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The Voice of New Mexico’s Rural Electric Cooperatives

enchantment Way Lighting

Honoring the dedication of New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative lineworkers Page 14

Lineworkers from Continental Divide Electric Cooperative worked with the Grants Rodeo Association to install a utility pole on the area’s rodeo grounds. This enables the co-op’s lineworkers to present the colors at local events. PHOTO COURTESY OF CONTINENTAL DIVIDE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

enchantment

April 1, 2025 • Vol. 77, 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

Rusty Gwynne, 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; Eric Segovia, Roosevelt County Electric Co-op, Portales; Raymond Ruffini, Sierra Electric Co-op, Elephant Butte; Manny Gonzales, Socorro Electric Cooperative; Joe Reeser, Southwestern Electric Co-op, Clayton; Wayne Connell, Tri-State G&T Association, Westminster, Colorado.

NEW MEXICO RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES 614 Don Gaspar Ave. Phone: 505-982-4671 Santa Fe, NM 87505 Fax: 505-982-0153 nmelectric.coop enchantment.coop Vince Martinez, Interim CEO

Tom Condit, Communications Manager DISPLAY ADVERTISING: Rates available upon request. Co-op members and New Mexico display advertisers, email Shaylyn at enchantmentads@ nmelectric.coop or call 505-252-2540. National representative: American MainStreet Publications, 800-626-1181.

Advertisements in enchantment are paid solicitations and are not endorsed by the publisher or the electric cooperatives that are members of the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperatives. PRODUCT SATISFACTION AND DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITY LIE SOLELY WITH THE ADVERTISER.

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Take a photo of yourself or someone else with the magazine and email it with a few words about the photo. Include your name, mailing address and co-op name.

One lucky member will win $20. Submitting your photo(s) gives us permission to publish or post the photo(s) in enchantment, on Facebook and in other media outlets.

Email tcondit@nmelectric.coop.

Your Co-op’s Page

Wildfire Bills: A Hot Topic

By Vince Martinez, NMREC Interim CEO

The severity of the Hermit Peaks/Calf Canyon fire and, recently, the Ruidoso wildfire has devastated rural New Mexicans’ lives. The destruction of homes, businesses, ranches, farms, and recreational areas has illustrated the need for action by our elected officials.

Cooperatives face skyrocketing insurance premiums with reduced coverage limits and excessive lawsuits. To address these issues in this year’s sixty-day session, several bills have been introduced. Including SB-281/HB-334, the Rural Electric Cooperative Wildfire Protection Act.

This legislation is sponsored by Senator Pat Woods and Representative Meredith Dixon and would place a liability cap on an electric cooperative’s liability, provided the Cooperative is not negligent and has performed its vegetation and wildfire mitigation efforts. This legislation faces an uphill fight with opposition from the insurance industry and trial lawyers.

SB-31, sponsored by Senator Campos, would provide no-interest loans to local entities and rural electric cooperatives that have been affected by natural disasters. These loans would allow the entity to begin

recovering while awaiting FEMA reimbursement for the loans taken.

Senator Campos has also introduced SB-469 for the removal of fire hazard trees.

SB-33 (Senator Stefanics) and

SM-2 (Senator Woods) create Task Forces or Working Groups to study the causes and effects of wildfires to coordinate all aspects of government, utilities, and other entities to ensure wildfire mitigation.

As the severity of wildfires grows due to environmental and forest management issues, your Rural Cooperatives will continue to improve our vegetation management and wildfire mitigation efforts. We will also continue to work with the legislature to protect our Cooperatives and their member-owners.

Once again, I invite you to visit your lawmakers while they are in Santa Fe, and I also invite you to stop by and visit your Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

You can track and read bills, follow committee activities and keep abreast of the daily calendar at the legislature’s website: www.nmlegis.gov.

Exciting News: Our Partnership with Nexstar Media

At enchantment, we’re always looking for ways to bring more value to our members and the communities we serve. That’s why we’re excited to announce our new partnership with Terry O’Neill and Nexstar Media Group!

Terry brings over 25 years of experience in the magazine, printing, and media industry, having worked with Lee Enterprises and the Chicago Sun-Times. He’s helped launch multiple magazines throughout the Midwest and knows how to connect businesses with the right audience.

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. is a powerhouse in the media world, producing over 316,000 hours of local and national news, sports, and entertainment content every year. Their Digital Technology & Operations team oversees 140 local websites and 278 mobile apps, ensuring businesses can reach people wherever they are. They also run BestReviews, a go-to source for in-depth product reviews.

By teaming up with Nexstar, we’re bringing more relevant and innovative advertising opportunities to enchantment, both in print and online. Our goal is to create an even better experience for our members while helping local businesses grow.

We’re excited about what’s ahead and, as always, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Let us know what you think—we’re here to serve you.

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Inogen® Portable Oxygen Concentrators

In 20 years, we have sold/rented more than 1 million units to people worldwide.

An Inogen POC may be covered by Medicare or other Insurance.

We have a lifetime warranty available on all of our concentrators.

