MEC Currents, Mohave Electric Cooperative, March 2026 by utilitypioneers

MEC Apprentices Victor Beltran Pantoja, Jahve Suarez, Josh Eble, Cole Garcia, Michael Bedard, Nash Ortega, Grant Kawell, Ben Fisher, Jeff Beams; not pictured Jacob Chavez. PHOTO BY MEC

SPRING 2026

Volume 3, No. 1

P.O. Box 22530

Bullhead City, AZ 86439

Member Services: 928-763-1100

Outage Reporting

Toll free 844-632-2667 or text “outage” to 55050 from the phone number linked to your MEC account. mohaveelectric.com

Mohave Electric Cooperative Board of Directors

President Joe Anderson

Vice President Deborah Johnson

Secretary Toni Barbaro

Treasurer Rich Tempelman

Cindy Head

Tracy Weisz

John Nelssen

Kevin Nestrick

Jose “Joe” Solar

CEO

Tyler Carlson

MEC Currents is published by Mohave Electric Cooperative quarterly (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) for $2.81 per year by Mohave Electric Cooperative, 1999 Arena Dr., Bullhead City, AZ 86442-6943. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Bullhead City, AZ, and at additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address changes to MEC Currents, PO Box 22530, Bullhead City, AZ 86439.

MEC serves 38,238 members, 45,532 meters, with more than 1,571.95 miles of line spanning areas from Bullhead City to Topock on the west, Hualapai to Burro Creek to the south, and Nelson to the east by providing reliable costeffective power.

MEC customer charge encompasses each Member’s subscription to MEC’s Currents magazine, having a monthly value of $0.24. To opt-out of your MEC Currents subscription, please email mecpa@mohaveelectric.com

Reprint Permission

Direct all requests to Public Affairs mecpa@mohaveelectric.com

Advertising Inquiries

Call 928-763-4115 or email mecpa@mohaveelectric.com

Lineman Appreciation Day

Lineman Appreciation Day, observed nationally on April 18, is a meaningful opportunity to recognize the dedication, sacrifice, and expertise our linemen bring to

December 1, 2025, was an exciting afternoon for seven local

students.

From the Ground Up:

Inside Mohave Electric Cooperative’s Apprenticeship Program

For many employees at Mohave Electric Cooperative (MEC), a career in the electric utility industry wasn’t something they planned years in advance—it was an opportunity that presented itself and quickly turned into a calling. Some were pursuing paths in nursing and other medical fields, while another came from a background as a crane operator, each bringing unique experiences to MEC.

In a recent interview, several apprentices and journeymen from both linemen and substation departments shared their experiences, offering insight into what it’s really like to build a career at MEC—from starting as a groundman to working toward journeyman status.

Finding the Path

For some, the introduction to Mohave Electric was as simple as asking a question at home.

Grant Kawell, an apprentice lineman, shared he had been around outdoor work from an early age, as his father worked as

a crane operator in mountainous terrain— an experience that sparked an interest in hands-on work. While he found that type of work interesting, Grant wanted more and ultimately set his sights on a career in the electric utility field. Shortly after high school, Grant completed lineman college courses in Southern California, taking the first steps toward turning that goal into reality.

That path soon led him to Mohave Electric Cooperative. “My parents had a second home out here and I’ve been coming out this way since I could remember,” Grant recalled. “I asked my parents who they paid their electric bill to; they said Mohave Electric. I applied, then emailed everyone I could find at MEC, interviewed for the job, and next thing I knew, I got the job.”

That persistence paid off. Grant applied to Mohave Electric Cooperative with little to no prior experience in the electric utility field. From there, opportunities to advance came quickly. Within six months of being hired as a groundman at MEC, Grant

began the apprenticeship program—an opportunity made available to those willing to put in the work.

Learning on the Job

MEC’s apprenticeship program is a commitment that spans about four years of roughly 8,000 hours of on-thejob training. In addition to time spent in the field, apprentices dedicate many hours at home to coursework and study. Their progress depends on completion of required coursework, testing, and overall performance—an investment that reflects the discipline and determination needed to succeed in the trade.

