8 minute read
Your Electric Co-op
General Manager
Joseph Herrera
Address
215 E. Manzanares Avenue P.O. Box H Socorro, NM 87801
Telephone
575-835-0560
Outages
800-351-7575 or 855-881-8159
service@socorroelectric.com
Website
www.socorroelectric.com
Office Hours
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (M-F)
Board of Trustees President
Anne L. Dorough, District 5 575-772-2989
Vice President
Secretary-Treasurer
Leroy Anaya
District 3 anaya.district3@ socorroelectric.com
Michael Hawkes
District 4 mhawkes.district4@socorroelectric.com
James Nelson
District 2 nelson.district2@ socorroelectric.com
Donald Wolberg
District 3 505-710-3050
Board Meeting
The Board of Trustees meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Cooperative.
Electricity Brings Everyday Value
Joseph Herrera, SEC General Manager
Because I work in the energy industry, I tend to think more of the many essential uses of electricity than most people. I expect the lights to turn on when I flip the switch and the coffeemaker to work each morning. Because electricity is keystone to our quality of life and is so abundant, we do not think much about it. Since many of you have been spending more time at home over the past few months, you have likely been using more energy. And yet, you still expect an endless supply of power with uninterrupted service 24/7. The only time we really think about electricity is when the power goes out or perhaps when the monthly bill arrives.
Given how electricity powers our modern lifestyle every day, it is a great value, especially when compared to other common services and expenses. For example, think back to the cost of a gallon of gasoline 20 years ago. Consider the cost of groceries or a cup of your favorite specialty coffee from a few years back. In comparison, the cost of electricity has remained largely flat, unlike most other consumer goods.
Like many of you, I have a cell phone to stay connected, and I subscribe to cable channels so I can enjoy more viewing options. Many of us consider these necessities for modern day life. We can see what we are getting for our money, and we pay the price for those services. In contrast, when we use electricity, we do not necessarily “see” all that we are getting for our money.
But considering what electricity does for us, it is a tremendous value for our quality of life as well as our budgets. For comparison, consider that the average rent increase was nearly 4% (from 2014-2019) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI). The cost of medical care was increased 3% during this time, and education was not too far behind at 2.6%. So, where did electricity rank? According to the CPI, electricity increased by less than half a percentage point, 0.4%.
The bottom line: electricity brings everyday value. In fact, over the past five years, Socorro Electric Cooperative members experienced an average of just 20 minutes in power outage minutes each year. Considering that electricity is something that we all use around the clock, I am very proud of our track record. At the same time, we are striving to increase our service reliability, reduce those brief interruptions and reduce costs. We are continually working to improve our operations to ensure a smarter grid and exploring more renewable energy options where possible.
Socorro Electric Cooperative provides the reliable service you expect and deserve as valued members of the co-op. And as your trusted energy advisor, we want to help you save you energy and money.
We recognize that the past few months have been challenging for many of our members and we are here to help. If you have questions about your account or are looking for ways to save energy at home, please give us a call. Socorro Electric Cooperative is your electric co-op and our sole purpose is to serve you and the needs of our community. That’s everyday value.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Socorro Electric Cooperative Weathering Seasonal Monsoon Storms and Power Outages
Be prepared for monsoon more resources are needed. are automatically routed to SEC’s moisture and lightning“We do our best to keep SEC 24-hour dispatch center. Central related outages. You’ll be members informed of outage situadispatchers relay outage reports to safer and less inconvenienced if you tions, and dispatchers place followSEC’s on-call crews who respond have emergency supplies on hand. up calls to ensure power is restored,” to repair and re-energize troubled
Items should include flashlights Capps said. lines. The toll-free telephone with fresh batteries, candles, Remember, after-hours and holinumber is 800-351-7575. matches or lighters, non-perishable day calls to SEC and other co-ops food, a battery-operated transistor radio, and bottled water.
People who depend on electrical equipment to treat medical issues should also have a plan, SEC Director of Communications, Jimmy Capps said.
