Cloudcroft Tunnel eases access to electric services Page 14
The Cloudcroft Tunnel makes travel between Alomogordo and Artesia significantly faster. BACKGROUND PHOTO BY EILEEN FLINT. INSET PHOTO COURTESY OF SACRAMENTO MOUNTAINS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Sept. 1, 2025 • Vol. 77, No. 8
USPS 175-880 • ISSN 0046-1946
enchantment (ISSN 0046-1946) is published 10 times a year—every month except June and December—by the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association, 614 Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87505. enchantment provides reliable, helpful information on rural living and energy use to electric cooperative members and customers.
More than 113,000 families and businesses receive enchantment magazine as electric cooperative members. Nonmember subscriptions are available at $12 a year or $18 for two years, payable to NMRECA. Allow four to eight weeks for first delivery.
PERIODICAL POSTAGE paid at Santa Fe, NM 875019998 and additional mailing offices.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Postmaster, please send address changes to 614 Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87505-4428. Readers who receive the publication through their electric cooperative membership should report address changes to their local electric cooperative office.
THE NEW MEXICO RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION provides legislative and educational services to the cooperatives that are members of the association and deliver electric power to New Mexico’s rural areas and small communities. The mission of the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association is to strengthen, support, unify and represent cooperative member interests at the local, state and national levels. Each cooperative has a representative on the association’s board of directors, which controls the editorial content and advertising policy of enchantment through its Publications Committee.
OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tim Morrow, President, Springer Electric Co-op, Springer; Charles G. Wagner, Vice President, Western Farmers Electric Co-op, Anadarko, Oklahoma; Preston Stone, Secretary-Treasurer, Otero County Electric Co-op, Cloudcroft.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rusty Gwynne, Central Valley Electric Co-op, Artesia; Bill King, Central NM Electric Co-op, Mountainair; Chris Martinez, Columbus Electric Co-op, Deming; Keith Gottlieb, Continental Divide Electric Co-op, Grants; Antonio Sanchez, Farmers’ Electric Co-op, Clovis; Manny Bustos, Jemez Mountains Electric, Española; Bobby Ferris, Lea County Electric Co-op, Lovington; James Ortiz, Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Mora; Thomas G. Rivas, Northern Río Arriba Electric Co-op, Chama; Eric Segovia, Roosevelt County Electric Co-op, Portales; Raymond Ruffini, Sierra Electric Co-op, Elephant Butte; Manny Gonzales, Socorro Electric Cooperative; Joe Reeser, Southwestern Electric Co-op, Clayton; Wayne Connell, Tri-State G&T Association, Westminster, Colorado.
NEW MEXICO RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
614 Don Gaspar Ave. Phone: 505-982-4671 Santa Fe, NM 87505 Fax: 505-982-0153 nmelectric.coop enchantment.coop Vince Martinez, CEO Tom Condit, Communications Manager
DISPLAY ADVERTISING: Rates available upon request. Co-op members and New Mexico display advertisers, email Shaylyn at enchantmentads@ nmelectric.coop or call 505-252-2540. National representative: American MainStreet Publications, 800-626-1181.
Advertisements in enchantment are paid solicitations and are not endorsed by the publisher or the electric cooperatives that are members of the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association. PRODUCT SATISFACTION, COMPLAINCE WITH APPLICABLE ADVERTISING RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITY LIE SOLELY WITH THE ADVERTISER.
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Take a photo of yourself or someone else with the magazine and email it with a few words about the photo. Include your name, mailing address and co-op name.
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Email tcondit@nmelectric.coop.
Your Co-op’s Page
Your Co-op’s Page
Farmers’ Electric Cooperative Lineworker Blake Strack practices a pole-top rescue during training.
PHOTO BY HELEN JO WALLIN
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of New England. From quaint island villages to the breathtaking beauty of the coastline, summer in New England is a truly delightful experience. Discover the region’s rich maritime heritage, savor a traditional Lobsterbake, and marvel at grand mansions of the Gilded Age. Return to the comfort of your onboard sanctuary and bask in the warm camaraderie of fellow guests and crew.
ENERGY USERS AT HOME FIND
By Miranda Boutelle
Out of sight, out of mind. It’s easy to overlook the hidden energy users in our homes. Yet, every plugged-in device and ready-to-use appliance can lead to higher electric bills.
Let’s see if we can find some hidden energy savings for you.
Your water heater could be using more energy than necessary. Storage water heaters heat water to a preset temperature. When hot water is used, cold water replenishes the tank, lowering the overall temperature. The water must then be reheated to that preset level. If the water heater is set higher than needed, it wastes energy.
Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees at the factory. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the temperature to 120 degrees to save energy and reduce the risk of scalding. Do not set it lower than 120 degrees to prevent bacteria development in the tank.
Exterior security lights, porch lights and barn lights can use more energy than needed. Supposing they are on every night, that adds up to 4,380 hours—half the hours in a year. If those lights use outdated, inefficient technology, they waste energy. With that many hours, even a slight increase in efficiency can yield big energy savings.
Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs. If lights need to stay on, consider upgrading to motion sensor lights so you aren’t drawing energy all night.
Pools and hot tubs can also be big energy users. Since you don’t see the pumps or heaters by design, it’s difficult to know when they are operating and consuming energy. Pumps filter water to keep it clean and safe for swimming. Energy Star-certified pumps run at lower speeds and can be programmed to match your pool’s filtering needs, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They can pay for themselves in two years, are quieter and can
prolong the life of your pool’s filtering system.
Set your hot tub to a lower temperature when it’s not in use to reduce energy consumption. If your electric utility has time-of-use rates, consider scheduling accordingly.
Plug load is anything in your home that is plugged into an outlet. As we use more appliances and technology in our homes, plug load energy use increases. Check outlets around your home. Unplug any items you aren’t using.
For computer stations and entertainment centers, consider using smart power strips. These devices sense when energy is being used and turn peripheral devices on or off as needed.