“Mohave Electric wants you to keep a steady pace,” first-year apprentice lineman Josh Eble explained. “That way you don’t fall behind on your books or tests.”

While all classroom-style studying is completed on personal time at home, apprentices apply what they learn directly in the field. Coursework includes electrical

MEC Apprentices Victor Beltran Pantoja, Jahve Suarez, Josh Eble, Cole Garcia, Michael Bedard, Nash Ortega, Grant Kawell, Ben Fisher, Jeff Beams; not pictured Jacob Chavez

theory and math, while hands-on training covers underground and overhead systems, transmission work, and substation operations.

“There’s a lot more math involved than people expect,” said Josh. “It starts off pretty basic—fractions and simple math—but it builds. You’re also learning about electrical properties, so it definitely makes you think.”

Although lineman colleges are not required by MEC, some individuals interested in entering the electric utility field may choose to attend a 15-week program independently, prior to being hired at any electric utility, to gain familiarity with climbing, equipment, and safety practices.

Challenges and Rewards

The work is demanding—both physically and mentally.

“Wake-ups at 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning are tough,” one apprentice shared. “Especially when you’re responding to outages.”

Despite the long hours and challenging conditions, apprentices say the most rewarding part of the job is seeing how academic knowledge translates into realworld application.

“When something finally clicks and you understand why you’re doing the task in the field—it makes it worth it,” Josh said.

Safety and Brotherhood

One theme echoed by every apprentice

and lineman was safety—and the culture of watching out for one another.

“This job is more dangerous than people realize,” Grant explained. “One mistake can put you in a bad situation fast, so you have to stay alert all the time.”

That awareness creates a strong sense of brotherhood among crews.

“If you see something that doesn’t look right, you say something—whether you’re right or wrong,” Grant said. “It makes everyone stop and think.”

The connection extends beyond the job site. Apprentices and journeymen work side by side every day, often spending more time together than with their own families.

“We look out for each other on a personal level too,” Omar Becerra, journeyman substation, shared. “If someone’s struggling, we all step up to help get them through it.”

A Day in the Life

A typical day starts early—very early. “You show up, stock trucks, prep materials, work in the field, clean up, and do it all again the next day,” Grant joked. “And hope there are no outages.”

It’s hard work, but it’s steady, meaningful, and essential to the community MEC serves.

Advice for the Next Generation

When asked what advice they would give

their younger selves, the message was clear: start your career early, be prepared to work hard, and stay committed.

“Work ethic and common sense go a long way,” Omar said. “You don’t need to know everything—just be willing to learn.”

For those considering a trade career, MEC’s apprenticeship program offers a clear path forward—one built from the ground up, powered by teamwork, and rooted in service.

Josh Eble

Cole Garcia

Nash Ortega

Lineman Appreciation

Lineman Appreciation Day, observed nationally on April 18, is a meaningful opportunity to recognize the dedication, sacrifice, and expertise our linemen bring to the job every single day. We invite you to join MEC in celebrating these hardworking individuals. Be sure to say ‘Hello’ when you see them out in the field.

Appreciation Day

Left to right: Jaime Ramirez, Frank Moreno, Chad Valenzuela, Jonathan Morgridge, Jason Harris, Chris Bronston, Ray Fleck, Don Champney, Clint Van Vleet, Robert Paden, Shelby Sinclair, Jimmy Bailey, Maurice Longmire.

MEC Advocates for Members at State Capitol

In January, Mohave Electric Cooperative’s (MEC) CEO Tyler Carlson, MEC Board of Directors, and MEC senior management returned to Phoenix to join representatives from other Arizona electric cooperatives and participate in the annual visits with elected leaders.

“These face-to-face meetings provide opportunities where we can educate our legislative and regulatory representatives about priorities and challenges for MEC and our members, and thank them for their support when they help advance actions that benefit our members,” said Carlson.