USES: The Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrator provides a high concentration of supplemental oxygen to patients requiring respiratory therapy on a prescriptive basis. It may be used in home, institution, vehicle, and various mobile environments. DO NOT USE IF: This device is not intended to be used in any way other than described in the indications for use. Do not use in parallel or series with other oxygen concentrators or oxygen therapy devices. This device is to be used as an oxygen supplement and is not intended to be life sustaining or life supporting. ONLY use this product if the patient is capable of spontaneous breath, able to inhale and exhale without the use of a machine. The conserving, or pulse dose, oxygen delivery technique used by this device is contraindicated in persons whose breathing during normal resting would be unable to trigger the device. Proper device triggering, setup and operation must be confirmed by an experienced clinician or other respiratory professional. Not for pediatric use. Not for use by tracheotomized patients. WARNINGS: The device produces enriched oxygen gas, which accelerates combustion. Do not allow smoking or open flames within 2m (6.56ft) of this device while in use. If you feel ill or uncomfortable, or if the concentrator does not signal an oxygen pulse and you are unable to hear and/or feel the oxygen pulse, consult your equipment provider and/or your physician immediately. If you are unable to communicate discomfort, you may require additional monitoring and or a distributed alarm system to convey the information about the discomfort and or the medical urgency to your responsible caregiver to avoid harm. Use only spare parts recommended by the manufacturer to ensure proper function and to avoid the risk of fire and burns. To avoid danger of choking or strangulation hazard, keep cords away from children and pets. TALK TO YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: The oxygen flow setting must be determined and recorded for each patient individually by the prescriber, including the configuration of the device, its parts, and the accessories. It is the responsibility of the patient to periodically reassess the setting(s) of the therapy for effectiveness. The proper placement and positioning of the prongs of the nasal cannula in the nose is critical for oxygen to be delivered.

1When used for less than 8 hours per day within the expected service life

DESIGNED INTHE

Prep Now for Summer Savings

By Miranda Boutelle

Q: Spring is in the air. How can I prepare my home for lower energy bills once summer arrives?

A: There are many ways to get a jump-start on preventing summertime high bills and energy waste.

Add your cooling equipment to the spring-cleaning checklist. An annual tuneup by a heating, ventilation and air conditioning professional should include refrigerant charge, airflow adjustment, and condenser and evaporator fan coil cleaning. This tuneup helps maximize your system’s efficiency and the lifespan of your equipment, reducing wasted energy and costs.

Some HVAC companies offer discounts for cleaning equipment during the months they are less busy. Once high temperatures hit, they are more likely to be swamped with calls to repair or replace broken equipment. Signing up for an annual maintenance plan may provide additional savings.

A dirty furnace filter can waste energy by causing your system to work harder. Make sure you have a stack of replacement filters ready to go, so you are more likely to replace them as needed. Filters tend to be less expensive if you buy them in bulk. When I recently shopped for filters, the price was about half as much per filter for a 12-pack as it was for a two-pack.

For ductless heat pumps—also known as mini-splits—the filter is in the indoor unit and should be cleaned. If you clean the filter yourself, be sure to turn the unit off before removing it. Let it dry completely before putting it back.

As we transition from cool to warm weather, keep an eye on your thermostat settings. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting cooling temperatures to 78 degrees when you are home and higher when you are away. You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day.

One way to feel cooler is by using fans in the room you’re in during the day or when you’re sleeping. Using a fan can make a warm room feel cooler without having to adjust the thermostat. Fans cool people, not rooms, so they should be turned off in unoccupied spaces.

You can maximize the comfort benefit of a ceiling fan by switching the flow of air seasonally. The reverse function is great at circulating warm air in the winter. Once warmer weather arrives, make sure you flip the fan’s switch so it changes direction and blows air down into the living space.

Another consideration before summer hits is your home’s impact on peak load—when demand for electricity is highest. This typically occurs in the morning when people are getting ready for work and school and in the evening when they return

home. An electric utility must manage the energy use of everyone it serves, which can be a challenge. Consider starting the dishwasher before you go to sleep or starting a load of laundry outside of your utility’s peak times.

If you have a photovoltaic solar system, run your dishwasher or do laundry when your system produces the most electricity, which is typically during the sunny midday.

Cooking outdoors in summer is a great way to save energy. Using the stove or oven heats your kitchen, which requires more energy for cooling. Clean the grill now so you are ready to cook outdoors.

Incorporate these tips into your summer prep to save energy and lower your bills.

This content was originally created by Efficiency Services Group LLC under contract with NRECA. NRECA retains ownership of this content. NRECA does not endorse Efficiency Services Group, its views herein expressed, nor any products or services it offers.

Miranda Boutelle has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy. She has worked on energyefficiency projects from the Midwest to the West Coast. Today, Miranda is chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energyefficiency company.

On hot days, cooking outdoors is an alternative to using your stove or oven, which heats up your home and leads to higher energy use.

PHOTO BY MARK GILLILAND/PIONEER UTILITY RESOURCES

Watch for Lyrid Meteors

As darkness falls on the gradually warming April evenings, there are two bright planets in our western sky. Jupiter is about halfway up the sky at the end of dusk and sets around midnight, while Mars is higher up and follows along about three hours later.

In early April, Mars is close to Castor and Pollux, the “twin” stars of Gemini, both only slightly dimmer than the red planet itself.

Our neighboring world, Venus, rapidly climbs into the morning sky during April and, for most of the month, rises around the beginning of dawn, setting the stage for a brilliant display throughout the summer and early autumn.

Meanwhile, other worlds are also becoming visible in our April dawn skies. One of these is Saturn, which passed behind the sun— as seen from our perspective on Earth—last month and is now beginning a slow climb into the dawn. Saturn’s system of rings was edge-on to us last month and, at best, will appear as a thin line right now. Saturn and Venus pass close to each other April 29.

Mercury is also visible in the dawn, but it remains low and close to the horizon throughout the month. It and Saturn lie fairly close to each other April 10-11, but this gathering takes place deep in twilight and won’t be easy to see. The distant planet Neptune also passes close to Mercury on April 17, but seeing it will require a telescope and a clear eastern horizon.

