April 2024 enchantment

Truth or Consequences

enchantment

April 1, 2024 • Vol. 76, No. 4

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 Cooperatives, 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 NMREC. 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 COOPERATIVES provide 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 Cooperatives 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; Duane Frost, Secretary-Treasurer, Central NM Electric Co-op, Mountainair.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Charles Pinson, Central Valley Electric Co-op, Artesia; 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; Preston Stone, Otero County Electric Co-op, Cloudcroft; Gene Creighton, Roosevelt County Electric Co-op, Portales; George Biel, Sierra Electric Co-op, Elephant Butte; Joseph Herrera, Socorro Electric Co-op, Socorro; Joe Reeser, Southwestern Electric Co-op, Clayton; Wayne Connell, Tri-State G&T Association, Westminster, Colorado.

NEW MEXICO RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

614 Don Gaspar Ave. Phone: 505-982-4671 Santa Fe, NM 87505 Fax: 505-982-0153 nmelectric.coop enchantment.coop Charise M. Swanson, CEO, cswanson@nmelectric.coop Lonnie Tucker, Vice President, Communications, ltucker@nmelectric.coop

DISPLAY

By Charise Swanson New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperatives

Spring Brings Annual Meetings

Spring is in the air, and with it comes the beginning of the season for our member cooperative annual meetings.

Our New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperatives team loves to get out and see all of you as we travel around our great state of New Mexico. We have 15 electric cooperative members and three associate members in Arizona and Texas. We cannot forget to mention our two generation and transmission cooperatives in Oklahoma and Colorado, which supply our power. These upcoming meetings give us the opportunity to share pertinent information about accomplishments and the challenges we face in our cooperative world, in our state and across the nation.

Your participation is important. When you sign up for service with an electric cooperative, you become a member-owner of the cooperative. As a member, you have a voice in how the cooperative is operated. Your voice can be heard by serving on the board of directors or the nominating committee or by voting at each annual meeting to ensure your cooperative is led the way you would like. Collectively, every member’s voice helps shape the success of the electric cooperative.

Did you know we have the only member-owned, nonprofit model of its kind? You are the governance. Cooperatives were formed so rural America could serve itself with electricity when no one else would. The power—literally and figuratively—belongs to the people and is governed by the people who own it: you.

Electric cooperatives have governing bylaws that require them to host annual meetings. Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members. Each year, members

have the opportunity to participate in the election of directors/trustees to oversee the leadership of the cooperative.

Candidates are carefully chosen by a nominating committee, with members who take great pride in putting forth the most qualified candidates. Members have several options to cast their votes: by mail-in ballot, in person at the annual meeting or even electronically in some cases. Members have equal voting rights, and each member gets one vote.

Annual meetings are a tradition that celebrates our cooperative business model. These meetings bring members together to learn more about how their electric cooperative is performing financially, working to serve power needs and planning for future development. Members

The financial condition of the cooperative is reported every year. Fiscal responsibility is an important part of any business, and all employees have a responsibility for financial controls relevant to their roles at the cooperative. Financial transparency is a priority at your cooperative.

The annual meeting is also a time to celebrate you, our members. Each cooperative’s annual meeting is structured differently, but the objective is the same: to celebrate the cooperative’s achievements and success with their member-owners.

I hope you plan to attend your cooperative’s annual meeting this year. Don’t forget to visit the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperatives booth and say “Hello.” I hope to see you there!

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A Balanced Team for Reliability

The basketball teams that win the most in history are ones that are consistent and have players with varying abilities. Some are better at shooting three-pointers, some are best at defense.

Having a balanced mix of skills makes the team a powerhouse on the court. The way to keep electricity reliable is a bit like that, too.

The power team first requires a foundation of consistent sources that can be put in the game any time they’re needed. Having enough “always available” fuel sources such as natural gas and coal can ensure consistent power generation.

Just like a team needs different players for different situations, our power grid requires multiple sources to keep the grid running. Relying solely on one player to win every game is not an effective strategy—if they get injured, you’ll likely lose. Similarly, using a single fuel source for electricity generation poses a significant risk to energy reliability.

Natural disasters, geopolitical tensions or unforeseen disruptions can impact the supply chain of a particular fuel. A diverse mix of energy sources acts as a safeguard, ensuring the grid remains operational even in the face of unexpected challenges.

A diverse energy mix enhances grid flexibility by accommodating the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

Think of solar power like a team’s inconsistent three-point shooter. It’s awesome when the sun is shining bright, but what if it’s nighttime or a cloudy day? That’s where the other players, like wind, hydro, nuclear, natural gas, and coal can step up and keep the team scoring.

Diverse fuel sources contribute to the stability and reliability of the electric grid.

The different sources have varying characteristics, including generation patterns, responsiveness and storage capabilities. This diversity allows for a more balanced and resilient energy system

that can adapt to fluctuating demand and unforeseen circumstances. Having a mix of these energy sources is like having a team with different skills to handle various situations and scenarios.

A diverse set of energy sources is essential, but that’s not the only thing we need to have reliable electricity—or a winning team. Basketball teams are always trying out new plays or training rookies to create a versatile lineup. Similarly, electric cooperatives are constantly innovating to maintain reliability for tomorrow. However, creating new ways to make our power sources more efficient and reliable takes time, money and advances in technology that aren’t necessarily ready yet.

As we continue to work on the innovations of tomorrow, the key to keeping our electricity reliable right now is ensuring a diverse “team” of fuels. Each one brings something special to the table, and together, they make sure we have the power we need, whenever we need it.

A Time of Porpoise

Amemorable beach moment: You’re basking in the warm sun, toes in the sand, letting the gentle turn of the foam-capped waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation. As your eyes scan the endless horizon of blue on blue, you’re rewarded with a pod of dolphins making their way across the sea.

There’s no denying their signature shape as they leap from the water. If you don’t see anything else extraordinary the rest of day, you can take solace knowing you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most playful and human-like creatures in their natural habitat.

Why not re-create that special moment with our Balinese Dolphin Pendant? We’ve captured two dolphins midjump in sterling silver crafted in the Balinese style. Tucked between these beloved sea mammals is a full carat of shimmering blue topaz. Made by some of Indonesia’s finest artisans, this pendant is an absolute steal at JUST $29! That’s what we call our Stauer IMPOSSIBLE PRICE!

