highley at the CREA Energy Innovations Summit. I noticed about six plastic bottles of water on a table in front of them. On the next page is an article on co-ops working to lower carbon energy use. Let’s try to use glass or reusable water containers as much as possible and we will work to lower carbon energy use together. M. Cary, Kremmling Mountain Parks Electric consumer-member

More Energy Efficiency The coal plant retirements and new renewable energy projects announced by Tri-State Generation and Transmission are big steps in the right direction. But more should be done if Tri-State is to truly respond to the threat of catastrophic climate change in a responsible manner. In particular, Tri-State should expand the energy efficiency programs it implements together with its member cooperatives. Howard Geller, executive director Southwest Energy Efficiency Project

SEND US YOUR LETTERS

Editor Mona Neeley at 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or at mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org. Include full name and contact information.

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Energy-Saving Landscaping Tips

The decisions you make about your home’s landscaping can help you stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. With summer around the corner, take a look at how strategic planting can help cool your home. Direct sunlight hitting windows is a major contributor to overheating the home during summer months. By planting trees that block sunlight, you can improve comfort and reduce air-conditioning energy use. If the trees eventually grow tall enough to shield the roof, that’s even better.

The most important windows to shade are the ones facing west, followed by windows that face east. Morning and evening sunlight hits the home more directly than midday sunlight. Also, an eave on the south side of the home can help shade windows during midday sun.

If you live in one of Colorado’s cooler areas, planting deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the fall will shield your windows in summer and allow sunlight in during winter to help warm your home. A simple approach that can deliver some shade the first year is to plant a “living wall” of vines grown on a trellis next to the home.

There are two other important factors to consider in some areas of Colorado: 1. Water is becoming more precious and expensive. When you pay your water bill, much of that cost is for the energy required to pump water to your home, or perhaps you have your own well. Either way, reducing water use saves money and reduces energy use. 2. If you live in an area that has wildfires, definitely take it into consideration as you develop a landscaping plan. What and where you plant on your property can either increase or decrease the risk of fire reaching your home. Planting a row of shrubs a foot from the home can provide more efficiency in cooler climates. By stopping air movement, it can form a dead air space around the home that acts as “bonus” insulation.

These are just a few ideas to help you get started. Also remember that, as with any landscaping projects that require digging, it’s important to call 811 to ensure all underground utility lines are properly marked and flagged before you start the work. Happy planting! BY PAT KEEGAN AND BRAD THIESSEN

April 4, 2020

Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center 4705 Clydesdale Pkwy Loveland, CO 80538

Membership Amplified 2020 ANNUAL MEETING

LIVE MUSIC

Registration: 7:30 - 9 am Door Prizes: Starting at 8 am Welcome: 8:30 am Hot Breakfast: 9 am Business Meeting: 9:15 am

The 2020 Annual Meeting Lineup

Entertainment Music and comedy by Brenn Hill and Chuck Larsen

Fun Activities • Gift for every member • Door prizes • Kids activities • Booths • Live music • Bucket truck rides • Hot breakfast and plenty of coffee • $1,000 Luck of the Draw College Scholarship Giveaway for high school seniors • Grand prize drawing: Rockin’ Home Care Package

MUSIC AND COMEDY BY BRENN HILL & CHUCK LARSEN

HOT BREAKFAST

Member Spotlight

M&M Farms

BY JESSICA JOHNSON COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Anotepad sits on Bill Markham’s desk with the Colorado Farm Show logo and statement, “If you eat it, drink it, or wear it, agriculture produced it.” Not only does he believe these words, he lives by them every day.

Bill, a Colorado native, is the owner and operator of M&M Farms in Berthoud, Colorado. In the Markham family, farming has been a long-term affair. His great-grandfather started farming in the Longmont area in the early 1900s, his grandfather started farming the land M&M Farms currently sits on in 1928 and his father continued farming that land after him. In 1979, Bill and his father formed a partnership and officially formed and named M&M Farms, based on their shared last name initials. Today, Bill and his son Brett run the farm together. They grow sugar beets, corn to provide silage for local dairies, and barley for the well-renowned Coors Brewing Company in Golden, Colorado. In fact, they are one of the oldest barley-growing families for the brewery.

Each year, the planting starts with barley as early as February if the ground is thawed enough. Sugar beets are planted in the middle of April and in May, corn is planted.

The first crop harvested is the 300 acres of barley in the last week of July.

“Harvesting is a big event around here. We have two combines. It’s so important to get the barley in before the big white combine comes out of the sky and gives you a hail storm and then you’ve got nothing left,” Bill explained. “We’re very lucky to have two parttime people that come out to help us when it’s harvest season. It’s crucial that when the barley is readyyou’ve got to be there with a crew. We combine until 10pm if we can, seven days a week, until all the barley is harvested.”