The Lyrid meteor shower should peak around Tuesday morning, April 22. This is a little more than one day after the moon is in its third-quarter phase, so there should not be too much interference from moonlight. The Lyrids are debris from a comet that appeared in 1861. The debris has an approximate orbital period of 400 years.

Normally, the Lyrids only produce 10 to 15 meteors per hour, but on rare and unexpected occasions—the most recent of which was in 1982—there have been strong bursts of Lyrid meteors up to as many as 100 meteors per hour or more. e

A Lyrid meteor is visible during the Lyrid shower in April 2012, as photographed from the International Space Station by astronaut Don Pettit. PHOTO COURTESY OF NASA

Don’t Be a Victim of Phishing

In an era of ever-changing cyberthreats, safeguarding your digital presence is crucial

Once a simple way to stay in touch with friends and family, email is now used for everything from shopping to banking. This creates increasing opportunities for scams, phishing attempts and malware to land in your inbox.

Follow these tips and best practices to stay one step ahead of cyber pirates.

What is phishing?

Phishing is an attempt to collect your personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. These emails are usually disguised as being from a reputable company, such as your bank or a service provider you interact with regularly.

Learn how to spot a phishing attempt:

1. Scrutinize the sender’s address. One of the first signs of a potential scam is a suspicious sender address. They often look legit at first glance, but check for misspelled domain names—often just a letter or two off—additional characters or other slight variations. For example, a phishing email purporting to come from your bank might use “yourbank-support@ gmail.com” instead of the official domain.

2. Examine email content. Legitimate organizations prioritize professionalism in their customer-facing communications. Be wary of poorly written emails with grammatical errors, awkward sentence structure or an overemphasis on urgency. Phishing is all about catching you off guard and scaring you enough to get you to give up whatever information

scammers are after. If you’re not expecting a link from a company, don’t click it.

3. Be cautious with personal information requests. Trustworthy entities seldom request sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details, via email. Be skeptical of any email asking you to divulge personal or financial information.

4. Verify unexpected attachments. It is rare for a company to send you a link out of the blue. If you’re being asked to click links, download files or open attachments, take the time to call the company and confirm they sent the link. More often than not, they did not send that email, and it is a scam.

5. When in doubt, throw it out. Much like the questionable leftovers in the back of the refrigerator, you’re not likely to miss a suspicious email once you delete it.

What is malware?

“Malware” is short for malicious software. It refers to any intrusive software developed to steal data, damage or destroy computer systems, or hijack a web

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Phishing and Malware ENERGY SCAMS

TIPS TO AVOID

browser to redirect the user to malicious sites.

Learn to avoid malware:

1. Keep your computer systems updated. We’ve all delayed downloading a software update. It can feel like a nuisance, but many operating system updates and antivirus software programs include security updates and other patches that reduce vulnerabilities.

2. Use reliable security software. Invest in reputable antivirus and antimalware software to provide an extra layer of protection. Regularly scan your device for potential threats, and schedule automatic updates for real-time defense.

3. Steer clear of surprises. As with phishing attempts, malware hides in email attachments, links and pop-ups. If you weren’t expecting it, don’t click it.

As your sense of cybersecurity awareness evolves, you will develop a keen eye for spotting scams. By adopting these best practices and throwing in a little extra malware defense know-how, you can keep your personal data safe and surf the web with confidence. e

Be cautious of fraudulent websites pretending to be an electric utility. Scammers often create look-alike sites to steal your personal or payment information. Always type your utility’s official web address directly into your browser instead of clicking email or text links. Watch for signs of a secure website, such as “https://” in the address bar and a padlock icon.

If you’re ever unsure, call your utility company using the official phone number listed on your bill to verify payment or account details.

Way Lighting Lighting

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Honoring the dedication of New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative lineworkers

In the quiet hours before dawn breaks, while many of us are still nestled in our beds, lineworkers begin their day, often clad in flame-resistant clothing, safety goggles, rubber gloves and thick, heavy boots. They are individuals who epitomize dedication to service. As we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day this month, it is an important moment to reflect on the essential role they play in our daily lives.

Amid towering utility poles and power lines, lineworkers exhibit a strength that goes far beyond the physical. Whether battling inclement weather, troubleshooting technical problems or navigating treacherous heights, they demonstrate resilience and quiet determination to keep our lights on, our homes comfortable and our communities connected.

New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative crews travel across our service territories, building, maintaining and repairing parts of our local electric system. Their extraordinary skills ensure our homes remain powered, businesses stay operational and emergency services remain accessible—a lifeline that connects us all.

In moments of crisis, when the lights go out and we find ourselves in the dark, lineworkers emerge as beacons of hope. Their swift response restores normalcy, offering reassurance in times of uncertainty. Whether repairing storm-ravaged power lines or improving the system for the future, their unwavering commitment illuminates life when we need it most.

New Mexico Rural Electric

Cooperative lineworkers also answer the call beyond the boundaries of home. Our crews travel to assist fellow cooperatives, near or far, when widespread outages occur and additional support is needed. Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our seven guiding principles, and no one embodies this core commitment better than our lineworkers.

This month, as we celebrate the remarkable people who ensure reliable power, let’s recognize their unwavering dedication to the local communities they serve.

The next time you flip a switch, take a moment to remember those who make it possible—lineworkers, who are wired for service and dedicated to illuminating life. e

Making the Grade

What does it take to become a lineworker?

By Jen Calhoun

Taylor Hammack was wiring houses for a living around the time Hurricane Michael made landfall along the Florida Panhandle in 2018. The Category 5 hurricane flattened homes and businesses, destroyed infrastructure and left at least one town along the Gulf Coast in ruins.

The ordeal sparked something in Taylor as he drove to work one day.