Nothing captures the shimmering color of the ocean in the midday sun like blue topaz. With its sparkling, clear blue color and high reflective index, blue topaz is one of the world’s top-selling gemstones. The Gemological Institute of America lauds topaz for its hardness, noting that blue topaz is known for its intense color that’s better than aquamarine. With this special price, you can score quite the catch.

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By Alan Hale

Total Eclipse of the Sun

The top celestial event during April will be the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. The eclipse will be total—the moon will completely block the sun—along a path that crosses north-central Mexico and central Texas, then continues across the midwestern and northeastern U.S. and far southeastern Canada. From Texas, totality will last for somewhat over four minutes, with this duration gradually shrinking as the path extends toward the Northeast.

This is the first total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. since August 2017 and the last one for more than two decades. The next is expected in August 2044.

From New Mexico, the eclipse will be a deep partial eclipse, with roughly 80% of the sun covered by the moon (a bit more as one gets closer to the path of totality, and somewhat less as one is farther from it). Mid-eclipse will occur around 12:30 p.m. As always, care should be exercised when examining the sun.

Jupiter, our solar system’s largest world, has been a prominent sight in our evening sky for the past several months, but that comes to an end in April. At the beginning of the month, the planet is still visible in the western sky as darkness falls and sets

about an hour and a half after the end of dusk, but by month’s end it sets well before the end of twilight. For what it’s worth, on Saturday, April 20, the distant world Uranus will be located close to Jupiter, an event that may be detectable with binoculars.

In the morning sky, Mars and Saturn continue their slow respective climbs out of the dawn. The two worlds pass relatively close to each other on Wednesday, April 10, and rise around the beginning of twilight by month’s end. On the mornings of the 5th and 6th, the crescent moon will add to the overall show.

Meanwhile, our two inner worlds—Venus and Mercury—are very low in twilight and pass close to each other on the 19th, but are buried so deeply in the dawn that the event will be difficult to see.

One additional sky sight during April will be Comet PonsBrooks. During the first half of the month, the comet should be visible low in the western sky after dusk as it travels through the constellations of Aries and Taurus. From favorable locations it should be dimly detectable with the unaided eye. Pons-Brooks will be above the horizon during totality during the eclipse on the 8th but will probably not be detectable without special equipment.

Total eclipse of the sun on February 26, 1979, from Southern Manitoba, Canada. The sun’s extensive outer atmosphere—or corona—is visible, along with a couple of prominences—large loops of ionized gas. PHOTO BY ALAN HALE

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Regularly sold for $99, we’re offering this collection of survival essentials to you for A FIFTH OF THE NORMAL PRICE! Why? Because we’ve had an incredible year and we feel like giving back to our valued customers. As this kit has proven to be one of our all-time best sellers, we can only extend this offer while supplies last. Of our initial run of 1,737, more than half have already sold. Your move, Mother Nature.

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Truth or Consequences

A town with a unique history and name

Story and photos by Lonnie Tucker

Welcome to another Adventure Awaits feature in the enchantment magazine. My goal is to take you along as I explore out-of-the-way locations around New Mexico. For this segment, I traveled to the small town of Truth or Consequences to highlight the historical importance associated with Ralph Edwards and the NBC Radio quiz program “Truth or Consequences.”

It is located in the heart of Sierra County along the Rio Grande River, about 150 miles south of Albuquerque.

History? The area was originally inhabited by Puebloan societies as early as 2000 BC, and in 1598 Juan de Oñate, a Spanish conquistador, led an expedition northward along the Rio Grande River bringing Spanish settlers to the area. They named the town Palomas Springs due the vast number of doves, palomas in Spanish, nesting along the Rio Grande, and the hot springs known for their healing properties by the local Indian tribes.

In 1914, the town changed its name to Hot Springs as the area become a popular spa destination. However, in 1950, Ralph Edwards who hosted the popular NBC Radio quiz program named “Truth or Consequences” promised to visit and broadcast his show from any town that would officially change its name to

match the name of his NBC program. Hot Springs was selected from numerous entries across the nation, and the residents voted unanimously to change the town’s name to “Truth or Consequences.”

The name was effectively changed on March 31, 1950, and Ralph Edwards broadcast the show on April 1, 1950, from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. For the next 50 years, Edwards visited the city named after his show for an event called “Fiesta,” which is still held every year during the first weekend of May.

When visiting Truth or Consequences, there is never a shortage of things to do and see in the region. Between visiting the distinctive galleries, shops, and Geronimo Springs Museum, to playing eighteen holes of golf at Sierra del Rio, enjoying

the pristine blue waters of Elephant Butte Reservoir, or rafting in the Rio Grande River, Truth or Consequences offers something for everyone. Spaceport America, the world’s first commercial spaceport designed and constructed for commercial space flight, is located twenty miles southeast of Truth or Consequences and tours can be arranged through Final Frontier Tours.

Before or after your experiences in Truth or Consequences, you may want to visit and enjoy the health benefits of soaking in one the many hot springs or finding that perfect meal! So, here are a few of my suggestions to help you plan your visit.

Truth or Consequences offer visitors an incredible opportunity to soak in the historic hot thermal springs along the Rio Grande. I visited Blackstone Hot Springs, Riverbend Hot Springs, and Sierra Grande during my trip, and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at each location. Riverbend Hot Springs is located on the bank of the Rio Grande offering incredible views and creating an unmatched atmosphere. The springs are fed by deep groundwater flowing freely to the surface without losing heat or minerals, producing pristine waters with temperatures ranging from 98 to 115 degrees, and contain trace elements of 38 different minerals. The water is regarded as some of the most heavily mineralized water in the United States.

Los Arcos Steak and Lobster restaurant is one of the best restaurants in New Mexico. A bold statement but be assured their food is second to none! For five decades, Los Arcos has built a solid reputation as one of the premier restaurants between El Paso and Albuquerque. You will find incredible food and impeccable service in a warm, comfortable atmosphere reminiscent of the days of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr.