Coors often brings distributors from around the country to Farming for Coors Bill Markham’s shop at his farm has a Coors sign proudly on display. M&M Farms brews barley for Coors Brewing Company.

tour the brewery and learn about the entire process of how their beer is made. Bill and his wife Elizabeth are also invited to attend the tour and give a presentation to the rest of the group showing them where the barley comes from. The next day, they travel up to Berthoud for a tour of M&M Farms to see the farming firsthand.

M&M Farms has worked hard at conserving water when irrigating. They use center pivots to irrigate almost all their crops which in turn, allows them to farm much more product. Because of the extensive efforts to conserve, the farm was chosen to host last year’s Colorado Water Congress meeting. Senators, state representatives and the Commissioner of Agriculture were in attendance and toured the farm to soak in knowledge about the conservation measures M&M Farms has implemented.

In 2017, Bill had the honor of being inducted into the Agriculture Hall of Fame, mostly because of his extensive efforts in water conservation and his involvement in the community.

“This was a huge honor, the biggest award I’ve ever received,” he said. “For many years, I was part of the FFA Foundation and read through applications to help select the nominees. I was never, ever thinking that someday I would be nominated, and then actually inducted.”

Outside of the farm, Bill has invested a

great deal of time sharing his knowledge and experience and being involved with his community. He’s been on the board for the Consolidated Home Supply Ditch & Reservoir Company for 27 years, been on the board for Junior Livestock Sales, and he was a vital leader that started the Thompson Future Farms of America (FFA) chapter in Berthoud. Bill has also been involved with Colorado Young Farmers as president in 1985 and took on the national secretary role in 1986. “This organization does a lot for the community and agriculture. If anyone in the community needs help to get anything done, if money needs to be raised, educational classes are needed, they can count on the Young Farmers to help pick up the slack,” Bill said. He’s also belonged to the Colorado Farm Bureau for 43 years.

All of Bill’s community involvement allows Bill to be a voice for agriculture, a voice for farmers.

“I work a lot with the Berthoud Town Board and county commissioners. It always makes me feel good when I go to a town board meeting and the people say, ‘Bill, we still want to turn off I-25 and look at corn fields. We don’t want to look and just see houses.’ That always makes me feel pretty good,” he said. “There’s not a lot of farmers around here anymore. Basically 2% of the population is in agriculture and we feed 168 people every day.”

Bill has no plans to move or change anything about his farm. His family loves the farm, he loves the farm. He plans to retire there, although not anytime soon, so he can continue doing what he does best.

“I work the sacred soil with my hands, my heart, my head and my soul,” he said. A Family Affair M&M Farms located in Berthoud, was formed by Bill Markham and his father, although the family has been farming in the area since the early 1900s.

Grid Communication Project Well Underway

PVREA is undergoing a Grid Communication Improvement Project where we are installing fiber optic cable on our existing powerlines. This project will improve technical communication which will help us better manage our electric grid and improve service to you, our member. PVREA’s contractor, MasTec, has been installing fiber on existing overhead and underground powerlines. So far, the project is 18 percent complete and we have installed 42 miles of fiber. Members may see bucket trucks and crews with boring equipment around their homes and/or businesses. There will be no disruption to members’ electric service while we’re doing this work.

March 2019 Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month

Placing hot food in the refrigerator makes the appliance work harder than necessary, using more energy. Allow food to cool down before you place it in the refrigerator.

Source: energy.gov

Isaac Fry

Alexis Pimple

Isaac Fry, a student at Resurrection Christian School, and Alexis Pimple, a student at Windsor Charter Academy, have been selected to represent PVREA at the 2020 Youth Leadership Camp in Steamboat Springs. Isaac and Alexis will join more than 100 other students from Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming and Oklahoma for a week in July to learn about the foundations of electric cooperatives and their impact in local communities, increase leadership skills, and adventure in the Rocky Mountains. Be sure to check our Facebook page in July to see pictures of their experience at camp. Youth Leadership Camp

Sarah Kouns, a student at Berthoud High School, and Jordan Eskew a student at Resurrection Christian School, have been selected to represent PVREA at the 2020 Washington D. C. Youth Tour in June. Sarah and Jordan will join more than 1,700 other students from around the country for a week to learn about electric cooperatives, legislative processes and have the opportunity to explore our nation’s capitol and meet U.S. Senators and Representatives. Check out our Facebook page in June to see pictures of the Youth Tour students in D.C. Washington D.C. Youth Tour

Sarah Kouns Jordan Eskew

Three Ways to Electrify Your Lawn Care

Electric Lawn Mowers Electric Trimmers Electric Leaf Blowers

• Less maintenance • Price ranges $200-$500 • Most batteries may last an hour • PVREA rebate: 25% of cost up to $100

• Lightweight • Much quieter • Most batteries may last 30-45 minutes • Price ranges around $100. • PVREA rebate: 25% of cost up to $50

• Lightweight • Easy to maneuver • Price ranges around $150 and up • PVREA rebate: 25% of cost up to $50

As a cooperative we are taking bold steps to change how your energy is produced. That means fewer emissions and 50 percent of your electricity coming from renewable energy by 2024. Because whatever the future holds, we’ll power it.