“It was about three or four days after Michael hit, and I saw all these line crews on the side of the road getting the power back up,” he says. “Just seeing them do that after something catastrophic had happened—I thought, ‘That’s what I want to do.’ To me, it was a way to help people when they’re in need.”

Soon after, Taylor was hired as an apprentice lineworker at Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, which put him through a four-year training program with Tennessee Valley Public Power Association. Today, Taylor is a journeyman lineworker.

Lineworkers install, maintain and repair power lines and

equipment on utility poles and underground electrical systems. It’s a tough but rewarding trade that usually requires three to four years of training to achieve rank as a fully qualified journey-level lineworker. A few other qualities are important, too, say lineworkers across the country.

Still on the Line

Since the first electric wire was strung, lineworkers have held an important role in modern America. When disaster strikes, they’re the ones who get the lights back on. They work along city streets, farmlands and wilderness.

The job can be difficult and sometimes dangerous, but the rewards are excellent, says Nick Hagen, a journeyman lineworker at Northern Lights Inc. in Idaho.

“I like the appreciation the community gives us, especially after we get the power back on after three days, four days or even 10 days,” he says. “It’s a fulfilling job.”

Extra high-voltage crews repair power lines from a barge. PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Nick remembers pulling up near a house to repair power lines one Christmas Eve.

“They had been out of power for days,” he says. “Once I finished, I remember seeing their Christmas lights come back on. I thought that was pretty cool.”

The pay is good, too, he says. Nick was making ends meet as a valet at a hotel when he first learned about the trade. He wanted a better life for his family, and linework fit the bill. It also gave him a chance at retirement.

“Getting a good job with a retirement where you could actually enjoy your life after work? Nobody had ever really talked about that to me,” he says.

While compensation and benefits vary for lineworkers depending on location, experience and other factors, the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median pay in 2023 was $85,420 per year, or $41.07 per hour. However, those figures represent the middle of the pay range, and they don’t take into account overtime hours and additional jobs helping other utilities in the aftermath of storms—all of which can result in additional income.

How to Do It

Joining the trade means learning various—and oftentimes difficult—technical skill sets in and out of the classroom, all while maintaining a certain level of physical fitness, says David Bogue, a journeyman lineworker with Florida Keys Electric Cooperative.

Not only do lineworkers need to know how electrical systems work, they’re also required to learn numerous safety techniques. In addition, lineworkers climb utility poles wearing heavy toolbelts in all kinds of weather. The job requires working days and nights, depending on schedules and needs.

“Everybody’s story is a little bit different. Everyone gets into the trade in their own way.”

–EVAN PETERS, LINEWORKER AT BENTON REA IN WASHINGTON

“I would say becoming a journeyman is an attainable goal, but it’s a hard goal,” David says. “But, as someone once told me, I could throw a dart at a map and go get a job there. Also, the skills I’ve learned are not going to be replaced with AI anytime soon.”

Lineworkers can get their start by attending training schools, taking community college courses or working at a local utility in other capacities, such as a groundworker. Rudy Vega, a journeyman lineworker at FKEC, got his start doing right-of-way work with the cooperative 23 years ago.

“I had been working in a tree group there just under two years when the opportunity came up to be an apprentice lineman,” Rudy says. “They approached me and asked me if I was interested, and I said, ‘Definitely. I’ll give it my best.’”

Evan Peters, a lineworker at Washington’s Benton Rural Electric Association, was fighting wildfires when he first learned about the trade from a group of lineworkers.

When he expressed an interest in the job, one of the men suggested he attend a lineworker school. After graduating, he took a job at Benton REA.

“I like that it’s something new every day,” Evan says. “I like that I get to work outside with my hands, especially at a local utility. It can be really fulfilling.”

When it comes to joining up, however, Evan suggests those interested ask around before they jump in headfirst.

“I would tell them to reach out to local linemen,” he says. “Ask them how they did it. Everybody’s story is a little bit different. Everyone gets into the trade in their own way.” e

Want to Be a Lineworker?

Must-haves:

X Be 18 years of age.

X Hold a high school diploma or GED.

X Maintain a valid driver’s license.

X Able to work at heights and lift heavy equipment.

Getting started?

Every lineworker has a story about how they got started, and there are many pathways to taking the job. Here are a few ways to make it happen:

X Join an apprenticeship program at a local utility.

X Enroll in a lineworker school or training program.

X Start at a utility as a groundworker or other job.

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative journeyman lineworker Taylor Hammack produces an electrical arc during an electric safety demonstration at Southport Elementary School. PHOTO COURTESY OF GULF COAST ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Creating a Defensible Wildfire Space

Although it may seem as though the snow has just melted, now is the time to begin taking steps to prepare for wildfire season. Below are a few steps you can take to help protect your home or cabin in case of wildfire. Consider the zones around your structure and see if there are improvements you can make using this easy guide.

Structure Ignition Zone (0-5 Feet)

•Clean your roof and outdoor fixtures (dead leaves, debris, pine needles or anything that could catch embers)

•Limit the number of trees directly in contact with the home (especially evergreen trees)

•Move flammable material away from the home (firewood, lumber, bark, anything that can burn).

Firebreak Zone (5-30 Feet)

•Clear vegetation from under large stationary propane tanks

•Keep woodpiles at least 20 feet away from structures.

•Mow lawns and native grasses

•Remove ladder fuels (vegetation under trees and branches) so a surface fire is less likely to reach a tree’s crown

Reduced Fuel Zone (30-100 Feet)

•Dispose of heavy accumulations of ground litter, debris and dead plant material.

•Remove small trees growing between mature trees.