It has a legendary menu highlighted by its own high-grade, hand-cut steaks, prime rib, lobster, fresh seafood, and chicken. Robert Middleton, Owner of Los Arcos Steak and Lobster, finds it impossible to select a favorite dish, but did highlight two Manager’s Specials; the Filet topped with

ADVENTURE AWAITS

crab and Bearnaise sauce and the Kabobs with tenderloin bits, shrimp, and lobster.

I ordered the Filet Monte Vista during my visit to Los Arcos. The charbroiled filet was cooked to perfection and topped with green chili and mornay sauce that left me craving more. I finished the evening with a slice of Bananas Foster Cheesecake that was absolutely remarkable. The perfect ending to an incredible dining experience!

Need a place to stay while you are in the area? Of course, you do. Look no further than the tranquil haven of Sierra Grande, a Ted Turner Reserves property. The hotel offers 17-guest rooms highlighted with Southwestern accents and historic décor, and a two-bedroom casita with private

indoor and outdoor hot springs soaking tubs that honor the legendary healing traditions first established by the region’s Native Americans. Sierra Grande also offers half and full day tours to Ladder and Armendaris for those interested in exploring southern New Mexico.

I hope this article inspires you to visit and explore this out-of-the-way location in New Mexico.

Los Arcos Steak and Lobster is open Monday through Saturday. Call 575-894-6200 for information or reservations.

Sierra Grande is at 501 McAdoo St. Call 877288-7637 for information and reservations. Tell them you read about them in enchantment magazine!

ABOVE: Steak, crab and more are on the menu at Los Arcos Steak and Lobster. TOP: Sierra Grande has 17 guest rooms, as well as hot springs for guest use.

Sharing Local

Generation and transmission cooperatives, such as Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc., generate electricity and deliver it to distribution co-ops, which then deliver it to their members.

TRI-STATE G&T

PHOTOS COURTESY OF

Local Power

Generation and transmission cooperatives are key to safe, affordable and reliable electricity

Electric cooperatives play a vital role in the daily lives of more than 434,500 people in rural New Mexico and millions across the United States. Many may not realize the complexity of delivering electricity across the Land of Enchantment to light up our homes and local businesses. This starts with our two generation and transmission cooperatives, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State) and Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (Western Farmers), who create or purchase our electricity and then pass it along to our fifteen electric distribution cooperatives who ensure it gets to you every single day.

These organizations share the same responsibility, vision, and mission of providing reliable, affordable, and safe electricity to you, their cooperative member, while following the seven cooperative principles that define our business model and operating practices.

Over the last several years, our cooperative business model has been under attack by for-profit energy traders who make claims they can build and purchase power generation with the “right” economic and environmental characteristics to supply their power portfolio to our distribution cooperatives better than our generation and transmission cooperatives. There are claims they can achieve this through short and long-term contracts for energy, capacity, and renewable attributes while providing transparent, and fixed-price agreements for electricity.

To understand these assertions, you must first understand the dynamics of the utility industry. First, an electric cooperative is a private, not-for-profit organization owned by you, and its cooperative members. Your cooperative’s

principal purpose is to responsibly deliver electric service to its members living in a defined service territory.

New Mexico’s first electric cooperative, Central Valley Electric Cooperative, was incorporated in 1937, to serve the rural communities of Chaves, Eddy, Lea, and Otero counties. Basically, your electric cooperatives have existed for decades and are operated by your community, as are our generation and transmission cooperatives. For example, Tri-State Generation and Transmission employs approximately 68 people in New Mexico.

After Central Valley Electric Cooperative was established, New Mexico added fourteen additional electric cooperatives starting with the incorporation of Northern Rio Arriba Electric Cooperative, in 1948 to serve Rio Arriba County. Since then, your New Mexico electric cooperatives have been powering rural communities like the one you live in today.

Second, electric cooperatives came together to establish regional generation and transmission cooperatives to provide a dedicated supply of reliable and affordable power to their electric cooperatives. Both Tri-State and Western Farmers provide wholesale power by generating electricity through a diverse suite of resources, including renewables, and transmitting this energy to their member cooperatives with Tri-State selling their excess energy on the open market and Western Farmers placing its energy in the Southwestern Power Pool marketplace. This helps keep your rates as low as possible and your electricity reliable.

Western Farmers was founded in 1941 and Tri-State in 1952, when their members came together to create their own wholesale power providers to better serve their communities and ensure local

control of power supplies.

Decades later Western Farmers and TriState’s success in serving their missions are the resiliency of the cooperative business model. Through democratic processes and transparency, each electric distribution cooperative designates a director to serve on their corresponding Western Farmers and Tri-State Board of Directors. The directors govern, lead, and ensure stability as they leverage opportunities and successfully manage the risks of power supply.

This is evident as both generation and transmission cooperatives move to ensure they have the power supply to meet their members’ requirements as they invest in strengthening their transmission systems and expand their energy resources.

In 2023, over a third of the energy Tri-State’s members consumed came from clean renewable sources, including wind, solar, and hydropower. Tri-State’s renewable portfolio is significantly expanding, especially in New Mexico.

Tri-State’s Escalante Solar Project, the largest solar array in New Mexico, is being built on the site of their former, 253-megawatt, coal-fired Escalante Station, which was retired in 2020, as TriState pursues its landmark Responsible Energy Plan. The 200-megawatt solar project consisting of 500,000 solar panels is expected to be brought online in April 2024 and deliver enough electricity to power 40,000 homes.

Tri-State’s renewable energy portfolio will exceed more than 2,000 megawatts in 2025, providing 50 percent of the energy generated and delivered to members from clean renewable energy. Tri-State is five years ahead of New Mexico’s Energy Transition Act requiring a statewide renewable energy standard of 50 percent by 2030. Tri-State will add 1,250-megawatts of renewables and energy storage between 2026 and 2031 with 70 percent of the members’ energy coming from clean sources by 2030.

Western Farmers owns and operates a diverse power generation fleet consisting of steam and gas turbine power generation sites, and a coal plant, in addition to eight utility-scale solar farms and 13 community solar farms. They also have

power purchase agreements for wind, solar, natural gas, and hydroelectric generation. The total combined capacity for owned and contracted assets is almost 2,400 megawatts, all located in Oklahoma and New Mexico. Western Farmers has a large renewable energy presence, with some 956 MW of wind energy, from 14 sites, and 83 MW of solar, from 22 sites, including both utility-scale, community, and purchase agreements.