Gaming consoles are another hidden energy user. Gamers often put them in rest mode when not in use. This allows them to complete updates and reduces startup time for the next session. It also means they are still consuming energy, even when not actively used. Powering off between gaming sessions can save energy. Ask the gamers in your life to power off. It may require a bit more time for updates, but every kilowatt-hour counts in saving energy.
It’s easy to make a habit of powering down and unplugging once you identify everything drawing power in your home. For upgrades, reach out to your electric utility about available rebates to help cover costs.
This content was originally created by Efficiency Services Group LLC under contract with NRECA. NRECA retains ownership of this content. NRECA does not endorse Efficiency Services Group, its views herein expressed, nor any products or services it offers.
Miranda Boutelle has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy. She has worked on energyefficiency projects from the Midwest to the West Coast. Today, Miranda is chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energyefficiency company.
Powering off between gaming sessions can save energy. PHOTO BY MARK GILLILAND
The Galaxy Overhead
The red planet, Mars, has been visible in our evening skies for more than a year now, but it finally bids farewell this month. At the beginning of September, it sets around the end of dusk, and it continues to sink lower to the horizon during the following weeks. Just before midmonth, it can be found close to the bright star Spica.
Saturn is well-placed for viewing this month, rising during dusk and remaining visible throughout the night. It is at opposition— directly opposite the sun in the sky—Saturday, Sept. 20. Saturn is normally referred to as the ringed planet. However, the rings were presented directly edge-on to Earth earlier this year, and even this month, they are only inclined 2 degrees away from edge-on. Telescopes will reveal little beyond the planet itself, although some of Saturn’s moons can be detected with moderate-sized instruments.
The morning sky continues to present the best planet display, with Jupiter rising one to two hours after midnight and the brilliant planet Venus rising an hour or so before dawn. Mercury can also be seen low in twilight at the beginning of the month, but it disappears into the dawn within about a week.
There are two eclipses during September, although neither is visible from New Mexico. The total lunar eclipse Sunday, Sept. 7,
can best be seen from Asia, Australia and eastern Africa, with the latter stages visible from the rest of Africa and Europe. The partial solar eclipse Sunday, Sept. 21, is primarily visible from the open waters of the southern Pacific Ocean, although it can also be seen from New Zealand, parts of Antarctica and some of the southeastern Pacific islands.
An interstellar comet, only the third-known visitor to our solar system from the outside galaxy, was discovered by a telescope of the ATLAS program in Chile at the beginning of July. It will be closest to the sun in late October and closest to Earth just after mid-December. It will pass close to Mars in early October. It could, conceivably, become bright enough to detect in larger backyard telescopes later this year.
That galaxy is easy to spot on September evenings. The hazy band of light we call the Milky Way is the combined light of countless distant stars spread across the plane of our galaxy.
In September, it arches high across the sky from northeast to southwest, shining brightest in the south in the constellation Sagittarius, where our galaxy’s center sits.
From the Southern Hemisphere, Sagittarius passes almost directly overhead, presenting a dramatic view of the Milky Way— one we in the Northern Hemisphere will not be able to see. e
A composite panoramic view of the Milky Way is photographed from the European Southern Observatory in Chile. PHOTO COURTESY OF EUROPEAN SOUTHERN OBSERVATORY/SERGE BRUNIER
PROTECTING THE PRESENT TO POWER THE FUTURE
There’s strength in choosing the rural way of life— rising early, working hard, and building something that lasts. At Tri-State G&T, we share that commitment and are working with our members to protect your way of life and power what’s next.
Our year-round wildfire mitigation program uses data-driven monitoring to identify and mitigate risk to protect critical infrastructure, and support the communities we serve— ensuring reliability and resilience at competitive rates.
That same focus drives how we plan our diverse energy mix—solar, wind, natural gas, hydro, and batteries— so we can weather any storm and meet the growing energy needs of the West. Now that’s reliability.
WHATEVER THE FUTURE HOLDS, WE’LL POWER IT.®
Learn more about Tri-State
Almost 80 years after it was built, the Cloudcroft Tunnel makes travel between Alomogordo and Artesia significantly faster.
PHOTO BY EILEEN FLINT
A Path for Power Cloudcroft Tunnel
By Florence Dean
Only one active highway tunnel is in use in New Mexico: the Cloudcroft Tunnel on U.S. Highway 82. It is subject to blockage from rockslides and falling trees from time to time.
During a slide, traffic backs up into High Rolls and drivers get out of their cars to visit. Some folks backtrack into High Rolls and take the mostly dirt road through Fresnal Canyon into Alamogordo. This road is passable for cars and the occasional ambulance, but big trucks have to wait.
Those who routinely travel U.S. 82 watch for rockslides while appreciating the convenience this road provides. For Otero County Electric Cooperative, which provides power in the area, it is an essential tool.
“The tunnel, along with the rest of Highway 82, is critical for OCEC to provide reliable electric service to Cloudcroft and the rest of the Southern Sacramento
eases access to electric services
Mountains,” OCEC CEO and General Manager Mario Romero says.
The Cloudcroft Tunnel is a vital part of what was originally known as Highway 83. Its necessity was recognized by local leaders as early as 1932. At the time, the journey from Alamogordo to Artesia required passing a treacherous mountain trail, dusty and twisting through the Sacremento mountains. In 1939, a delegation from Alamogordo, Tularosa and Cloudcroft met in Santa Fe to request construction of Highway 83 from Artesia to Alamogordo.
It would be another decade before that road was built. Construction began in 1947. The project cost $2 million, including the 528-foot-long and 34-footwide tunnel. It was said to be one of the heaviest and most expensive sections of highway ever built in New Mexico. The road snaked through Bailey Canyon from Toboggan—where the railroad sometimes stored trains—to Cloudcroft and down the mountain, through the
tunnel to Alamogordo. It was specified that no section of the road would have more than a 6% grade.