•Remove vegetation adjacent to storage sheds or other outbuildings within this area

Structure Ignition Zone Firebreak Zone

Fuel Zone

Electric Cooperatives Bring Unique Value to Communities

By Abby Berry

Electric cooperatives stand out from other types of businesses because they are built and led by the communities they serve. As an independent, notfor-profit electric utility, your electric cooperative is owned and governed by its local members—not by outside shareholders or investors. That is a powerful differentiator.

Here are a few ways electric co-ops bring unique value to the communities they serve:

• They put people before profits. Co-ops are not-for-profit and provide at-cost service. Any excess revenue is returned to consumer-members in the form of capital credits, typically distributed as bill credits or via checks.

• Community comes first. Co-op employees live and work here and care deeply about their communities. That’s why the co-op engages in development and revitalization projects; sponsors students for scholarships and programs; and gives back to local organizations.

• Affordable, reliable power is the cooperatives’ priority. Your electric co-op is focused on members’ energy needs—not only for today but for the long haul. Co-ops advocate for smarter energy policies that prioritize reliability and affordability for all, and it recognizes it must be inclusive of all energy sources.

Reliable, affordable electricity is more important than ever before, and the cooperative’s focus will continue to be the best interest of its communities.

Freshen up the menu with

shareable

It’s springtime in the kitchen! April’s made-to-share recipes pair well with celebrations such as Easter and time away from school for spring break.

In 1987, the National Pork Board launched the phrase, “Pork: The Other White Meat,” to change the perception of pork as an unhealthy protein. A tenderloin cut provides lean protein, with an estimated 3 to 4 grams of total fat in a 3-ounce serving. Adding the peppercorn-spiced coating enhances an already delicious flavor. The recipe is simple and quick to prepare.

White chocolate applesauce raspberry supreme cake, topped with a cream cheese frosting, continues the healthier alternative trend. Applesauce replaces large amounts of oil, and Greek yogurt adds an extra kick of protein. When a taste tester—who is not fond of cake—had a bite, he said it was the best cake he’s ever eaten and asked for seconds.

Spring into the kitchen and enjoy healthy eating!

alternatives

Peppercorn Pork Tenderloin

2- to 3-pound pork tenderloin

4 tablespoons Dijon mustard

3 tablespoons peppercorns, slightly ground

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ground

• Preheat oven to 350 F.

• Rinse the tenderloin, and pat dry with paper towel.

• Spray a 9-by-13-inch rimmed baking dish with olive oil cooking spray.

• Rub tenderloin with mustard, including ends. In a small bowl, stir together peppercorns, garlic powder, salt and cayenne. Pat peppercorn mixture over entire tenderloin.

• In a heated skillet, sear all sides and ends of the tenderloin until lightly browned, approximately 2-3 minutes each side. Place the seared tenderloin in the prepared baking dish.

• Bake uncovered for 1 hour or until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 140 F. Remove from the oven, tent with foil and rest tenderloin for 10 minutes. Slice across the grain before serving.

Makes 6-8 servings.

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PHOTO BY PAITOON

White Chocolate Applesauce Raspberry Supreme Cake

1 box vanilla or white cake mix

3-ounce box white chocolate instant pudding

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

3 eggs

½ cup milk

1/3 cup vegetable oil

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup white chocolate chips, slightly chopped

1 cup raspberry preserves, plus 4 tablespoons for frosting

Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

3 tablespoons butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons half-and-half or milk

4 tablespoons raspberry preserves

• Preheat oven to 325 F.

• Grease and flour a nonstick round fluted cake pan.

• In a large mixing bowl, mix cake mix and pudding mix. In a separate bowl, blend yogurt, eggs, milk, oil, applesauce and vanilla until well blended.

• Combine dry cake mixture and yogurt mixture. Blend with a mixer for 2 minutes. Stir in white chocolate chips.

• In a microwaveable bowl, microwave raspberry preserves for 30 seconds at a time until easily spooned to use in cake, being careful to not allow to bubble. Set aside 4 tablespoons of raspberry preserves for garnish. You may need to slightly rewarm the preserves for garnishing when frosting the cake.

• Spoon a third of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, and smooth the top. Spoon ½ cup warmed raspberry preserves over the batter in pan. Repeat layers, ending with the final third of batter.

• Insert a knife vertically and gently swirl to incorporate raspberry preserves into

the batter. Smooth the top layer.

• Move the oven rack to center of the oven, and bake cake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool until the cake is visibly pulling away from the sides of the pan. Invert onto a serving plate.

• To prepare frosting, cream together cream cheese, butter and vanilla until smooth. Blend in 1 cup of powdered sugar at a time, alternating with 1 tablespoon of half-and-half at a time to thicken frosting. Continue with powdered sugar and half-and-half until frosting reaches a consistency you can spoon onto the cake.

• Spoon frosting onto the cake, and drizzle reserved warmed raspberry preserves over top. If desired, dust with powdered sugar.

• The cake is best when prepared the day before, covered and refrigerated overnight.

THE MARKET PLACE

Animals

BLACK ANGUS BULLS. Thick, easy fleshing, low maintenance bulls for sale. Range raised at high elevation. Low birth weight and herd bulls available. 18 month old bulls available now starting at 2800.00. Yearlings available in April starting at 2400.00. Call Bobby Salvo 575 642 0962.

GOOD YEARLING CHAROLAIS BULLS FOR SALE. Polled bulls. Born January thru April; weigh approximately 800 lbs, to 900 lbs. Priced at $2,200 each. Jobe Charolais Tucumcari, NM area. Call 575-815-8155.

Business

TILE SHOWERS BUILT ESPECIALLY FOR YOU! Call 931-201-2791. Ask for FREE Estimate! Great Prices, Beautiful Showers! *In business since the late 1900s* Any shower, anywhere. Call Ed 931-201-2791.