“In some cases, this may mean purchasing a back-up power supply such as a generator, or going to a health-care facility with back-up power,” Capps said.
It’s also important to remember to turn off and unplug all appliances—even those on surge protectors—to avoid damage from surges when power lines are re-energized. Leave one light on to show you when power is restored.
If you use a generator, make sure it has a manual or automatic switch that disconnects it from the main power lines. If not, use the main switch on your service panel to cut power. A generator that remains connected to main lines can backfeed into them and shock unsuspecting line workers.
SEC crews try their best to respond in the timeliest manner to troubleshoot an outage. But sometimes, it’s not as easy as reconnecting a fallen line. Sometimes a pole breaks or a transformer blows, and
Dan O'Neill 11th grade, Estancia Valley Classical Academy Edgewood in Santa Fe County Central New Mexico Electrical Cooperative
I’ve been working as an assistant manager for an online company called Contractor Exam Academy. I’ve also been volunteering for Presbyterian Hospice at Kaseman Hospital. I assist in the office with computer and paperwork. I plan to volunteer in the inpatient unit at Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital. However, because of the COVID-19 situation, volunteers are not allowed on the hospice unit. I am planning to attend the University of New Mexico after graduation. I am interested in radiology and my goal is to be accepted one day to the UNM School of Medicine.
Eli Terry 11th grade, Floyd High School near Floyd in Roosevelt County Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative
During the COVID-19 quarantine, I have had more time to focus on my FFA and 4-H projects. Since I did not have school from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or have track practice or track meets, I have found a lot to do at home. I have been taking dual credit college classes online, refinishing and painting furniture, raising laying hens, and raising 6 Holstein calves as well. Most recently, I have been studying and taking some practice tests for the ACT. All these projects have kept me really busy. Currently, my plans and dreams for the future are to attend and graduate college at Eastern New Mexico University to become a speech therapist. I am interested in a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and a master’s degree in speech therapy. I like the idea of going to college close to home and being able to finish with a master’s degree all at one college. I have looked into the speech therapy program, and I have seen that the program is well respected. Other than higher education goals, I hope to be happy in my life and serve God.
Ella C. Guerro 10th grade, Magdalena Municipal Schools Alamo Navajo Reservation in Socorro County Socorro Electric Cooperative
I have been taking walks with my dog, going fishing at my pond, riding my bike with my cousins, and taking care of my family. My plans for the future are to attend Emory University to become a sports therapist.
Emma Montgomery 12th grade, Artesia High School Piñon in Chaves County Central Valley Electric Cooperative
With the whole family being home, I’ve been able to spend a lot more time with them, which I’m very thankful for. Next year, I will be attending Texas Tech University and majoring in agricultural communications. I hope to serve the agriculture industry by marketing, advertising, and designing for a major agriculture magazine or company.
Heidi Garcia 11th grade, Belen High School Veguita in Socorro County Socorro Electric Cooperative
During this time in quarantine, I’ve picked up new hobbies like writing and making bracelets, but just like everyone else, I’ve been binge-watching my favorite Netflix shows. Once I graduate from high school, my biggest dream would be to study at the Anglo American University in the Czech Republic. I want to travel, meet new people, and learn about different cultures. I want to major in business and come back to the U.S. and go to law school. I want to live in Denver, Colorado, because I love urban cities, especially Denver because it’s close enough to my family.
Helen Bright 11th grade, Quemado High School Between Pie Town and Quemado in Catron County Socorro Electric Cooperative
I have had lots of time to do some of my favorite things, like art and music. On top of that, our ewe had a lamb which she refused to take care of, so I also ended up taking care of a lamb. I also really enjoy the art of cosplay (costume play), when I have felt like quarantine was hard all I had to do was get dressed up, and in some ways, I felt better as it is a way for me to deal with the constant stress of life on my shoulders. For my future, I haven’t completely thought out everything I want; I don’t have some