During this year’s legislative session we thanked electeds for their leadership in passing HB 2201 which established a process to work with the Department of Fire and Forestry Management on wildfire mitigation plans. We will continue to monitor future bills. Electeds have suggested employee safety, data centers, large customer loads, and small modular reactors bills will be released later this session.

In addition to briefing and educating the Arizona legislators, MEC met with the Arizona Corporation Commissioners (ACC). The ACC is the state regulatory body, elected by voters, that has constitutional authority to consider several co-op activities such as ratemaking, infrastructure development, and renewable energy programs.

During the meetings with ACC Commissioners, MEC thanked them and ACC staff for the recent improvements in the agency’s efficiency and responsiveness. MEC saw this firsthand when our streamlined rate case application was processed in less than five months, a substantial savings in cost and time compared to previous proceedings.

Unlike Arizona electric cooperatives, a large majority of the nation’s co-ops in most other states are not regulated. These states agree that regulation is not needed because cooperatives, like MEC, are selfgoverned utilities, and that the co-op’s Board of Directors, who are members themselves and elected entirely by other co-op members, is best suited to determine the course of the cooperative.

In April, MEC will also be participating in the annual Washington, DC advocacy trip and meet with our U.S. Congressional members and Senators.

On recent federal legislative issues Carlson said, “We want to thank our members who sent messages to Congressman Paul Gosar in support of the FEMA Reform Act. Your advocacy is important. We need your help on this and other energy policy issues to ensure members’ voices in America’s rural communities are heard.”

Mohave Electric Cooperative Board Directors and senior management met with Arizona State Senators John Kavanagh (above) and Hildy Angius (right).

PHOTO BY MEC

MEC AND TWN SPONSOR 7 STUDENTS FOR WASHINGTON YOUTH TOUR

December 1, 2025, was an exciting afternoon for seven local eleventh-grade students. The students, whose parents, or guardians are Mohave Electric Cooperative (MEC) members, were selected to attend MEC’s annual Washington Youth Tour.

Six of the top presenting students were initially awarded the Washington, D.C. trip sponsored by MEC. For the second year in a row, TWN Communications expanded the opportunity by sponsoring an additional student. The week-long excursion allows the students to interact with peers from across the country, tour the Capitol’s landmarks, and learn about the rich history of the United States. The annual Youth Tour takes place June 2026 in D.C. and is funded by assigned capital credits, at no cost to members.

In addition to the D.C. trip in June 2026, some of the students will attend a new

spring pilot program, Pathways to PowerYouth Tour Statewide Legislative Summit, that will introduce students to the Arizona State Capitol, state elected officials, and provide an opportunity to meet other students from AZ cooperatives.

During this AZ summit, students will step into a dynamic space where young leaders converge to learn, grow, and advocate. The students selected will experience the interactive Youth Tour orientation, build valuable connections, and discover how to effectively champion meaningful causes.

MEC selects participants from applicants through a competitive two-step process that includes an essay and presentation before a panel of judges. All applicants must be high school juniors whose parents are MEC members and receive parental or guardian permission to apply.

This year’s volunteer judges were Inna Platas of TWN Communications, Cat Smith of Murphy Broadcasting, Karen Summit of Summit’s River Realty, and Chris Morgan of APO Energy Solutions. MEC thanks these judges who volunteered their time to help select the winning students.

MEC would like to formally congratulate the 2026 Washington Youth Tour winners: Rilynn Bragg, Haley Hulem, Genesis Martinez, Evan Mynk, Luiza Solis, Abraham Vissers, and Valeria Zambrano, for presenting in front of the judges and practicing their public speaking skills.

We encourage all 2026-2027 junior class students to apply for the 2027 Washington Youth Tour. Details about this program can be found on our website at www.mohaveelectric.com. The application process begins in October 2026.

From left to right, Abraham Vissers, Haley Hulem, Judge Inna Platas, Judge Chris Morgan, Luiza Solis, Judge Cat Smith, Evan Mynk, Judge Karen Summit, Rilynn Bragg, Valeria Zambrano, and Genesis Martinez.

Hearty Italian Classics. Endless Freshness.