LOGAN, NM HOME OF UTE LAKE AND BUSY HWY 54! The Old Road To Ruin Bar remodeled and equipped for you and your family to start up a great bar and grill! People are hungry for good food and great place to raise your family or retire! Business easy to pay for at $400,000.00 a home can be purchased located close to business if needed! 575-403-7161.

ACUPUNCTURE HERE IN THE VALLEY. KhalsaAcupuncture.com. 505-747-7944. PAIN RELIEF for acute and chronic conditions. Dr. Khalsa uses a variety of techniques plus herbal medicine. Currently accepting BCBSNM, Medicare ADVANTAGE, and Presbyterian.

Equipment

IRRIGATION PIPE FOR SALE. Make irrigating faster and more efficient. PVC and aluminum pipe and fittings like T’s, elbows, plugs, hydrants, alfalfa valves, butterfly valves. Half the price of new and ready to use. Call Sierra (575) 770-8441.

1948 1949 HD 7 ALLIS CHALMERS SERIAL #1073 DOZER. Good Condition 10’ Blade 6 way Manual Motor 6-71 Detroit. Everything works good. Has Canopy with lights. Asking $8,000. Call 505-617-5253 or text for more info and pictures.

Great Finds

BUYING OLD GAS PUMPS, PUMP PARTS, OIL CANS, GLOBES, ADVERTISING SIGNS THERMOMETERS CLOCKS, OLD LICENSE PLATES, OLD NEON SIGNS. Call the Gas Guy in Embudo 505-852-2995. Have TruckWill Travel.

HEADSTONES (I.E. CEMETERY MONUMENTS) IS OUR BUSINESS. OVER 1,000 DESIGNS. An eternal memory of a loved one. TAOS MOUNTAIN HERITAGE. Call 575- 770-2507 or 575-758-3903 or Email: taos_mt_heritage@msn.com. Alfalfa Bales for sale also. Website: www.taosmountainheritage.com

KINGMAN ARIZONA TURQUOISE AND AMBER FOR SALE. Call (505) 757-2384 and leave a message.

Real Estate

PRIME BUSINESS LOCATION ON HISTORIC BRIDGE STREET JUST STEPS FROM LAS VEGAS’ HISTORIC PLAZA. Surrounded by beautiful historic commercial establishments, this building is an infill built in 1988 in the style of its neighbors. Downstairs retail; upstairs residential or 3 separate offices w/kitchen, dining area, & full bath with laundry. New roof 2004; central heat & air; security system; parking in back & on-street. Laurie Frantz, Real Broker, 505-920-1346.

2 CONTIGUOUS PINON/JUNIPERFORESTED LOTS, 45.563 ACRES, MUJERES RANCH, CIBOLA CO. Electricity at lotline; well, septic needed. No HOA or covenants; MHs allowed. $99,500 for both. Big mountain views! Laurie Frantz, Real Broker LLC, 505-920-1346, lauriefrantz@gmail.com

40 BEAUTIFUL, FORESTED LOTS IN THE PENDARIES SUBDIVISION, FEATURING PONDEROSA PINES. Each lot is available for purchase individually, with prices as low as $5,000. Community water access and views. Don’t miss this opportunity—secure your ideal lot today! Laurie Frantz, Real Broker LLC, 505-920-1346, lauriefrantz@gmail.com

LARGE, CUSTOM-BUILT HOME AT 7 CALLE VACIO IN RURAL LA MESILLA, SOUTH OF ESPANOLA. 3B2B & office on 1 acre. High ceilings, tile floors, wood-burning stove, open concept kitchen/living room/ dining room. Recently painted inside and out, new tile behind woodstove, new seamless gutters, double entry gate. Two fenced yards, one with hot tub, and wooden storage shed. Three sides fenced. Laurie Frantz, Real Broker, 505-920-1346.

CLOVIS-409 HUMPHREY ROAD, VACANT LAND WITH COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL. 8.5 acres not far from US 60-84. $77,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

TUCUMCARI-1120 S SARATOGA, (Also next to US 54/Mountain Road) $20,000. City water close by. Big Mesa Realty, 575-4562000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

CANADIAN RIVER-WEST UTE LAKE- Six 40 acre +/- parcels. Lake and Mesalands view. Call for showing and pricing. Owner Financing Available. Big Mesa Realty, 575456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-7605461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

FORT SUMNER-SUMNER LAKE- 225 Indian Place, Two bedroom, two bathroom home on 20 acres with loft space. Amazing views of the Pecos River valley. $325,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

SANTA ROSA- 1070 BAR Y ROAD, HOLLYWOOD RANCH SUBDIVISION. SALE PENDING. Three parcels totaling 41 acres. Water, electricity, fencing. $70,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

MILAGRO- 0000 PECOS SPUR, PORTILLO CREEK RANCH SUBDIVISION. Tract 6, 164 acres. Partial fencing. Wide open space. $84,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

MAGDALENA-0000 TBD STATE ROAD 169, 1.28 ACRES. Great mountain views 15 miles from Magdalena. Borders Cibola National Forest. Hunting potential. $15,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

DATIL/PIE TOWN- Various 40 +/- acre tracts north of Sawtooth Mountains and national forest in former Criswell Ranch area. Call for pricing. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

SAN MARCIAL-SOUTH OF SAN ANTONIOWILLOW SPRINGS SUBDIVISION- 702 acres with southwestern style home. Great views in the Chupadera Mountain foothills. $1,100,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

EASTERN NEW MEXICO- Let us sell your large acreage working farm or ranch. Broker is farm owner/operator and lifetime New Mexico resident. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www. bigmesarealty.com.