Construction involved cutting off a portion of a cave above the road where Native American artifacts were found. Water still runs down the side of the mountain here. In the winter, it freezes into an icy sculpture.
Dynamite used during the tunnel’s construction created fractures in the cave’s roof and walls, requiring workers to use more concrete than planned and narrowing the tunnel.
The tunnel opened Sunday, Nov. 20, 1949, with a gala attended by 1,000 people.
Over the decades, the tunnel has been rehabilitated and reinforced,. Rockslides occur east and west of the tunnel, sometimes major, occasionally small enough to damage a vehicle but not close the road.
Many of OCEC’s employees pass through the tunnel on their way to work, and the co-op frequently uses it to move equipment from its main yard and warehouses in Tularosa into the field throughout its service territory.
“The tunnel is something we don’t spend too much time thinking about, but when it is blocked, it causes a lot of inconvenience, longer outages and increases costs for our entire membership,” Mario says.
The Cloudcroft Tunnel opened in 1949, and made travel far quicker and safer. PHOTOS
Stay Safe This Harvest
Preparation and awareness are key to staying safe around electricity on the farm
Farming creates many opportunities for encounters with electrical hazards.
Planting and harvest season can bring long hours, weather constraints, tight schedules, seasonal workers and increased stress. Amidst it all, it only takes a split second for someone to come into contact with electricity.
From your most seasoned worker to your least, any person on your farm is at risk of becoming injured or killed due to electrical contact.
Before taking to the fields, farm workers should be aware of overhead power lines and keep equipment and extensions far away from them.
“Review overhead power line locations and height clearance with anyone and everyone working on the farm or doing business there,” says Safe Electricity Executive Director Erin Hollinshead. “Although farm work is filled with tight deadlines and heightened work stress, making time for safety, including electrical safety, can save lives.”
Never assume that because someone grew up on the farm that they understand the potential of stray voltage or other electrical hazards. Share these electrical safety tips with farm families and workers to keep them safe from accidents year-round:
• Start each morning by planning your day’s work and holding a safety meeting. Know what jobs will happen near power lines and discuss how to keep assigned workers safe. Emphasize safety above speed for everyone on the farm, especially during busy seasons.
• Educate everyone that electrical hazards include direct and indirect contact with an overhead power line or pole. Coming too close to a power line or pole could cause electricity to arc or jump. Direct and indirect contact can change electricity’s path to ground. Stray voltage can energize anything in its path, such as a truck, a tractor, an extension, the ground or a person.
• Keep yourself and equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines at all times. Stay further away from higher voltage lines. If you are uncertain of the voltage, maintain a distance of 18 feet.
• Use a spotter when moving tall equipment and loads.
• Position grain augers in their lowest position and lower truck bed boxes before moving. Sometimes a power line is closer than it
looks. Use a spotter to make certain you stay far away from power lines.
• Lower equipment extensions or elevators to their lowest possible level before moving or transporting. Wind, uneven ground, shifting weight and other conditions can cause you to lose control of equipment and make contact with power lines.
• Be aware of increased height when loading and transporting larger, modern tractors with higher antennas.
• Do not raise equipment, such as ladders, poles, or rods, into power lines. Non-metallic materials such as lumber, tree limbs, tires, ropes and hay, will conduct electricity, depending on dampness and dust and dirt contamination.
• Don’t use metal poles when breaking up bridged grain inside and around bins.
• Do not store anything—including irrigation pipes, hay bales and machinery—under power lines.
• Be aware of power line locations near grain bins. Always load and unload on the side without a power line. Contact your electric cooperative or utility with questions about grain bin power line clearance and Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations.
• Use qualified electricians for work on drying equipment and other farm electrical systems.
• Contact your co-op about damaged or downed power lines or poles. Lineworkers would much rather check out an issue than risk a potentially dangerous situation.
Tips for Large Equipment Operators
Operating large equipment is a dangerous job. Among the many dangers is the threat of electric shock.
Here’s a quick checklist of safety considerations for large equipment operators to keep in mind before beginning any job:
• Power lines sag over the years. If sagging power lines are in your way, do not raise them. Call your utility to fix the power lines and raise them high enough for you to work.
• Weather should be a consideration in your daily plans. Keep in mind that tall objects could be blown out of control by the wind, and water is a good conductor of electricity. Some activities are not appropriate for a damp or windy day.
• If you are on equipment that becomes entangled in power lines, do not step off the equipment. When you step off the equipment, you become the path to ground and receive an electric shock that could be fatal. Stay put, call your utility and warn others not to come near the equipment. Wait for lineworkers to shut off electricity to the power line, and confirm it is safe to exit equipment.
Cost Increases
The past five years have been a period of exploding costs for the electric utility industry and for broadband providers, pushed by soaring demand, supply chain challenges, raw materials shortages, increased labor costs and tariffs. The impact has been rapid increases in the cost of producing power, longer and more unpredictable project timelines and the need for more financing, all of which have driven electric rates up for residences, businesses and other end-users. Here’s a look at what’s contributing to the trend. Percent increase since 2020:
Check out enchantment’s newly redesigned website at www.enchantment.coop.
Enjoy the new look and user-friendly access to specific sections of the magazine.
Enjoy nature's
sweet catch
September is a great time to fish in New Mexico. Northern rivers and streams provide an abundant source of rainbow trout, catfish, and even walleye and northern pike.
Let’s reel in dinner with roasted fish with vegetables and wine sauce. The recipe calls for white fish, but any firm fish filets will do nicely. Add sweet peppers, carrots, potatoes and garlic, and a feast awaits.