When searching for the best in home-cooked Italian food, there is one name that has stood the test of time: D’Angelo’s Italian Restaurant located at 2141 Clearwater Drive in Bullhead City. D’Angelo’s has been serving the community since 1979, earning its reputation as a place where tradition, flavor, and comfort come together on every plate.

From the moment you walk through the doors, D’Angelo’s feels like stepping into a family gathering. The aroma of fresh bread baking and sauces simmering sets the tone for a truly memorable dining experience—one that feels both familiar and welcoming.

The recipes at D’Angelo’s are more than just menu items; they are family heirlooms. Passed down through generations, they date back to the original owner’s great-greatgrandparents from a small town in the Italian countryside. Over time, those old-world recipes were thoughtfully refined with a touch of New York influence, creating dishes that feel both classic and timeless while still

satisfying modern tastes. The result is Italian comfort food perfected for pizza and pasta lovers alike.

Guests will find all the classics they know and love, including rich, layered lasagna and flavorful pizzas and calzones. Alongside these favorites are “new classics” that reflect D’Angelo’s commitment to honoring tradition while continuing to evolve. Everything is made with quality ingredients and attention to detail, from freshly prepared sauces to bread made daily.

One of the standout features of the restaurant is its soup and salad bar, which offers more than 15 items. The house-made minestrone soup is a customer favorite, providing a warm, comforting start to any meal. Paired with the variety of fresh salad options, it’s a perfect complement to D’Angelo’s hearty entrées. For decades, D’Angelo’s Italian Restaurant has remained a cornerstone of Bullhead City dining, welcoming generations of families through its doors. Whether you’re a longtime

local, planning a special event, or visiting for the first time, a meal at D’Angelo’s isn’t just any meal—it’s a taste of tradition, history, and home-cooked Italian comfort that keeps guests coming back again and again.

D’Angelo’s is open daily for dine-in or take-out Sunday-Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Show your Co-op Connections® Card or mobile app and receive 10% off your food order. Don’t have your Co-op Connections® Card yet? Stop by Member Service at 928 Hancock Rd. to pick one up or download the app in the App Store or Google Play platforms.

Interested in becoming a Co-op Connections® business member but not sure where to start?

Scan the QR code or email us at coopconnections@ mohaveelectric.com to learn more.

Be Aware of Potential Energy Scams

By Jennah Denney

Electric cooperatives across the country are urging members to stay alert as utility-related scams continue to evolve. Fraudsters are becoming more aggressive and more convincing—using impersonation, false urgency, and digital deception to extract payments or personal information from unsuspecting individuals. Reports of scam calls, fake energy rebates and phony disconnection threats have increased recently. These schemes often begin with a phone call, text or visit from someone claiming to represent the local electric utility. Their tactics vary, but the goal is always the same: pressure the member into acting quickly before they have time to verify the request.

Some scammers demand immediate payment, threatening that service will be shut off within minutes. Others offer toogood-to-be-true incentives, such as rebates, energy audits or free equipment installations—if the member provides banking information or pays an upfront fee.

Scammers can even manipulate caller ID to appear as though the call is coming from a trusted utility number.

Arizona’s electric cooperatives want members to know they will never call and demand immediate payment. They will never ask for banking or account information over the phone, nor will they pressure a member to act without the opportunity to verify the situation. If someone claiming to be from your cooperative insists on urgency or payment through nontraditional means, that’s a red flag.

Scams aren’t limited to calls. They can arrive as emails, text messages or QR codes designed to look like real payment portals. Typically, the links redirect to fraudulent websites that steal sensitive data.

Scammers may also encourage members to pay through untraceable methods, such as prepaid debit cards, unauthorized mobile apps or cryptocurrency—methods legitimate utilities never use.

Although digital attacks are more common, one concerning trend involves scammers visiting homes unannounced, posing as utility workers conducting inspections or installations. Without proper identification or appointment confirmation, these visits should always be treated with caution.

