MONTROSE – The Delta-Montrose Electric Association has been selected as this year's National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Community Service Award winner in the category of energy efficiency.

"This is one of NRECA's most prestigious awards," said DMEA Board President Les Renfrow. "Across the U.S. hundreds of electric cooperatives are working to help their member-owners lower their energy costs and serve their communities in many ways. We're gratified that our specific efforts were recognized and we greatly appreciate all our members who participated in these efforts and helped earn this award."

Electric cooperatives serve more than 40 million Americans and maintain 44 percent of the nation's electric distribution infrastructure, supplying power to 75 percent of the U.S.'s land area.

Programs highlighted in the award included DMEA's providing approximately $25,000 in funding for energy efficiency measures in two new libraries in Paonia and Crawford; the distribution of 100,000 free compact fluorescent lamps, estimated to save members up to $4.7 million on lighting costs over the life of the CFLs; and partnering with community nonprofit organizations to increase participation in the Operation Round Up charitable trust that helps many individuals in need.

DMEA also offered the first geothermal "loop tariff" in the nation, which greatly reduces the initial cost of an energy-saving home geothermal system; demonstrated a "hybrid" heat pump at a Habitat for Humanity home; and donated high efficiency light-emitting diode holiday lights to several communities and organizations.

"DMEA is committed to serving our communities," said DMEA General Manager Dan McClendon. "Helping our members become more energy efficient benefits our local economy, an increasingly important aspect of our efforts.

"We're grateful for this recognition, but we know there's more we can do," McClendon added. "We will continue to strive to find more ways to promote energy efficiency and further energize and serve our communities."

Videographers from NRECA interviewed several local co-op members regarding DMEA's energy efficiency efforts as well as regional and national energy leaders before making their decision. Highlights of the interviews were shown at the NRECA national convention in New Orleans on Feb. 16; they will soon be available at www.dmea.com. The full 12-minute video will be shown at DMEA's annual meeting the evening of June 18 following a regional Energy Efficiency Forum & Expo, also on June 18.