7 minute read
Your Electric Co-op
Chief Executive Officer
Mario Romero
Cloudcroft Office
Carrizozo Office
507 Twelfth Street • P. O. Box 669 Carrizozo, NM 88301 575-648-2352
Alto Office
Emergency and Outages
800-548-4660 Fax • 575-682-3109 Website • www.ocec-inc.com
Office Hours
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (M-F)
Board of Trustees President
Charles Mulcock, SE District
Vice President
Denny Burnett, SE District
Secretary
Marty Mills, Central District
Treasurer
Scott Shafer, NW District Vacant, SW District Bill Bird, NE District Cheri Hass, Central District David Powers, NE District Tim Rabon, SW District Preston Stone, NW District
Board Meeting
The Board of Trustees meets the third Friday of the month at 9:00 a.m. at the Cooperative. Employee and Trustee Career Anniversaries Serving our members is top priority at OCEC, and we couldn’t do it without the great men and women who devote their time and energy to providing safe, reliable electricity to you. Congratulations to the following employees and trustees for reaching notable milestones in their years of service.
5 Years Janscen Davis Equipment Operator Wes Green Journeyman Lineman Delbert Lucero System Engineer Julie Walker-Grinder Chief Finance Officer Randy Worley GIS Specialist Denny Burnett Trustee, SE District
10 Years Tim Rabon Trustee, SW District Scott Shafer Trustee, NW District
15 Years Kelli Pruett Manager of Member Services
25 Years Mike Winrow Meter/Collections Supervisor
Apply for a Rebate! Be sure to apply for a rebate from our Energy Efficiency Program. You could be eligible for money back on qualifying purchases of appliances, insulation, televisions, and much more.
Visit your local OCEC office or website for additional details: www.ocec-inc.com
Electrical Safety Tips for Hunters
This hunting season, be aware of electrical equipment and take necessary precautions while hunting. Keep these safety tips in mind as you enjoy the great outdoors.
Take notice of posted warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment.
Be careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible. Do not place deer stands on utility poles or climb poles. Energized lines and equipment can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them, causing shock or electrocution.
Do not shoot at or near power lines or insulators.
Stay Connected During Power Outages
In the utility business, we know rough weather will occur, and sometimes power outages simply can’t be avoided. But when members of OCEC experience an outage, there are ways they can stay informed about what is going on, and when they can expect their power to be restored. Ways OCEC notifies members include:
Outage Map: Available through SmartHub app on mobile devices or OCEC’s website, www.ocec-inc.com, by clicking the “Outage Map” button in the upper righthand corner of the home page. Shows location of current outages with number of people affected.
Social Media: Outage updates are posted on OCEC’s Facebook (FB) Page. Don’t use Facebook? No problem, there is a feed of our Facebook page directly on the home page of our website—no need to log in or have a Facebook account to see what is posted.
Email: Emails can be sent using the Outage Management System (OMS) with updates on restoral, causes of outages, and even if there is a planned outage in your area. OCEC must have an outage email on file for you in order to receive these notifications. If you would like to receive outage notifications,include your email with your payment stub or call us and we will add your email address to the system.
By Phone: If you are experiencing an outage that has lasted for several hours, are unable to access any of the above avenues and would like an update, call 800-548-4660 and member service representatives or dispatchers will be happy to give you any news that may be available. The outage reporting number is answered by a central dispatch location at night, on weekends, and holidays. This service answers calls for multiple co-ops across the U.S., and in instances of record high temps, there may be times when it is difficult to get through to report your outage. Please keep trying or check our outage map to see if your area may be included in an outage we are already aware of.
Knowledge is Power
Knowledge is power, and when it comes to outages, knowledge is also a comfort because it can tell you when the lights may be coming back on. With this knowledge, you can take any steps necessary to protect your family and your property. Providing up-to-date outage information is a great example of how co-ops work to keep members informed about their service and is part of OCEC’s ongoing effort to provide the highest quality of service at the lowest possible cost.
An example of an outage map available on OCEC’s website, www.ocec-inc.com or through the SmartHub mobile app.
Dan O'Neill 11th grade, Estancia Valley Classical Academy Edgewood in Santa Fe County Central New Mexico Electrical Cooperative
I’ve been working as an assistant manager for an online company called Contractor Exam Academy. I’ve also been volunteering for Presbyterian Hospice at Kaseman Hospital. I assist in the office with computer and paperwork. I plan to volunteer in the inpatient unit at Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital. However, because of the COVID-19 situation, volunteers are not allowed on the hospice unit. I am planning to attend the University of New Mexico after graduation. I am interested in radiology and my goal is to be accepted one day to the UNM School of Medicine.
Eli Terry 11th grade, Floyd High School near Floyd in Roosevelt County Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative
During the COVID-19 quarantine, I have had more time to focus on my FFA and 4-H projects. Since I did not have school from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or have track practice or track meets, I have found a lot to do at home. I have been taking dual credit college classes online, refinishing and painting furniture, raising laying hens, and raising 6 Holstein calves as well. Most recently, I have been studying and taking some practice tests for the ACT. All these projects have kept me really busy. Currently, my plans and dreams for the future are to attend and graduate college at Eastern New Mexico University to become a speech therapist. I am interested in a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and a master’s degree in speech therapy. I like the idea of going to college close to home and being able to finish with a master’s degree all at one college. I have looked into the speech therapy program, and I have seen that the program is well respected. Other than higher education goals, I hope to be happy in my life and serve God.
Ella C. Guerro 10th grade, Magdalena Municipal Schools Alamo Navajo Reservation in Socorro County Socorro Electric Cooperative
I have been taking walks with my dog, going fishing at my pond, riding my bike with my cousins, and taking care of my family. My plans for the future are to attend Emory University to become a sports therapist.
Emma Montgomery 12th grade, Artesia High School Piñon in Chaves County Central Valley Electric Cooperative
With the whole family being home, I’ve been able to spend a lot more time with them, which I’m very thankful for. Next year, I will be attending Texas Tech University and majoring in agricultural communications. I hope to serve the agriculture industry by marketing, advertising, and designing for a major agriculture magazine or company.
Heidi Garcia 11th grade, Belen High School Veguita in Socorro County Socorro Electric Cooperative
During this time in quarantine, I’ve picked up new hobbies like writing and making bracelets, but just like everyone else, I’ve been binge-watching my favorite Netflix shows. Once I graduate from high school, my biggest dream would be to study at the Anglo American University in the Czech Republic. I want to travel, meet new people, and learn about different cultures. I want to major in business and come back to the U.S. and go to law school. I want to live in Denver, Colorado, because I love urban cities, especially Denver because it’s close enough to my family.
Helen Bright 11th grade, Quemado High School Between Pie Town and Quemado in Catron County Socorro Electric Cooperative
I have had lots of time to do some of my favorite things, like art and music. On top of that, our ewe had a lamb which she refused to take care of, so I also ended up taking care of a lamb. I also really enjoy the art of cosplay (costume play), when I have felt like quarantine was hard all I had to do was get dressed up, and in some ways, I felt better as it is a way for me to deal with the constant stress of life on my shoulders. For my future, I haven’t completely thought out everything I want; I don’t have some