Education and awareness remain two of the most powerful tools in this fight. Members are encouraged to talk with family members, friends and neighbors about the warning signs of scams. Sharing information helps others stay safe and contributes to a stronger, more connected community.

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to hang up, close the message or refuse entry. Call your cooperative directly using the number listed on your monthly bill or the utility’s website. Member service professionals are available to assist.

Electric cooperatives were built on trust, service and community. By working together and looking out for one another, members and cooperatives can help expose fraud for what it is—and ensure that scammers are left in the dark.

Bullhead City: Community Theater for Everyone

In the summer of 2010, an open call was placed in the Mohave Valley Daily News to find people who wanted to build a community theater in Bullhead City. After several performances, the members decided a formal organization was needed, and River Cities Community Theater Players (RCCTP) became an operating 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Since this time, RCCTP has gone on to produce and perform numerous shows in multiple locations-finally settling at the Optimum Community Center where they perform six shows per year in conjunction with Ghost Light Youth Theater (GLYT).

Located in Mohave Electric Cooperative’s service territory, RCCTP is dedicated to bringing quality community theater to the Bullhead City area. This 2025-2026 season, RCCTP celebrates their 15th year of operation, having created and fostered an environment for adult thespians to show their talents and establish long-lasting connections with fellow theater lovers.

Ghost Light is also based in Bullhead City and focuses on youth theater. The group provides a supportive environment for children to learn, express themselves, and perform. Here, youngsters ranging from 8 years old to those about to graduate high school can display their skills, build confidence, and experience the camaraderie of working together to create productions.

In addition, Ghost Light runs an annual free summer camp for youth ages 8 –18 with the City of Bullhead City. Sign ups for this

can be found on the Bullhead City website around April 1, 2026, with this year’s youth camp taking place from June 22 – 26, 2026.

RCCTP’s Board President Dianne Hernandez has been with the organization since 2017. Hernandez also founded the Bullhead City chapter of Ghost Light in 2019 and serves as their Company Director.

“It has been my distinct pleasure to watch these two organizations grow by leaps and bounds over the years. You don’t have to travel to Lake Havasu or Las Vegas for quality theater,” stated Hernandez. “Quality theater lives in your very own hometown.”

These two organizations share more than just a stage. They partner together on performances, volunteer work, and equipment to save costs that allow them to provide free or affordable theater opportunities to children and adults in the area.

The 2025-2026 season ends with performances by GLYT with It Happened on Route 66 by Todd Wallinger from March 13 – 14, 2026, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe adapted by Joseph Robinette from April 17 – 18, 2026. Tickets can be purchased at rcctp.org.

You can also visit their website to see future show dates, donate, or advertise in their show programs.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RCCTP

Apache Solar II

Employee Spotlight COURTNEY NIXON

Courtney Nixon is the Energy Management Specialist at Mohave Electric Cooperative (MEC).

If you ever have questions about saving energy—or need a friendly, knowledgeable voice to navigate MEC rebates, solar applications, or shade tree programs, call Courtney Nixon. As MEC’s Energy Management Specialist, Courtney brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a passion for helping members save money and the environment.

Courtney’s MEC journey began in January 2023 as a Receptionist in the Member Service Department, moved into Credit just a month later, and by April 2023, promoted to Energy Services. In three short years, she’s embraced every opportunity to learn, adapt, and support members in meaningful ways.

Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Courtney grew up loving the snow. In 2012, she moved to Bullhead City and graduated from Mohave High School a year early in 2015. Courtney earned her Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Mohave Community College in 2017.

Before MEC, Courtney built a diverse background in retail, banking, and the medical field, often working two jobs at a time. Her first job was at the baby clothing store Carter’s, where she advanced from Associate to eventually Manager before the store closed.

Through instruction and experience, Courtney has acquired a variety of energy management knowledge. She uses these skills daily when engaging with members about high usage and identifying solutions to save energy dollars. She received certified training on residential/small commercial solar systems and best practices for battery storage; heating and cooling principles including HVAC systems, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits; energy efficient construction best practices; and education on MEC’s system including power generation, transmission, and distribution.