Care for a handheld treat? Snickerdoodle cookies are packed with sugar, spice and chewy goodness, plus are easy to prepare. Bake a batch ahead of time, doubling the size of each cookie prior to baking to make them great for monsterdoodle ice cream sandwiches. Flavored ice cream rounds out this treat. Grab one from the freezer for on the go or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Monsterdoodle Ice Cream Sandwiches
1½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup butter, softened
½ cup vegetable shortening
2 eggs
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Coating:
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Prepared butter pecan ice cream
• Preheat oven to 400 F.
• Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray lightly with butter-flavored cooking spray.
• Mix together sugar, butter, shortening and eggs in a
sugar mixture until well incorporated to form dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
• In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon for coating the dough.
• Measure a quarter-cup cookie dough in hands, lightly squeezing together and rolling into a ball.
• Roll ball into the coating mixture and place on the prepared baking sheet, allowing 1 inch between cookies. Reserve remainder of the coating mix.
• Bake cookies 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven when slightly golden on the edges. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets.
• Soften ice cream and spread a spoonful on the bottom of one cooled cookie. Top the ice cream with a second cookie, and press ice cream edges into the remaining coating mix.
• Place monsterdoodle ice cream sandwiches in the freezer to harden. Sandwiches can be individually wrapped in foil and stored in the freezer up to two weeks if not eaten within a few hours.
Roasted Fish With Vegetables and White Wine Sauce
2 cups breadcrumbs
1 cup crushed corn flake cereal
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 eggs, beaten
1½ cups milk
6 firm boneless, white fish filets, fresh or thawed, rinsed and patted dry
2 cups fresh sweet peppers, seeded and sliced thin
3 cups fresh carrots, peeled and sliced
1 cup fingerling potatoes, halved
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 onion, peeled and sliced thin
Olive oil cooking spray
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Fresh or dried basil leaves to garnish
White Wine Sauce:
1 clove garlic, minced
6 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon each salt and pepper
4 tablespoons cornstarch
½ cup water
1 cup white wine or vegetable broth, if desired
• Preheat oven to 400 F.
• In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, corn flakes, flour, salt and pepper. In a second dish, mix eggs and milk.
• Coat each fish filet with egg mixture and then the flour mixture. In a skillet coated
with cooking spray, fry coated fish filets 2-3 minutes on each side, or until breading is set.
• While fish is frying, mix together peppers, carrots, potatoes, garlic and onion.
• Generously spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Spread vegetables onto the baking sheet, and stir to coat. Place in oven, stirring every 15 minutes until carrots are softened.
• Once the vegetables have softened, add fried fish filets on top, and roast fish and vegetables 5 minutes or until vegetables are slightly charred. Reserve the skillet.
• While roasting, mix together cornstarch and water until
no lumps remain.
• Remove baking sheet from the oven and allow to rest.
• In the skillet, cook onion and garlic in oil on medium heat until fragrant and translucent. Add red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
• Add in wine, stirring to incorporate. Allow wine to heat and evaporate, approximately 3-4 minutes. Stir in enough cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce to desired consistency.
• Serve roasted fish and vegetables with sauce. If desired, prepare buttered noodles or rice and serve fish and vegetables on top.
Makes 4-6 servings.
THE MARKET PLACE
Animals
SMALL HERD OF NIGERIAN DWARF GOATS FOR SALE. Most have blue eyes, some have moon spots. One to five years old. Five does, two wethers, one buck. Individually would cost $1000. Selling as a package for $500. Call (575) 430-4882.
CHICKENS FOR SALE, BROWN AND WHITE EGG LAYERS. 3-4 months old $10-$15. Smokey Ball, 575-749-3471. 1376 S Roosevelt Road 6, Portales, New Mexico 88130.
LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOG PUPPIES
$150. Mixed breed Great Pyrenees Anatolian Shepard females born June 26th. Goat guardian parent’s onsite. Maremma 8 year old spayed female working goats loves children $150. 575-278-2575 for more information.
RAMBOUILLET BREEDING RAMS AND EWES FOR SALE, young and ready to breed any time. 16 (sixteen) months old. Selective breeding for fine wool, twin births, and big lambs treated for ticks. Call 575-770-2881 or 575-770-7315.
Business
Aegis Energy LLC Electrical Contractor. Veteran Owned and Operated. Service Upgrades. Backup Generators, Mobile and Manufactured Homes. New and Remodel Construction. Residential Solar. Call 505-504-1319.
FREE COMPOSTED HORSE MANURE! I can load it in open pickups and trailers, also FREE. Ten miles north of Las Vegas, NM off Highway 518. Call Leslie at 505-690-8987 for more information.
Equipment
1979 GMC TRUCK, SIERRA BED 350 ENGINE AND 3X4 TON ALFALFA BALES FOR SALE. For more info call 505-681-8545.
HEAVY DUTY FORD BUMPER CAR. Four old 1800 and Trunks Leather. Wood burning heater with blower. Big Bear 4x4 four wheeler with tool box $950. Antique Grafting table. Camping table $200. Pull type bale loaders. Ford Tractor with 6 foot disk, 6 foot canon blade and 4 row lister Nice. All equipment. One 40 inch cast iron pot $450. 2001 Fleetwood RV 454 eng. Low mileage one owner. 42,370 miles. 3 Farm tractors 806, 1206, 1135 massy furgson. Pull type Road Grader. Call 505-235-8262.
Great Finds
BUYING OLD GAS PUMPS, PUMP PARTS, OIL CANS, GLOBES, ADVERTISING SIGNS THERMOMETERS CLOCKS, OLD LICENSE PLATES, OLD NEON SIGNS. Call the Gas Guy in Embudo 505-852-2995. Have TruckWill Travel.
HEADSTONES (I.E. CEMETERY MONUMENTS) is our business. Over 1,000 designs. An eternal memory of a loved one. TAOS MOUNTAIN HERITAGE. Call 575770-2507 or 575-758-3903 or Email: taos_mt_ heritage@msn.com. Alfalfa Bales for sale also. Website: www.taosmountainheritage.com
Real Estate
TUCUMCARI-1120 S SARATOGA, (Also next to US 54/Mountain Road) $20,000. City water close by. Big Mesa Realty, 575-4562000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461.