Renewable energy has its advantages, but generation and transmission cooperatives need to have a reliable form of energy production in the event of severe weather or a natural disaster. Both Tri-State and Western Farmers recognize this risk and have a diversified energy portfolio of coal, natural gas, oil, solar, wind, hydropower, and energy purchase agreements. When renewable energy

production fails to generate the necessary energy for their members, they have reliable backup generation options to fill the energy needs of their members.

Local support for New Mexico’s electric cooperatives is always a priority for TriState and Western Farmers when their members experience a significant power outage. Tri-State recently assisted Socorro Electric Cooperative when lightning struck a primary transformer in their Magdalena substation causing a power outage. A mobile substation was brought in from Nebraska and crews worked together to reenergize Socorro’s system. Western Farmers has also answered the call to help when their electric cooperatives experience power outages caused by severe weather and wildfires.

Your New Mexico electric cooperatives have partial ownership in Tri-State and

Western Farmers, and each cooperative has a representative that serves on their generation and transmission association’s board of directors setting strategic direction and making key business decisions. Fifteen rural electric cooperatives in New Mexico recognize you cannot achieve your goals alone. Collaboration is the key to a cooperative’s success, and both Tri-State and Western Farmers are there for their cooperatives 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. You will not get this kind of service from a for-profit energy trader.

When it comes to providing transparent financials, both Tri-State and Western Farmers are fully transparent and the financial strength of these cooperative G&Ts benefit their cooperative members and their consumers. They are among the largest generation and transmission

cooperatives in the country in terms of total assets, annual operating revenue, and energy sales. Their positive operating cash flows and strong liquidity help them maintain their coverage ratios and allow them to return capital to their members and support their investment grade credit ratings. These numbers are verified as both Tri-State and Western Farmers’ filings with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) are available for review on the SEC and company’s websites.

All of New Mexico’s electric cooperatives rates and tariff schedules are filed with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC). These rates are for delivered energy to the end consumer, the cooperative member. However, the for-profit energy trader, is not regulated by our Public Regulatory Commission. One electric cooperative who purchases

power from an energy trader has asserted their rates are 35 percent lower than any of the cooperatives in New Mexico served by Tri-State. According to rates filed with the Public Regulatory Commission, their rates actually fluctuate monthly and are comparatively in the middle of the eleven cooperative members served by Tri-State. Electric cooperatives benefit as owners of Tri-State and Western Farmers by building generation and transmission assets, having access to wholesale services, purchasing power, policy and regulation representation, ability to navigate industry challenges, and access to generation and transmission staff expertise. Your generation and transmission associations and electric cooperatives are stronger together, and the cooperative business model is alive and well in New Mexico because of this cooperative partnership!

Tri-State provides power to 11 of New Mexico’s distribution co-ops.

Celebrate Earth Day:

Why Taking Steps to Conserve Matters

By Miranda Boutelle

On Earth Day, we celebrate this beautiful planet we are lucky to call home. During this day of appreciation, I encourage you to take action at home by making changes to conserve energy. If we all contribute, even small adjustments to how much energy we use can have positive impacts.

Electricity is essential to our daily lives. It gives us opportunities to learn, keeps us safe and comfortable, and provides entertainment. The downside is that every source of energy generation has consequences. Fossil fuels emit carbon. Hydropower dams limit the passage of migrating fish. Wind turbines can harm birds. Even solar panels can’t be made without mining minerals. Using less electricity is a way to mitigate the impact of producing the electricity that powers our lives.

Before diving into ways to use less energy, it’s important to know the difference between conservation and energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency refers to equipment that uses less energy to do the same job. For example, Energy Star refrigerators keep your food just as fresh as standard models but use about 9% less energy to

do it, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Conservation is using less energy by changing behavior and practices. For example, adjusting your thermostat closer to the temperature outside or turning off the lights or a ceiling fan when you leave the room conserves energy.

Conservation has the best return on investment. It’s often free and can save a little or a lot—depending on what you are changing and how drastic the change.

Let’s start with what’s typically the biggest energy user in the average household: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning—or HVAC—equipment. Save energy while you sleep by programming your thermostat to be a few degrees closer to the outside temperature at night. In colder climates, add an extra blanket or comforter to your bed to keep you warm.

Typically, the second biggest home energy user is the water heater. Replacing an electric storage water heater with a heat pump/hybrid water heater is a great example of an energy-efficiency project. Adjusting the temperature setting to the recommended 120 degrees and using less hot water in your home conserves energy. Wash clothes in cold water. When washing dishes, don’t let the hot water run

longer than necessary.

Earth Day also lends itself to thinking of ways we can connect with each other and limit our screen time. Look for electricity-free opportunities with your family or community. I like to unplug and get outside with friends and family. Going for a hike, walk or even spending time in your yard or local park is a great way to reconnect with others and nature. Before you head out, adjust that thermostat and turn off everything possible. Unplug chargers from outlets and turn off all electronics and lights.

I am grateful for this planet. It offers so much to sustain us. Any small changes we can make to benefit the Earth can add up if we all pitch in.

By Sue Hutchison

Healthy Treats Throughout the Day

Summer is on the way! While many work hard through the winter months to keep food on the table and ranch work up to date, some wonder what to do with that extra winter layer that stuck around after a plethora of holiday celebrations. April’s recipes to the rescue!

Each recipe is simple and can be made with healthy alternatives. Chicken and noodle slow cook is quickly assembled in a slow cooker and is rich with flavor and filling nutrition. Throw it together in the morning, and it’s ready for dinner when you are.

Charcuterie is a popular treat these days. It may seem daunting, but it is simply a tray filled with prepared meats and cheeses. You don’t need a fancy board either—a platter or baking sheet will suffice. Children or guests hanging around the kitchen? They love being artistic while arranging items. The ingredient list included is a guide for starting a family tradition of hearty and nourishing grazing. With a full charcuterie board ready, dinner may not even be necessary.

