The town of Silverton was 1 of 33 communities awarded the $200,000 prize from the Department of Energy “Energizing Rural Communities” program to develop and implement an energy resiliency plan. The town of Silverton developed a regional partnership with San Miguel Power Association, San Juan County Office of Emergency Management and EcoAction partners to apply for and win the second phase of energizing rural prize.

Silverton GOLD (Goal Of Less Dependence) Team Wins $100,000 Department of Energy Prize for Grid Modernization and Resiliency Plan

San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) Line Technicians, Jeff Shay and Roy Bolton were recently praised by the San Juan County Commissioners for work they did during a February blizzard that had knocked out power as well as egress or outside aid. Shay and Bolton faced blizzard conditions and freezing temperatures making repairs to the nearby Cement Creek electrical substation and restored power. “Mr. Shay and Mr.