TUCUMCARI-1516 S SECOND STREET, THREE BEDROOM, TWO BATHROOM HOME WITH GARAGE AND CARPORT. $75,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
CONCHAS- 195 HIDDEN PLACE, SOLD, Septic, Power pole and water lines. Just over 1 acre. $50,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
CANADIAN RIVER-WEST UTE LAKESIX 40 ACRE +/- PARCELS. LAKE AND MESALANDS VIEW. Call for showing and pricing. Owner Financing Available. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
FORT SUMNER-SUMNER LAKE- 225 INDIAN PLACE, TWO BEDROOM, TWO BATHROOM HOME ON 20 ACRES WITH LOFT SPACE. Amazing views of the Pecos River valley. $325,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-7605461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
MILAGRO- 0000 PECOS SPUR, PRICE REDUCED, PORTILLO CREEK RANCH SUBDIVISION. Tract 6, 164 acres. Partial fencing. Wide open space. $80,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
MAGDALENA-0000 TBD STATE ROAD 169, 1.28 ACRES. Great mountain views 15 miles from Magdalena. Borders Cibola National Forest. Hunting potential. $15,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
DATIL/PIE TOWN- VARIOUS 40 +/ACRE TRACTS NORTH OF SAWTOOTH MOUNTAINS AND NATIONAL FOREST IN FORMER CRISWELL RANCH AREA. Call for pricing. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
SOCORRO, SAN MARCIAL-SOUTH OF SAN ANTONIO-WILLOW SPRINGS SUBDIVISION- 702 ACRES WITH SOUTHWESTERN STYLE HOME. Great views in the Chupadera Mountain foothills. $1,100,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
EASTERN NEW MEXICO- LET US SELL YOUR LARGE ACREAGE WORKING FARM OR RANCH. Broker is farm owner/operator and lifetime New Mexico resident. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
PROPERTY FOR SALE BY OWNER: 240 ACRES 8 MILES SW OF ESTANCIA, TORRANCE COUNTY, NM. $180,000. Additional 240 acres available nearby with water rights for a portion of the acreage, price to be determined. Call (575) 626-2591 for more information
To Place a Classified Ad
1. Visit www.enchantment.coop/classifieds and complete form. You will be contacted by email with price and deadline to submit check or money order.
2. Ads will not be accepted over the phone.
3. Or, complete form and select category.
4. Write ad on another sheet of paper.
5. Price:
40 word ads are $50
80 word ads are $100
To Send and Pay Your Classified Ad
1. Mail ad and payment (Payable to NMRECA)
NMRECA • enchantment
614 Don Gaspar Ave.
Santa Fe, NM 87505
PRIME BUSINESS LOCATION ON HISTORIC BRIDGE STREET JUST STEPS FROM LAS VEGAS’ HISTORIC PLAZA. Surrounded by beautiful historic commercial establishments, this building is an infill built in 1988 in the style of its neighbors. Downstairs retail; upstairs residential or 3 separate offices w/kitchen, dining area, & full bath with laundry. New roof 2024; central heat & air; security system; parking in back & on-street. Laurie Frantz, Real Broker, 505-9201346, lauriefrantz@gmail.com.
2 CONTIGUOUS PINON/JUNIPERFORESTED LOTS, 45.563 ACRES, MUJERES RANCH, CIBOLA CO. Electricity at lot line; well, septic needed. No HOA or covenants; MHs allowed. Owner financing possible. $99,500 for both. Big mountain views! Laurie Frantz, Real Broker LLC, 505-9201346, lauriefrantz@gmail.com
MULTIPLE BEAUTIFUL, PONDEROSA PINE-FORESTED LOTS IN PENDARIES SUBDIVISION. Lots available for purchase individually; prices as low as $5,000. Community water access & views. Laurie Frantz, Real Broker LLC, 505-9201346, lauriefrantz@gmail.com
OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A HISTORIC TIERRA AMARILLA PROPERTY. Two-story traditional adobe Garcia House with tin roof, built in 1881, with original interior adobe walls & wood floors in most of house. Property is zoned commercial & residential. Room in back was used as a stage. $200,000. Laurie Frantz, Real Broker LLC, 505-920-1346, lauriefrantz@gmail.com.
Deadline
1. Due the 7th, one month prior. Ads due Sept. 7 for the October issue.
Good to Know
1. Only members of New Mexico electric cooperatives may place ads.
2. We reserve the right to reject any ad.
4. Advertisements in enchantment are paid solicitations and are not endorsed by the publisher or the electric cooperatives of New Mexico.
5. PRODUCT SATISFACTION, COMPLAINCE WITH APPLICABLE ADVERTISING RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITY LIE SOLELY WITH THE ADVERTISER.
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Call: 505-982-4671.
80 GLORIOUS HILLY ACRES 3 MILES SOUTH OF MADRID OFF TURQUOISE TRAIL. Stupendous views of surrounding hills & valley. Many building sites, & good dirt road to the top of lower 40 acres; no graded road beyond that. Shipping container on large level spot on lower 40 acres would be great building spot. No utilities in place; no electric in area. Laurie Frantz, Real Broker LLC, 505-9201346, lauriefrantz@gmail.com.