What is easy to make and healthy? Throw together a pan of bran and grain bars. Don’t let the lengthy ingredient list be daunting—most of the ingredients are found in a well-stocked kitchen. Mixed in one bowl using a couple of spoons and a measuring cup, the bars are perfect to hand off to a loved one running out the door in the morning. Portable nutrition? You bet!

Sue Hutchison was born and raised a block from the freeway in Southern California. She had an early start with industrial, largescale cooking before age 20. She's always been both a beach bum and at home in the kitchen, where she enjoys making new creations.

Chicken and Noodle Slow Cook

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped, cooked and flaked

1 10- to 12-ounce bag frozen diced carrots and peas

1 teaspoon dill weed

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

2 cans lowfat cream of chicken soup

2 cups milk

2 teaspoons butter, softened

1 24-ounce package prepared frozen noodles

Spray slow cooker insert with cooking spray.

Place chicken, frozen carrots and peas, dill, salt and pepper into the insert. Stir to mix.

In a mixing bowl, mix soup, milk and butter together with a fork until blended. Pour on top of the chicken mixture.

Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 to 7 hours. An hour before serving, add frozen noodles with just enough hot water to cover the noodles. Stir, cover and warm until noodles are cooked. Serve with bread or crackers. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Guest-Friendly Charcuterie Board

Assemble a variety of the following:

Sliced lunchmeat, such as turkey, ham, roast beef, salami, etc.

Cheeses, cubed or crumbled, such as blue, spiced, cheddar, American, etc.

Berries

Melon

Grape or cherry tomatoes

Crackers

Flat or raised bread, sliced or torn into chunks

You can prepare items beforehand and create your board or have guests pitch in and get creative. Be prepared to find any needed utensils. Have fun while chatting and assembling. Enjoy!

Bran and Grain Bars

1 cup bran bud type cereal

1 cup warm water

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ cup old-fashioned oats

1 teaspoon orange zest (juice reserved)

½ teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 F.

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 egg

2 cups flour

1 cup milk

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup chopped walnuts

Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

Remaining juice of orange

Add cereal and water to a mixing bowl and allow to rest. After 5 minutes, add in the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, oats, orange zest, baking powder, salt and egg. Stir to incorporate and allow to rest for another 5 minutes.

Spray a medium-sized rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.

In a mixing bowl, stir in the flour until a stiff batter forms. Stir in 1 cup milk, cranberries and walnuts. Spread onto the prepared baking sheet until batter covers the sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool.

To prepare the glaze, whisk juice and powdered sugar until crumbs form. Add just enough milk to make a consistency easy to drizzle. Drizzle on cooled bars and cut as desired. Makes 15 medium-sized bars.

THE MARKET PLACE

Animals

NOT ALL WATER TANKS ARE CREATED EQUAL! Are quality, value and longevity important to you? Buy high specific gravity, heavyweight, long warranty, superior black NRCS tanks. Lowest prices only provide minimum standards, lower weights and shorter warranties. Find out more! 575-430-1010.

NEW MEXICO DRINKING WATER STORAGE TANKS, heavy-duty black poly. Fittings customized to your needs. NRCS and EQUIP approved. High specific gravity, heavyweight, long warranty, algae resistant, black NRCS water tanks. Call 800-603-8272 or 575-682-2308.

SADDLES AND TACK. Everything for the horse. Western & English tack bought and sold. Rancho Elisa Stables LLC, 500 Route 66 East, Moriarty, NM 87035. Call 505-832-5113 or email ranchoelisastablesfr@swcp.com

LET US MARKET YOUR LIVESTOCK. Live auction every Wednesday at 11 am. View online at dvauction.com, country bid or live auction. If you’ve got’em, we’ll sell’em. Call 575-374-2505. fivestateslivestockauction@gmail.com

BLACK ANGUS BULLS - thick easy fleshing, low maintenance bulls. Range raised at high elevation. Trich and fertility tested. Low birth weight and Herd bulls available. 18-month old bulls available now starting at $2,600. Yearling bulls available in the spring starting at $2,200. Call Bobby Salvo at 575-642-0962 for more information.

PIGS FOR SALE- Mangalista/Hampshire Pigs (Kobe of Pork), (5) 120LBS pigs each $120, also have (2) 400+LB pound pigs ready for butcher $400 each. All grain fed no slop. Will trade or offer discount if multiple bought. Call Manny 505-553-2633.

FOR SALE: SHEEP GUARDIAN PUPS. Born Feb. 4 at the sheep camp with sheep and other guardian dogs, working dogs not pets. Preference to sheep owners with predator problems. Call 575-770-2881 or 575-779-7315.

BREEDING RAMS STILL AVAILABLE, born Apr. 2023. Purchase now for fall breeding schedule. Background of twins, fine wool grade and big lambs. Treated with dewormer and tick free.

BLACK/WHITE BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES. Born 12/18/23, vaccinated, wormed, hearts checked. Excellent pedigrees, ABCA registered. Both parents work cattle and sheep. 400. males, 500. females. Northeastern NM, can help with delivery. 575-375-2972.

ORGANIC PLANT FOOD, worm casting. 40 pounds per (5) gallon bucket. $25 with my bucket. $20 with your bucket. In Deming and Silver City area. Call 575-545-3704.

Business

SHREDMASTERS COMMERCIAL

AGRICULTURE shredding services ask about our c.r.p. rate serving Clovis Curry county and surrounding area call or text 575-791-5050

Equipment

GREAT OFFER ON SOLAR SUBMERSIBLE SHALLOW/DEEP WELL PUMPS! NRCS approved with two-year warranty on selected pumps with affordable, easy installation! For a custom quote, call 505-429-3093 or email us at solarwellpumpsonline@gmail.com, 24/7 service. Order online at our website: www.solarwellpumpsonline.com

DRINKING WATER STORAGE TANKS, heavyduty black poly, proven algae resistant. 125 to 11,000 gallons, NRCS and EQUIP approved. Please give us a chance to serve you! MasterCard or Visa accepted. Call 575-682-2308 or 1-800-603-8272.

OVERHEAD FEED BINS. 1 to 4 compartment, 12 to 48 tons. Any size free standing cattle guards, no footing needed. Dealer for T & S Feeders. Emery Welding, Clayton, New Mexico. Call 575-3742320 or 575-207-7402.