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 $50 Two column inch ads are $100

To Send and Pay Your Classified Ad

1. Mail ad and payment (Payable to NMRECA)

NMRECA • enchantment

614 Don Gaspar Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505

HISTORIC VILLANUEVA GENERAL STORE AND RESTAURANT ON HWY-3 NEAR SERENE VILLANUEVA STATE PARK. Outfitted with commercial kitchen, appliances. .35 acres. Owner financing possible. $349,000. Keller Williams Realty (505)983-5151. Crystal Latimer, broker (206)719-3312. crystallatimer@kw.com

160 ACRE OASIS NEAR VILLANUEVA (626 CR B36), thoughtfully designed 300 sq. ft. cottage, electricity, private well and septic, productive garden beds, permaculture design. $450,000. Keller Williams Realty (505)983-5151. Crystal Latimer, owner/broker (206)719-3312. crystallatimer@kw.com

EDGEWOOD-3 LEARN RD. Great views out my front, my backyard is mountain almost an acre. Call Kim Plummer 505-480-5328 or email 505@gmail.com or call Mark Lucero at 505-286-1008.

CHAMA RIVER FRONT PROPERTY. 5 acres, 1836 sq ft manufactured, stucco, pro panel roof home. 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths. New doublepane windows. Private well,septic tank,2-car Carport, 8’x16’ Graceland wooden building w/electricity,10’x10’ wooden barn shed w/ loft,10’x13’ metal shed,2-10’x10’ gazebos. Call for price 505-670-6007 or email nmjav@aol.com

OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE- Let us sell your large acreage working farm or ranch. Broker is farm owner/operator. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, OREC Broker 209965 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

BEAUTIFUL REMODELED 3 BEDROOM 2 BATH LOCATED CLOSE TO UTE LAKE AND LOGAN NM BRAND-NEW EVERYTHING! Sits on two large lots with growth potential! 225,000.00! 575-403-7161.

RIBERA, NM-70 PRISTINE ACRES, GENTLEMAN’S RANCH. 5 minutes to I-25. 45 minutes to Santa Fe. 25 minutes to Las Vegas. County Rd B55 San Miguel County maintained leads into Santa Fe Nat. Forest. 3br, 2bth, new metal roof, living and dining room/open living. Well, electric, propane. Laundry rm, closed in back porch, back yard, large front porch. RV under cover with deck. 40x40 new metal barn. 2 covered storage containers. Stunning views/arroyo/Indian mound/roads thru the ranch. 210-219-9716, 210-219-7469, by owners/ Texas Realtors. Shown by appointment only to qualified buyers. No HOA. Photos available upon request. $1,220,000.

Vehicles

FOR SALE: 2009 Subaru Forester. 4CYL, 5 Speed All wheel Drive. Manual transmission. $6,000. 505-384-5163.

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.

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Animals Great Finds

Business Real Estate

Equipment Vehicles

AROUND NEW MEXICO

The Land of Enchantment 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 1-30—Carrizozo

Atomic Dawn: Lincoln County, Trinity and the Bomb Exhibit

The Carrizozo Heritage Museum, in partnership with the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, presents a powerful new exhibition: Atomic Dawn: Lincoln County, Trinity and the Bomb. This exhibit explores the Trinity Bomb test’s impact on Lincoln County and its residents, featuring artifacts, archival photographs and interactive displays that shed light on its legacies. www.facebook.com/carrizozomuseum

April 4-13—Albuquerque

Albuquerque Restaurant Week

Albuquerque Restaurant Week is a one-ofa-kind celebration of culinary tourism. This weeklong event brings together food lovers, local businesses and the Albuquerque community to honor the city’s rich and diverse culinary scene. Featuring exclusive prix fixe menus, creative dining experiences and special promotions, Albuquerque Restaurant Week highlights the talent and flavors that make our city a foodie destination.

abqrestaurantweek.org

April 4 Silver City

First Friday at the Galleries

Join the Silver City Art Association Galleries for First Friday Art Walk. Silver City’s Arts and Culture District offers a variety of art galleries displaying the work of local and regional artists: painting, drawing, photography, fiber, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture and mixed media. www.silvercityart.com/first-fridays

April 5—Alto

iLuminate

Join us for a fusion of cutting-edge technology

and dance that has wowed the world since appearing on “America’s Got Talent.” ILuminate features the country’s top dancers performing to top pop and rock hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Dancers are outfitted with customized LED suits synced to create lighting effects with each move. This multisensory experience is incomparable to any other as the dancers perform dynamic routines and illusions on a darkened stage. spencertheater.com/iluminate

April 5—Glenwood

Whitewater Mesa Fun Kite Flying Picnic

Bring your family and friends to the 19th Whitewater Mesa Fun Kite Flying Picnic. There is plenty of space to celebrate the wind without fences to tangle your kite strings and room to park for your tailgate picnic. While in Glenwood, walk the path of one or all six of the labyrinths and a maze across the road at Whitewater Mesa Labyrinths, or follow the Gold Dust trail into the Gila which starts at the east edge of the kite field. www.wmlabyrinths.com/wml-events

April 12-13 Las Cruces

Las Cruces Pecan Festival

Since 1937, pecans have played a big role in Mesilla Valley life. New Mexico is the secondhighest pecan producing state, and Dona Ana County is the biggest pecan producing county. Visit the pecan festival to learn how pecans contribute to community. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit Wee Warriors Project. lascrucespecanfestival.com