LIGHTLY LIVED IN TOWNHOUSE OFF 4TH IN ALBUQUERQUE NORTH VALLEY. Open floor plan living/dining room & kitchen. Slider leads to patio & walled backyard. First floor primary 1b1bath, laundry room. Second floor 2b1b. 1-car garage. Energy efficient central heat/cooling, programmable thermostat, low E windows. $340,000. Laurie Frantz, Real Broker LLC, 505-920-1346, lauriefrantz@gmail.com
OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE- CIMARRON COUNTY, Let us sell your large acreage working farm or ranch. Broker is farm owner/ operator. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, OREC Broker 209965. 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
CATTLE/HORSE RANCH ESTANCIA/ CHILILI NM 209 SUBDIVIDED ACRES, Incredible 2843 +/- sq ft SW Pueblo style home with stunning mountain views. 2 car carport, 2 car garage, indoor outdoor dog kennel, 44 ft RV bay, 3 stall horse barn, huge hay barn, vet clinic with Priefert chute, livestock scale, poultry barn, livestock barns, riding arena, round pen area, greenhouse. $1,450,000 See SWMLS,MLS#: 1081470 Jay 505-263-7419
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AROUND NEW MEXICO
New Mexico’s rural communities, served by electric cooperatives across the state, are surrounded by breathtaking deserts, mountain ranges, and more than 50 national and state parks. From quiet villages to historic cities such as Santa Fe and Taos, the Land of Enchantment blends Native American, Mexican and Spanish cultures into something truly unique. Here are upcoming local events happening in the co op areas and beyond:
Fiestas de Santa Fe & Burning of Zozobra
When: Aug. 29–Sept. 7
Where: Santa Fe Plaza & Fort Marcy Park
This week‑long celebration of art, music, dance, parades and culture is highlighted by the symbolic Burning of Zozobra on the Friday before Labor Day. The “Old Man Gloom” marionette is burned in a large public event meant to symbolically burn away worries, followed by a fair and the fiesta opening. santafefiesta.org and burnzozobra.com
New Mexico State Fair
When: Sept. 4 14
Where: Expo New Mexico, Albuquerque
New Mexico’s annual state fair features rodeo competitions, carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, concerts, food vendors and family entertainment. statefair.exponm.com
New Mexico Jazz Festival
When: Sept. 4–28
Where: Venues in Albuquerque & Santa Fe
A month‑long jazz celebration brings NEA Jazz Masters, local and international artists to the area through free concerts and family programming. outpostspace.org/outpost-performance-space/newmexico-jazz-festival
Angel Fire “Cool Summer Nights” Music Series
When: Sept. 5, 12 and 19
Where: Angel Fire community venues
Outdoor evening concerts feature local musicians and are perfect for families to enjoy an evening out with music and dancing. visitangelfirenm.com/events
River Music Gathering
When: Sept. 12–14
Where: Brandenburg Park in Red River
Listen to folk‑ and Americana‑style music in a mountain setting, with multiple stages and a family‑friendly festival vibe.
4kredriver.com/events
Pie Town Annual Pie Festival
When: Sept. 13
Where: Pie Town, along US‑60
Visit for a quirky, country‑style pie bake‑off, pie‑eating contest and traditional games such as horseshoes and three‑legged races in a small rural community.
The White Sands Balloon Invitational fills the skies with vibrant hot air balloons, offering a breathtaking blend of color, scenery and community spirit. This beloved tradition has delighted spectators for more than 30 years, weather permitting.
Where: National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque
This world music festival features evening performances, workshops, films, cultural presentations, craft vendors and a family‑friendly Global Fiesta day. globalquerque.org
Chiricahua-Peloncillo Heritage Days
When: Sept. 20 21
Where: Geronimo Event Center, Rodeo
Visit the outdoor market, professional indoor presentations, have lunch on site, and join a field day birding tour of Cave Creek Canyon. friendsofcavecreekcanyon.com/events/heritage-days
Southern New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo
When: Sept. 24 28
Where: Las Cruces fairgrounds
Livestock and rodeo shows, carnival rides, and local food and crafts come together to create fun for the whole family. snmstatefairgrounds.net
Carrizozo Community Festival
When: Sept. 27
Where: McDonald Park and 12th Street, Carrizozo
Enjoy vendors, food trucks, a parade, vintage cars, children’s activities, live music and a butterfly flutterfly. This event coincides with the disc golf tournament at Community Park. carrizozoworks.org
Send your event details to eventcalendar@nmelectric.coop. Include the event title, date, town and a summary of the event. Include the event website address so readers can get additional event information. Submit the event notification at least 60 days before the event to meet our press deadline. Space is limited, and events are run at the discretion of the editor.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY TJEERD
Powering the Future Programs prepare students for energy careers
By Melanie Jones
From the soaring heights of wind turbines to fields of solar panels, the electric grid requires highly skilled professionals to power lights, entertainment devices, health care devices and AI data centers. Filling these roles takes hard work and training, and there are a variety of schools, internships and apprenticeships throughout the country to make that happen.
In the remote community of Kotzebue, Alaska, the convergence of necessity and innovation has created opportunities for electrical training focused on alternative energy. Kotzebue Electric Association is an electric cooperative whose reliance on expensive diesel fuel has driven the community to embrace renewable energy solutions and create hands-on learning opportunities for aspiring technicians.
Chad Nordlum started the energy careers program at Alaska Technical Center in Kotzebue with a grant and a plan. His goal is to open career opportunities to students while also meeting workforce development needs in his community. While the program is in
its infancy, he sees promise.
Alaska Technical Center is part of Northwest Arctic Borough School District, but it doesn’t just serve secondary students. It also trains adults to meet the unique workforce needs above the Arctic Circle.
Chad, energy project manager for the Native Village of Kotzebue, says the first round of solar energy and energyefficiency classes were successful.
“We’re designing our next round,” he says, which includes getting funding. “Those things take time.”
Although students aren’t required to stay in Kotzebue after completing the program, he hopes they do.
“We’re a pretty remote area,” Chad says. “We plan on a lot of them staying. Of course, the more skills you have, the more opportunities are available to you. Regardless, energy careers and alternative energy are good fields to go into.”
The technical school program isn’t the only initiative in Kotzebue preparing people for careers in energy. The Alaska Center for Energy and Power established Kotzebue as a research hub, creating real-world learning laboratories where students can gain
experience with energy technologies.
The T3 Alaska program—Teaching Through Technology—teaches rural high school and college students about careers in energy, and the co-op is deeply involved.