Email: eweld98@yahoo.com

350 JOHN DEERE MANURE SPREADER, chain driven, excellent shape, no rust. $5500.00. RHINO HPHD 3 POINT POST HOLE DIGGER, heavy duty, excellent shape, with stand & extra weight. $400.00 JOHN DEERE GRAIN DRILL, 11 ft grain box, 16 row units, good shape. $500.00. Call 575-666-2145.

IRRIGATION PIPE FOR SALE! 6”, 8” & 10” PVC and Aluminum used pipe available. T’s, Elbows, plugs, hydrants, valves, etc. Half the price of new! It’s time to make irrigation more productive and efficient. Delivery available. Call Sierra 575-770-8441.

WANTING TO BUY 3. HITCH PLOW for an old farm tractor. Call 575-770-2507.

Great Finds

BUYING OLD STUFF: Gas pumps and parts 1960’s or earlier, advertising signs, neon clocks, old car parts in original boxes, motor oil cans, license plate collections, Route 66 items, old metal road signs, odd and weird stuff. Fair prices paid. Have pickup, will travel. Gas Guy in Embudo, 505-852-2995.

RAILROAD ITEMS WANTED: Kerosene lanterns, brass locks, keys, badges, uniforms, bells, whistles, and pre-1950 employee timetables. Always seeking items from any early New Mexico railroad, especially D&RG, C&S, EP&NE, EP&SW, AT&SF, SP or Rock Island. Call Randy Dunson at 575-760-3341 or 575-356-6919.

HEADSTONES (I.E. CEMETERY MONUMENTS) is our business. Over 1,000 designs. An eternal memory of a loved one. TAOS MOUNTAIN HERITAGE. Call 575-770-2507 or Email: taos_mt_heritage@msn.com

Website: www.taosmountainheritage.com

OLD SCHOOL SIGN PAINTER, hand lettered signage, windows, walls, vehicles, wood, metal or banners. For more information, call A. Sanchez at 505-498-7743.

BEAUTIFUL 1929 WOOD/COAL STOVE.

Enameled cast iron art-deco in red/green. 30X45X22. Very solid, minor blemishes. Good for store, large room. Not air tight. Orbon Tileona. $350. Email grassmountainllc@gmail.com

FOR SALE. 1,000 GALLON PROPANE TANK. Good condition. Contains approximately 20% propane. Located in Capitan, NM 88316. Asking $3,000. For more information call Pat Huey at 575-937-8642.

2015 ARCTIC SILVER FOX 35-5Z RV CAMPER.

50 AMP Progressive Surge Pro, 4.5-5.5 KW Propane Generator, Ceiling Fan, Fiberglass

Exterior, Fireplace, Power Roof Vent w/rain, Receiver Rear Hitch, TV in Living room & bedroom, Cabinetry. Upgrade (Deluxe), Inverter 2000 watt, Propane Plumbing for small tank or permanent tank. $38,500. Call 806-264-2425.

FREE MANURE. You load. Near Moriarty. Call 505-553-3983.

Real Estate

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING IN DEMING? Call Heather Wood at Lamplight Realty, LLC 575-936-4100 or cell 575-494-6331, e-mail heather@lamplightrealty.com or visit the website at www.lamplightrealty.com

ADOBE HOME AND CASITA IN TORREON, NM - gorgeous adobe stucco wall, great BNB opportunity. Huge horse barn with three stalls, 1.5 acres of land, 4-bedroom, 2.75 bath, 2,542 approximate sq. ft. Contact Nick Ceccacci at 505-206-4119 or visit MLS #1041671 for more information.

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.

UTE LAKE, LOGAN, NM VACATION RENTAL.

Minimum 2 nights. $150 night. 2BR, (Queen bed and 2 twin beds), extra sleeping mattress, 2 couches, 2 full Baths, view of lake, fenced backyard, Smart TV, Wi-Fi, Dishwasher, laundry, window ACs each room. Walk in ready with coffee. Just bring your food. Enjoy large front covered deck with table and plenty of seating, BBQ. Reservations, information 405-639-8748.

CLOVIS, 809 S PRINCE, Vacant land south of Prince/Brady intersection, Just under 5 acres. Commercial potential. $135,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-7605461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

TEXICO-NORTH, 2436 SR 108, 2bd/2ba home, 3 car detached garage, well, 7 acres, $199,500. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

TUCUMCARI, 1120 S SARATOGA, (US 54/ Mountain Road) $20,000. 0000 TBD Quay Road 63.4, (Tu-Cam Subdivision) Two 1 acre lots, $10,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

CANADIAN RIVER-WEST UTE LAKE, Six 40 acre +/- parcels. Lake and Mesalands view. Call for showing and pricing. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

CONCHAS- 631 CONCHAS DRIVE, 3bd/2ba home, 30x40 barn. $180,000, 626 Hidden Place, 3 adjoining lots, water, electric, septic. $50,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-7605461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

SANTA ROSA, 1070 BAR Y ROAD, Hollywood Ranch Subdivision. Three parcels totaling 41 acres. Water, electricity, fencing. $125,000, Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-7605461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

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:

One column inch ads are $100 (roughly 32 words or 211 characters)

Two column inch ads are $200 (roughly 50 words or 364 characters)

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

MILAGRO, 0000 PECOS SPUR, Portrillo Creek Ranch Subdivision. 164 acre lot. Close to I-40, $84,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

LAS VEGAS, 0000 TBD ROMERO STREET, .2 acre vacant lot, Historic city close to mountains. $45,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

MOUNTAINAIR, 0000 CLIFFORD TRAIL, (CR BO22), PRICE REDUCED, 132 acres vacant land. Close to Manzano mountains. $100,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

SAN MARCIAL-SOUTH OF SAN ANTONIO, 27 Winchester, 702 acres with 3bd/2ba southwestern style home. Chupadera Mountain foothills. $1,249,000. 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. Big Mesa Realty, 575-4562000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www. bigmesarealty.com.

EASTERN NEW MEXICO - Seeking large acreage farms and ranches to sell. 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.