In Energy Services, a typical day includes helping members with rebate programs, offering guidance on energy efficiency to help lower monthly bills, and regularly attending monthly contractor meetings. She also heads Operation Cool Shade and assists with tree sales. Courtney assists members with processing their solar applications, including analysis on any projected savings, and avoiding solar scams. She serves as the liaison for solar contractors and green tag verifications with the City of Bullhead City and Mohave County to ensure projects move properly and smoothly.

Courtney loves helping members and seeing the difference it makes. She appreciates knowing members are satisfied and benefiting from MEC’s programs, because for her, the relationship doesn’t end once the call does.

Outside of work, Courtney’s creative side shines. A lifelong fan of arts and crafts, she hosts craft nights at her home, paints in her spare time, and is a Pinterest enthusiast. She also enjoys curling up with a good book. Courtney loves to travel, attend sporting events (GO Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Knicks!) and good concerts.

A devoted volunteer, Courtney gives back through Backpack Buddies, MEC’s Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation events, the Kiwanis Kids Expo, and manages the SunWatts Education Grant, which supports local educators who teach sustainability to local youth.

Whether she’s planting shade trees, helping a member save energy, or leading a craft night, Courtney Nixon brings heart, creativity, and dedication to everything she does, making her a true asset to Mohave Electric Cooperative and our members.

FROM TOP: Annual Meeting with Bill Nielsen, her Energy Services Supervisor. Golden Knights Game. A group photo from Operation Cool Shade with some volunteers who assisted unloading the trees for the event. PHOTOS COURTESY OF COURTNEY NIXON/MEC

Salsa de la Weldon

Chief Financial Officer Ty Weldon shares her favorite appetizer.

Hi MEC Members,

I make this salsa for every party because people can’t get enough of this fresh, easy appetizer. You can whip this up in ten minutes, and your friends and family will be asking for take-home containers of it.

Ingredients

8 Roma tomatoes

1 large white onion

1 bunch of cilantro

3-5 jalapenos

2 habaneros (optional)

2 avocados (optional)

1 29 oz. can of tomato sauce

1 1/2 tbs of garlic salt

Supplies

Blender or Food Processor

Cutting Board

Knife

Medium Sized Bowl

Cutting Board

Directions

Ty Weldon

Cut the tomatoes, onion, jalapenos, and habaneros into medium sized pieces. Place the tomatoes into the blender or food processor and blend until chunky. Pour blended tomatoes into the bowl. Do the same process for the onion, jalapenos, and habaneros and add to the tomatoes. Pour the tomato sauce into the bowl, refill the can halfway with water, and add it to the mixture. Don’t worry if it looks too watery. It will thicken over time. Add the garlic salt. Dice the avocados into small pieces and add to the bowl. Finely chop the cilantro and add as much or as little as you would like. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Notes: Add more garlic salt if you prefer. After refrigerating overnight, you may need to add a little more water to get the desired consistency.

KIDS KORNER

SPRING EFFICIENCY

WORD SEARCH

Did you know there are several ways to save energy during spring months?

Read the energy-saving tips below to learn more, then find the bolded words in the puzzle below.

• Use LED lights around your home. LEDs use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs.

• Plant shade trees around your home to block unwanted heat from the sun.

• Unplug devices and electronics that consume energy when they’re not in use, like phone chargers

• Seal air leaks around exterior doors and windows to save energy and keep your home comfortable.

• Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. To save energy, turn them off when you leave the room.

Home Lighting 101

The following information outlines recommendations for home lighting, however, additional options for bulbs, ﬁxtures, and spaces in your home may be available. Sources: Home Depot, Alcon Lighting

Home Lighting 101

The following information outlines recommendations for home lighting, however, additional options for bulbs, ﬁxtures, and spaces in your home may be available. Sources: Home Depot, Alcon Lighting

Room/Area

Room/Area Recommended Lumens

Recommended Lumens Fixture Types

Room/Area Recommended Lumens

15-30 per sq. ft.