“Kotzebue Electric Association takes folks to the statewide conference, where professors come in and talk to kids interested in such careers,” Kotzebue Electric Association CEO Tom Atkinson says. “Kotzebue brings the kids to tour the cooperative and sit down and have conversations with our staff.”
Ready for Wind Power
Columbia Gorge Community College’s electro-mechanical technology program prepares students for careers in a variety of alternative energy positions.
“Our graduates are well-qualified to serve in any number of industries as largescale electrical service technicians,” says Tom Penberthy, the community college’s director of marketing and communication.
Graduates of the program go on to work in power generation and transmission, wind, hydropower and solar energy, manufacturing, industrial automation,
Electromechanical engineering graduate
Gilbert Cooksey works atop a wind turbine in Oregon.
DRONE PHOTO BY GILBERT COOKSEY
avionics and material processing.
Gilbert Cooksey is one such graduate. Originally from Panama, he maintains wind turbines for Avangrid in Oregon, where possibilities for careers are continuing to grow.
Most graduates begin their careers as plant maintenance technicians to round out their skill base before advancing into design, engineering or managerial roles. It is also common for students to take the first year of the program to learn electrical fundamentals and boost their credentials when applying for the electrician’s union.
The program has two options—a ninemonth certification program that can be completed in one year, or a two-year associate of applied science program. Several customized versions of the program have been tailored for industry partners, with evolving training needs for their existing workforces.
Students receive hands-on training in the form of weekly labs designed to reinforce the theoretical concepts learned in the classroom, expose students to a variety of industrial-grade equipment and components, and encourage them to develop their troubleshooting process and abilities.
Apprenticeships are not a required component of the program, but faculty members work to connect students with internships, apprenticeships and other
Crews install new panels at Kotzebue Electric Association’s solar farm. The co-op and local organizations focus on educating the next generation to build and maintain renewable energy in remote communities. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALASKA NATIVE RENEWABLE INDUSTRIES
starting positions within the industry. Industry partners currently recruiting from the electromechanical student pool with active internship programs include Trillium Engineering and Hewlett Packard.
Solar Experience
Florida’s abundant sunshine and growing commitment to renewable energy have created opportunities for solar energy technicians and installers. The Florida Solar Energy Apprenticeship Program provides a pathway to state certification as a Florida solar contractor, which allows installation of solar electric photovoltaics and thermal systems.
The apprenticeship program has been approved by the Florida Department of Education so graduates can work anywhere in the state, says Colleen Kettles of the Florida Solar Energy Center. While apprenticeships at that department are geared primarily to home and business installations, Moss and Associates in Florida provides a program that prepares apprentices for utility installation work.
“The Florida Solar Energy Center’s apprenticeship is a two-year program that includes 2,000 hours per year of on-the-job training, which is basically an apprentice’s full-time job,” Colleen says.
Then there is classroom instruction, which is 144 hours a year. Colleen says the center has about 295 hours of
classroom education over two years, including hands-on learning labs and assessments. About 10 employers participate in the program, with 35 to 40 apprentices.
On the Line
The backbone of America’s electric infrastructure is the power grid maintained by skilled lineworkers. These professionals require extensive training to safely work with high-voltage systems that can be lethal if handled improperly.
Lineworker schools across the country provide a foundation of learning for students who go on to complete on-thejob training through apprenticeships at electric utilities. Students learn to climb utility poles, work with energized lines and perform emergency repairs during storms and outages.
Some schools, such as the Southeast Lineman Training Center in Trenton, Georgia, and the Northwest Lineman College in Meridian, Idaho, promote high employment rates for graduates, often in the 90% range.
Alternative and traditional energy jobs exist for the taking, and learning opportunities are available. No matter where students live—above the Arctic Circle, in the Sunshine State or anywhere in between—they have the power to choose a career in energy. e
ABOVE: An Alaska Technical Center student builds a solar module as part of the energy careers program. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAD NORDLUM
BELOW:
Power Action
What sets community-owned utilities apart from other electricity providers
By Scott Flood and Sable Riley
That electricity charging your smartphone might seem identical anywhere in the United States, but the organizations providing it differ dramatically.
America’s power providers fall into three main groups: investorowned utilities, public power utilities and electric cooperatives. While IOUs supply electricity to about two-thirds of American households, public power and co-ops take a distinct community-driven approach, placing local needs above profits.
“An investor-owned utility is having to make a profit for their shareholders,” says Travis Million, CEO of Alaska-based Golden Valley Electric Association. “At a co-op, we’re owned by our membership. Any margins we make we either return to our members as capital credits or we reinvest that into our infrastructure to keep reliability high and costs down.”
Public power utilities also prioritize community interests.
Electric cooperatives deliver power to 13% of American consumers, prioritizing local needs and reliable service. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROB ROEDEL, ARKANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
Owned by local governments, these utilities are accountable to residents and local officials, keeping rates low to keep taxpayers happy. Decisions are made by locally elected or appointed officials accountable to their community members rather than distant shareholders.
Decisions Made Close to Home
At co-ops, members have a direct voice. Decisions are made by member-elected board members—not by distant executives in a high-rise boardroom.
“They’re truly the voice of the membership,” Travis says. “We get immediate feedback from them and staff on what they’re hearing from the membership so we can make quick decisions on how to address those issues.”
That’s a sharp contrast to IOUs, where decisions often come from faraway corporate offices with little connection to the people actually using the power. If a customer has a concern, they’ll likely have a difficult time getting the utility’s management to listen.
Tailored Solutions for Local Challenges
Because they operate close to the people they serve, community-owned utilities can respond quickly and effectively to regional challenges. Golden Valley Electric, for example, faces extreme winters where reliable electricity is a matter of life or death.
“When it’s 50 below zero in the middle of winter, electricity is not a nicety,” Travis says.
“It’s a necessity for survival.”