4,200 SQUARE FOOT, two story adobe farmhouse with acequia built in 1881 in historic Tierra Amarilla. Zoned both commercial and residential. Great for gallery, studio, restaurant, Air B & B, shop, or home. Call 575-588-0450 - leave your name and number.

10 ACRE LOTS. Water & Electricity. $55,000 each. $3,500 down. 3 miles from Villanueva. Call Doug at 505-690-0308.

Deadline

1. Due the 7th, one month prior. Ex: Ads due April 7 for the May 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 AND DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITY LIE SOLELY WITH THE ADVERTISER.

6. Enchantment prints monthly, except for June and December.

Questions?

Call: 505-982-4671.

CONCHAS DAM: 219 W. Baranca 1995 Crest Ridge MH. Furnished 3 br 2 bath. Metal roof and enclosed by a chain-link fence. Has a detached storage shed plus room to add a carport or garage. Front deck and rear porch. View of the lake from kitchen. Pictures online. $120,000. Call 575-760-6473.

Vehicles

2006 31 FOOT SUNSEEKER motor home by Forest River, Has 35,000 miles on it, a generator, slide out and 2 TVs and everything works $18,000. Call 575626-7138 or 575-626-4230 in Hagerman, NM.

PROJECT CAR 1979 TRIUMPH TR7 GARAGED, 80% restored, Convertible, parts car included $2000 BO 60,000 miles. 505-302-8052.

1995 FORD F-250. 4X4 5.8 GAS ENGINE. Utility truck with locking doors. Brand new automatic transmission with warranty. $13,500 OBO. New windshield, radiator and many new upgrades. Call or text Joseph, 505-610-9740.

1997 FORD EXPLORER. Some issues but runs good. $1,500. Near Moriarty. Call 505-553-3983.

Name:

Address:

City:

State: ZIP:

Phone:

Cooperative:

Select Category Below

Animals Great Finds

Business Real Estate

Equipment Vehicles

AROUND NEW MEXICO

The Land of Enchantment. New Mexico is filled with stunning desert landscapes, breathtaking mountain ranges, and a diverse range of 18 national and 35 state parks, not to mention historic cities such as Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Taos. New Mexico is a fusion of culture with Native American, Mexican and Spanish heritage. It is a truly unique state offering something for everyone. Here are a few local events you might want to add to your calendar:

April 6, Magdalena

Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array Tour

The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array is located 50 miles west of Socorro. The VLA hosts three guided tours on the first and third Saturdays of each month at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Guided tours do not require reservations in addition to your advance admission purchase. Simply show up at the VLA Visitor Center 30 minutes before the desired tour time. Guided tours last about one hour and give visitors insight into the past, present and future of the VLA. Staff and VLA volunteers are on hand to answer questions. public.nrao.edu/visit/very-large-array/tours-andevents

April 6, Santa Fe

Santa Fe Artists Market

Come out and see a wide variety of fine art and crafts from local juried artists at the Santa Fe Artists Market in the Santa Fe Railyard. Now in its 15th season, the market showcases pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, sculpture, woodwork, furniture, textiles and more every Saturday from March through December in the Railyard Arts District. Look for it in the West Casitas venue, north of the water tower. www.santafeartistsmarket.com

April 6-7, Albuquerque

Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Fest

One of the world’s largest festivals for chocolate, coffee and gourmet foods returns to Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque on April 6 and 7, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Indulge with 200 delicious vendors, culinary classes and demos, live music

and exquisite tastings. An experience for the whole family. www.chocolateandcoffeefest.com

April 12-14, Las Cruces

Las Cruces Pecan Festival

Come to the Las Cruces Pecan Festival and spend the weekend with your family. Not only will there be children’s activities like our pecan hunt with prizes, but for the adults there will be a beer and wine garden, raffles and cornhole competition. Come for the day to play, eat and enjoy top-notch entertainment in a beautiful, tree-lined park with its own pond. lascrucespecanfestival.com

April 13, Ruidoso

Rotary Club of Ruidoso Duck Race

The Ruidoso Rotary Club is racing ducks on the Rio Ruidoso for this family-friendly fundraiser at Two Rivers Park. Adopt ducks and help raise funds for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. It’s a community event with entertainment for the entire family, so be sure to join the fun. Ducks go in the water at 11 a.m. Grand Prize is $500. The prize for second place is a kayak. You need not be present to win. Proceeds help send students from Lincoln County to Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award). There will also be a

Include Your Upcoming Event

silent auction with many great prizes including art, jewelry, home decor, and gift certificates. Come bid and help support the youth of Lincoln County.

www.discoverruidoso.com/calendar-of-events/rotaryclub-of-ruidoso-duck-race

April 24-28, Silver City

Tour of the Gila

New Mexico is home to the Tour of the Gila, the premiere road bicycling stage race in the United States. The Tour of the Gila—based in Silver City—has grown to become one of just two UCIsanctioned stage races in America. The tour is renowned for challenging routes that are likened to European races such as the Tour de France. Join us in Silver City and watch the racers from the beer garden or pavilion near where announcers share real-time play-by-plays. On Saturday, April 27, amateur cyclists can enjoy the citizen and youth fun races, bike rodeo and kids’ activities downtown. tourofthegila.com

April 28, Cibola

Cibola Talent Show and Silent Auction Fundraiser

Manzano Mountain Art Council invites you to attend the Cibola Arts Gallery Community Talent Show and Silent Auction Fundraiser on Sunday, April 28, from 4–6 p.m. at 101 E. Broadway, Mountainair, 87036. Mayor Peter Nieto will emcee the event featuring more than 15 acts from around the community. manzanomountainartcouncil.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.

National Powerhouses

Co-ops drive economic development across the United States

By Jim Matheson and Andrew Don

For nearly a century, electric cooperatives have been essential to the economic vitality and overall quality of life in communities nationwide. America’s electric cooperatives made modern living in rural America possible. In the early 1930s, nearly 90% of American farms lacked electricity. Thanks to cooperatives, by the early 1950s, more than 90% of America’s farms enjoyed the benefits of cooperative-provided power. Today, electric cooperatives power more than 21.5 million businesses, homes, schools and farms in 48 states.