Living Room

Kitchen

Dining Room

Bedroom

150 sq. ft room

2,250 - 4,500 lumens

Bathroom

Porch/ Home Entry

15-30 per sq. ft.

2,250 - 4,500 lumens

Ceiling ﬁxtures, can lighting, lamps/ accent lighting

150 sq. ft room

2,250 - 4,500 lumens

30-40 per sq. ft.

100 sq. ft. room

3,000 - 4,000 lumens

Recessed ceiling lights or ﬂush mounts

3,000 - 4,000 lumens

30-40 per sq. ft.

100 sq. ft. room

3,000 - 4,000 lumens

10-20 per sq. ft.

100 sq. ft. room

1,000 - 2,000 lumens

Pendant or chandelier ﬁxture

1,000 - 2,000 lumens

10-20 per sq. ft.

100 sq. ft. room

1,000 - 2,000 lumens

10-20 per sq. ft.

120 sq. ft. room

1,200 - 2,400 lumens

Ceiling ﬁxtures or recessed lighting

1,200 - 2,400 lumens

10-20 per sq. ft.

120 sq. ft. room

1,200 - 2,400 lumens

50-80 per sq. ft.

60 sq. ft. room

3,000 - 4,000 lumens

50-80 per sq. ft.

3,000 - 4,000 lumens

Over-vanity ﬁxtures and/or recessed lighting

60 sq. ft. room

3,000 - 4,000 lumens

100-200 per sq. ft.

Porch/ Home Entry

100 sq. ft. entry

10,000 - 20,800 lumens

Porch/ Home Entry

10,000 - 20,800 lumens

100-200 per sq. ft.

Wall lanterns, ceiling mount and/or ﬂoodlights

100 sq. ft. entry

10,000 - 20,800 lumens

100 Spiral Hams will be given away to 100 lucky MEC Members

March 2 - 23:

Fill out the #HopHop QR code form below. ONE ENTRY per member-household.

Winners:

Will be notified March 25 -26

Pick Up:

Tuesday, March 31

3pm - 5pm only!

Location provided once winners are announced

Rules/Disclaimer:

No purchase necessary. Must be an MEC Member. One entry per member- household. MEC employees and their spouses/partners are not eligible. 100 entries will be drawn via electronic randomizer. Winners must provide proof of membership when notified. Winners must pick up their ham at said place, date, and time or forfeit their ham. Prizes are non-transferable and have no cash value. MEC is not responsible for any lost, misdirected, or incomplete entries. MEC reserves the right to modify or cancel this giveaway at any time. Meta (FB & IG) is not sponsoring the giveaway.

“Making Accidents Disappear” Bringing Electrical Safety to Life

Mohave Electric Cooperative’s popular electrical safety program, Making Accidents Disappear, returned to elementary schools across MEC’s service area at the end of January, once again captivating students with a mix of magic, laughter, and important safety lessons. Led by professional magician Scott Davis, the program has been a favorite among local schools for more than two decades.

Sponsored by MEC, the 30-minute school assembly for fourth graders blends humor, hands-on student participation, and eyecatching illusions to teach children how electricity works, why it’s useful, and how to stay safe around it. By pairing essential safety messages with memorable magic tricks, the program helps students retain lessons long after the cheers fade.

Davis’ passion for magic began early. “I’ve loved magic for as long as I can remember,” he says. As a teenager, he honed his skills through formal lessons and performances at children’s birthday parties—an early proving ground for many aspiring magicians. From there, he expanded into larger venues and corporate events, refining a style that blends entertainment with education.

The concept for Making Accidents Disappear was born during Davis’ time at an Arkansas advertising and public relations firm that worked with the state’s electric cooperative association. Through that experience, he gained an appreciation for electric cooperatives and their unique mission as not-for-profit, member-owned organizations deeply rooted in their communities.

In the early 2000s, Davis combined his love of magic with cooperatives’ focus on safety and education, launching his electrical safety show in Arkansas schools. Since then, more than two million students in over 250 Arkansas schools have experienced the program, and Davis has taken the show to classrooms in 17 additional states.