To meet that need, Golden Valley pre-positions crews and equipment throughout its service area to quickly handle outages—even in the most remote locations. IOUs, on the other hand, often prioritize urban centers where profits are higher, leaving rural areas with longer wait times or fewer resources.
Relationships Built Through Service
Ken Klotz, general manager of Ohop Mutual Light Co. in Eatonville, Washington, says one of the greatest advantages of community ownership is the ability to build meaningful relationships with the people they serve.
“While social media has some advantages, it does not compare to the real connections created by listening to our members,” Ken says. “A happy face or thumbs-up emoji is not the same as seeing a bright smile or hearing heartfelt laughter from members.”
Those relationships are cultivated through consistent and intentional in-person interactions. Ohop Mutual shows up yearround for its communities, participating in Fourth of July and Christmas parades, volunteering during 9/11 Day of Service cleanup efforts, hosting community dinners and organizating service projects.
“Local governance and member ownership helps us keep aligned with our goals and commitment to our members,” Ken says. “It reminds us that we are in business to serve others and this helps us prioritize what is important.”
Listening and Responding
That philosophy also drives membersupported programs that give back. At Golden Valley, the REDUCE (Responsible Energy Decisions Using Cost-effective Efficiencies) program offers low-interest financing for energyefficient upgrades, helping members lower their bills and improve their homes. Their Good¢ents Program— funded by members who round up their bills—has funneled more than $1.3 million into local nonprofits.
Ohop Mutual’s Operation Round Up does the same, helping members in crisis with essential needs like electricity, food, housing and medical expenses.
The Power of Neighborliness
While IOUs are focused on shareholder returns, co-ops and public power utilities are focused on people. That difference plays out in how electric utilities collaborate, too. Golden Valley works closely with other Alaskan utilities on infrastructure and providing mutual aid to get power back on after natural and man-made disasters cause widespread outages.
So the next time you flip a switch or charge your phone, it’s worth asking who’s behind the plug.
Beyond electricity, community-owned utilities also deliver trust, accountability and a long-standing commitment to the people they serve. And that’s a kind of power you won’t find on Wall Street. e
LEFT: Community support is central to cooperatives, which actively engage in youth programs, economic development initiatives and volunteer efforts. PHOTO COURTESY OF ILLINOIS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES. RIGHT: Co-ops quickly adapt to changing member needs, driven by community input and direct accountability. PHOTO COURTESY OF BLUEBONNET ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
youth art
October topic: Happy Halloween! Draw your best Halloween costume.
November topic: Happy Thanksgiving! Draw what you are thankful for this year.
Send Your Drawing By mail: Youth Editor 614 Don Gaspar Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505 By email: tcondit@nmelectric.coop
Deadline: Submit by the 9th, one month prior to publication.
Hooray!
Winners receive a $15 gift card.
Have a Youth Art topic? Email or mail to the addresses above, or call 505-982-4671.
5 items to include on the back of your drawing, otherwise YOU ARE DISQUALIFIED:
1. Name 2. Age 3. Mailing Address 4. Phone Number
5. Electric Co-op DON’T FORGET THESE ITEMS!
Artwork accepted up to age 13.
Congratulations to the winning artists who decorated their backpacks for back to school!
Isla Montoya • Age 8
Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative, Santa Cruz
Amaya Martinez • Age 8 Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative, Rio Rancho
Jeanne Morrissey • Age 5 Sierra Electric Cooperative, Caballo
Cassidy Robinson • Age 8
Otero County Electric Cooperative, La Luz
Lucy Boucher • Age 6 Continental Divide Electric Cooperative, Gallup
Aubree Torres • Age 11 Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative
Throw Yourself a Bone
The very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for.
The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion.
But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 30x60 HD power pocket binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Huntsman Blades for this ad only. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!
The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers.
Blade
Stauer® 30x60 HD Pocket Binoculars -a $99 valuewith purchase of Huntsman Blade $249* Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $170 1-800-333-2045 Your Insider Offer Code: HBK287-03 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
12” overall length; 6 ¹⁄2” stainless steel full tang blade • Genuine bone handle with brass hand guard & bolsters • Includes genuine leather sheath What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives
“This knife is beautiful!” — J., La Crescent, MN
“The feel of this knife is unbelievable...this is an incredibly fine instrument.”
— H., Arvada, CO
*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price. California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
Huntsman
Electrifying NM Since 1935
Tri-State Generation & Transmission
Western Farmers Electric Cooperative
Associate Member
Co-ops and IOUs
New Mexico’s electric cooperatives are member-owned, not-for-profit organizations focused on providing reliable, affordable power to rural areas. Unlike IOUs, which prioritize shareholders, co-ops reinvest profits locally, improving infrastructure and keeping rates fair.
Distribution
C o-op and G&T’s
Distribution co-ops deliver electricity directly to homes and businesses, maintaining local lines and customer service. Generation and Transmission providers supply power to distribution co-ops, managing large-scale generation and bulk transmission.
RPS and Loads
New Mexico’s Renewable Portfolio Standard requires utilities to increase renewable energy use, shaping how co-ops manage electricity demand. Co-ops balance integrating clean energy with providing reliable, affordable power to rural communities.
Beneficial
Electrification
Beneficial electrification uses electricity to replace fossil fuels in ways that reduce emissions, save money, and improve energy efficiency. From electric vehicles to energy-efficient appliances, co-ops promote this transition to benefit members and the environment.
Embracing the Latest Technology
Electric cooperatives leverage cutting-edge technology to improve reliability, efficiency, and member service. From smart meters and grid modernization, to renewable energy integration and cybersecurity advancements, co-ops adopt innovations to meet evolving demands.
Vegetation Management Efforts
Vegetation management is critical for maintaining reliable electricity and preventing outages. Electric cooperatives actively clear trees and manage vegetation near power lines to enhance safety and reduce wildfire risks.