Electric cooperatives are now repeating history by delivering affordable, reliable broadband service—deemed a modern-day necessity by the Federal Communications Commission. This new service is creating new ways to live, learn and earn in sparsely populated areas. Today, co-ops deliver broadband service to 675,000 homes and constitute the fastest-growing group of broadband providers, infusing new economic opportunities to America’s rural communities.

Electric cooperatives continue to have a significant impact on the nation’s economy. According to a new economic study by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, electric co-ops contributed $554 billion to U.S. gross domestic product between 2018 and 2022.

For the same five-year period, electric cooperatives generated an average of nearly 623,000 jobs annually for Americans nationwide, providing $51 billion in pay and benefits. By comparison, FedEx, the nation’s fifth largest private employer, directly employs 547,000 workers worldwide.

Since electric cooperatives serve 92% of the nation’s persistent poverty counties, the co-op contribution to local economies is particularly critical. Between 2018 and 2022, electric co-ops collectively returned $7 billion to their members, further benefiting the communities they serve.

Much of the economic impact can be traced to investments in electric cooperatives made in the nation’s infrastructure. Between 2018 and 2022, these investments totaled nearly $409 billion nationwide, including $75 billion in capital expenses, $304 billion in operational costs and $24 billion toward maintenance activities.

These investments are also being used to enhance the reliability of the grid and hasten energy innovation and the deployment of renewable energy. Electric

cooperatives own more than 1.6 gigawatts of renewable capacity and have longterm power purchase agreements for another 9.8 GW. Using federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as two sustainability bonds totaling $800 million issued by CFC since 2020, electric cooperatives are poised to expand their efforts to responsibly meet tomorrow’s energy needs.

The economic benefits of electric cooperatives underscore the ingenuity of the cooperative model—consumer-owned, community-focused nonprofit organizations working to power and empower communities across the nation.

Electric cooperatives power more than 21.5 million businesses, homes, schools and farms in 48 states. ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF NRECA

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY MRPRATAN

Jim Matheson is NRECA’s CEO, and Andrew Don is CEO of NRUCFC.

Finding a Charge

Follow along as Mark Faulkenberry shares his firsthand experience with an all electric truck—this month, he looks for public charging stations

Over the last couple of months, I’ve had the opportunity to put some miles on my Ford Lightning, which I have nicknamed “Bolt.”

Bolt and I traveled more than 2,900 miles last month, and I am proud to note that I haven’t been stranded anywhere yet.

However, I have had some experiences that gave me cause to cuss a few charging service providers—under my breath, of course—and a couple other self-inflicted incidents that I like to view as learning opportunities rather than stupidity.

Things like driving to a charging station location (rather low on juice, I might add) without checking my Plug Share app to make sure the site was operational. Yep, all four chargers were down for maintenance, with the next closest charging station 39 miles away. I made it, but I vowed to not make that mistake again.

As for my overall experience with public charging to date:

The Good: I could charge my vehicle everywhere I stopped—except for the one incident mentioned above.

The Bad: A few times, I had to try multiple chargers at the site before I could get one to work.

The Ugly: Public charging costs were significantly higher than what I pay for home and workplace charging.

I like the quote below by Jim Farley, Ford Motor Co. CEO, concerning the public charging network after he drove a Ford Lightning cross country a while back.

“To accelerate EV adoption and make the transition successful for our customers, we must improve the charging infrastructure.”

Jim, I agree. Adding Tesla’s Super Charging network to Ford’s BlueOval Charge Network is a step in the right direction. I can’t wait to receive my adapter!

Use this QR code to find additional info from Mark, including his first entry on how to do your homework and consider which electric vehicle is the right fit for you.

Mark Faulkenberry is vice president of marketing for Western Farmers Electric Cooperative, a generation and transmission utility. Any views, thoughts and opinions expressed in Mark’s Miles are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies or position of Western Famers Electric Cooperative, its member cooperatives or their consumers.

April is Lineworker Appreciation Month

To the Top!

Training Stages for Electric Lineworkers

Known for their strength and agility, lineworkers are dedicated to ensuring our communities have reliable power. Safety is always top priority on the job, which is why lineworkers spend thousands of hours training as they advance their skills.

Here’s a look at the career progression of a lineworker.

4. Crew Leader

A crew leader is an advanced position that requires supervising lineworkers on job sites, coordinating with contractors and directing daily activities for crews.

3.Journeyman Lineworker

Post-apprenticeship and with roughly 7,000+ hours of training under the belt, journeyman lineworkers are fully trained in their field. They repair, update and install overhead and underground power lines, as well as other electrical equipment.

2.Apprentice Lineworker

Before reaching lineworker status, they are required to work as an apprentice. Apprentice lineworkers earn competitive wages while receiving hands-on training and experience in the field. They typically spend four years in their apprenticeship.

1.Groundperson/Linehelper

Many lineworkers begin their career as a groundperson, or linehelper. They assist line crews with tools, keeping job sites safe and operating smaller equipment.

Regardless of stage, all lineworkers continue education and training throughout their career. Training and testing requirements vary from utility to utility.

youth art

May Topic:

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Draw your favorite traditional food to celebrate the holiday.

July Topic:

You found a buried treasure chest. Draw what’s inside!

Send Your Drawing

By mail: Youth Editor

614 Don Gaspar Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505

By email: tcondit@nmelectric.coop

Deadline: Submit by the ninth, 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.

Congratulations to the winning artists who drew pictures of their dream castles!

Nathaniel Bavling • Age 5 Lea County Electric Cooperative

Alekza Montoya • Age 3 Columbus Electric Cooperative

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.

Marcelina Yanes • Age 9 Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative

Kase McClane • Age 7 Central Valley Electric Cooperative

Savannah June Terry • Age 6 Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative

Janna Herndon • Age 10 Continental Divide Electric Cooperative

Gaining momentum toward a resilient future

Tri-State and our members know that operating in a dynamic industry calls for an openness to continuous improvement. Looking ahead, we have an ambitious plan focused on electric system resilience and reduced costs. Built on a foundation of collaboration, our plan is designed to benefit electric consumers, while accelerating our clean energy investment.

To learn more about our plan for a reliable future, visit www.tristate.coop

Tri-State is a not-for-profit power supplier to cooperatives and public power districts in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.