Each performance begins with clear expectations for students, approved by teachers and delivered with enthusiasm. Davis excites the audience by announcing he will select “helpers,” choosing only students who are sitting quietly, paying attention, and ready to participate.

The show quickly springs to life with a classic illusion: a black-andwhite cane wrapped in newspaper that vanishes when the paper is removed. Cheers and applause set the tone for an engaging and energetic assembly.

From there, the safety lessons begin. Davis introduces everyday tools like hammers and pliers, explaining that while tools are useful, they can cause harm if used improperly. “Electricity is a tool too,” he explains. “It helps power our lights, keeps us warm or cool, and makes our lives easier—but only when we treat it with respect.”

With help from student volunteers, Davis pulls three words from his magic hat—stop, look, think. These simple steps become the foundation of electrical safety, especially when playing outside. Before climbing a tree or flying a kite, students are taught to stop, look for nearby power lines, and think about choosing a safer location away from them.

Another memorable illusion features a disappearing electrical outlet, reinforcing a critical message: nothing should ever go into an outlet except a plug—not keys, pens, sticks, or fingers.

Davis remains committed exclusively to working with rural electric cooperatives, and MEC is proud to be one of them. Making Accidents Disappear reflects MEC’s ongoing dedication to safety, education, and the communities it serves—helping young members learn lessons that can last a lifetime.

A Message from CEO Tyler Carlson

Greetings MEC Members,

Mohave Electric Cooperative has been moving full speed ahead this year. We hosted our famous magician and his show, Making Accidents Disappear, promoting electrical safety amongst elementary school students, and attended our annual legislative advocacy trip to the State Capitol. MEC Board of Directors and Officers advocated our electeds on the importance of reliability and affordability policies for electric utilities, especially not-for-profit cooperatives. Applications for our $200 Classroom Grants are due March 15. We look forward to reviewing your submissions.

80th Anniversary

If you have not heard yet, Mohave Electric Cooperative is celebrating our 80th Anniversary this year. 80 years of refining our cooperative model and providing safe and reliable power to our members. We launched our commemorative logo, created by MEC member Matt Miller, which will be used on MEC materials all year long.

Rate Case

In September 2025, I wrote to all members that MEC had submitted an expedited rate case to the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). Specifically, MEC requested to raise the Customer Charge while keeping the energy rates for residential members the same. Residential members will see a $5.99 increase to the Customer Charge on their bill. The current residential Customer Charge is $24.31 and with the $5.99 increase, the new Customer Charge will total $30.30. There are other adjustments to business, solar, and demand members.

Even with the proposed changes, MEC’s residential rates remain lowest in the state among cooperatives and investor-owned electric utilities. As a not-for-profit, we continue our commitment to cost control and fiscal responsibility. The ACC unanimously approved our rate case, and these changes will be in effect beginning with members’ March 2026 bills.

We held three townhalls in October last year to explain the rising costs in materials, increase in electricity demand, infrastructure improvements, and growth. We always strive to be good stewards of the member-owned utility and ensure financial transparency.

Mohave Electric Cooperative’s tiered rates give members more control over their energy costs and reward members who use less electricity. Using energy wisely can lower monthly electric bills.

Lineman Appreciation Day

Lineworkers are responsible for keeping the lights on by weathering the toughest and darkest days. Regardless of conditions, time of day, or challenges they face, their commitment ensures our members’ everyday lives continue.

At Mohave Electric, we are proud to celebrate our lineworkers for the critical role they play in serving our community. Their work often involves dangerous conditions, including high-voltage electricity and fall hazards, making safety protocols essential. Our dedicated lineworkers serve 45,532 meters and maintain more than 1,572 miles of power lines across portions of three counties and nearly 1,300 square miles.

Lineman Appreciation Day is on April 18 – a well-deserved opportunity to recognize the dedication, resilience, and hard work our lineworkers demonstrate every day. Please join MEC in thanking our lineworkers for all they do to power our community and support our members.

CEO Tyler Carlson

AZ-146 Postmaster: Send address changes to Currents, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124