Include Your Upcoming Event

April 19—Ruidoso

Bunny Run and Easter Egg Hunt

Put on your running shoes and bunny ears and join Ruidoso Parks and Recreation for the sixth annual 5K Bunny Run/Walk at 7 a.m. at the Cedar Creek Recreation Area trails. You are welcome to run/walk in an Easter costume. In-person registration starts at 5:45 a.m. in the Cedar Creek picnic area parking lot, located on Cedar Creek Road, 1 mile north of the Smokey Bear Ranger Station, 901 Mechem Drive. Registration is $25, and $5 of each ticket goes to the Lincoln County Food Bank. www.discoverruidoso.com/calendar-of-events/annualbunny-runwalk-at-cedar-creek

April 23-27 Silver City

Tour of the Gila

Tour of the Gila is a world-class cycling stage race in Silver City. The Union Cycliste Internationale-sanctioned road race is known as the place for pros and elite amateurs to showcase their talent. Tour of the Gila highlights the region’s qualities, including the landscape that inspired the creation of the Wilderness Act; a robust farming, ranching and mining heritage; a historic military fort; a growing creative community; and an enclave of cyclists who consider Grant County their secret hideaway and dream playground. tourofthegila.com

April 25-26—Tucumcari

Tucumcari Film Festival

Join us for a captivating journey into the world of film at the Tucumcari Film Festival, nestled in the enchanting landscapes of New Mexico. This festival is a vibrant celebration of storytelling, creativity and community spirit. Delight in a diverse array of films, from indie treasures to compelling documentaries, showcased at our unique venues: the historic Odeon Theatre, the dynamic Tucumcari High School Auditorium and the charming Tucumcari Railroad Depot. www.shoottucumcari.com/filmfest

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.

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.

Cold Load Pickup

When power is restored, a surge of devices coming back online can damage transmission equipment— and cause more outages

When power is restored after an outage, there is often a sudden surge in electricity demand. In the industry, this is known as cold load pickup, a common occurrence that can be particularly challenging during inclement weather.

When power is restored, appliances that were offline suddenly draw power all at once. This surge in demand can place strain on the system and can lead to issues such as voltage drops and system instability if not managed carefully.

Despite a utility’s best efforts, complications can sometimes occur. One common issue is when a previously energized circuit opens under load and deenergizes again while we are working on another breaker.

This situation can force us to restart the restoration process to maintain system stability. If a circuit opens due to an overload or fault, it indicates that the system is experiencing more stress than anticipated. We may need to begin the restoration process again from the first step, reevaluating the load and condition of the circuits to ensure restoration.

We encourage our customers to be proactive during outages. Be aware

of your power use—reducing demand when power comes back on can make a significant difference. Simple actions such as waiting a few minutes before turning on large appliances can help ease the strain on the system and support a smoother recovery.

Here’s How You Can Help

• Turn off your thermostat.

• Turn off the breaker to your water heater.

• Turn off appliances and electronics, leaving one light on so you know when power is restored

• When power is restored, turn things back on one at a time in 10-minute intervals to reduce demand.

If you notice persistent problems or unusual behavior in your power supply, let us know immediately. Quick reporting helps us address issues promptly.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY RONALD

How Power Is Restored

When the power goes out, we expect it to be restored within a few hours. But when a major storm or natural disaster causes widespread damage, extended outages may result. Line crews work long, hard hours to restore service safely to the greatest number of consumers in the shortest time possible.

High-Voltage Transmission Lines

Transmission towers and cables that supply power to transmission substations––and thousands of members––rarely fail. But when damaged, these facilities must be repaired before other parts of the system can operate.

Distribution Substation

A substation can serve hundreds or thousands of consumers. When a major outage occurs, line crews inspect substations to determine if problems stem from transmission lines feeding into the substation, the substation itself or if problems exist farther down the line.

Main

Distribution Lines

If the problem cannot be isolated at a distribution substation, distribution lines are checked. These lines carry power to large groups of consumers in communities or housing developments.

Tap Lines

If local outages persist, supply lines––also known as tap lines––are inspected. These lines deliver power to transformers––either mounted on poles or placed on pads for underground service––outside businesses, schools and homes.

Teaching Energy

Electronic and mobile devices, TVs, computers and gaming stations have become ubiquitous fixtures in our homes, particularly those with children. Consumer electronics coupled with the proliferation of smart home appliances, technology and electric vehicles have slowly but steadily changed our homes and lifestyles.

This ever-connected world is the modern environment in which children are growing up. With lifestyles increasingly reliant on technology and in turn, energy consumption, teaching the younger generation to save energy is an important life lesson.

The Why

Before parents can teach their children how to save energy, they must first answer the question, “What’s in it for me?”

As most parents can attest, convincing children to care about energy efficiency is a hard sell. Parents need to explain why it’s important to save energy and how it benefits the child—otherwise they do not understand the need to change their habits and are less motivated to do so. In the simplest terms, less money spent on an electric bill can mean more money used for fun activities, which is something children can relate to.

Less tangible, but just as important, using less energy means running your home more efficiently, conserving natural resources and helping the environment.

Learning by Doing

Because saving energy is an abstract concept for children, be specific about energy efficiency actions and set an example.

We know children learn by observing what their parents do. Even if they don’t say anything, children are processing your actions. When you turn off the lights when leaving a room or unplug the phone charger once the device is fully charged, they notice.

Learning about energy efficiency doesn’t

have to be a boring lecture. Make it fun for greater impact.

For younger children, turn energy efficiency into a treasure hunt to locate all the things in your home that use electricity. Depending on the age of the children, challenge them to count and group the items into categories: electronics, appliances, lights, etc. If age appropriate, have them create a list. Ask which gadgets and appliances could be turned off or unplugged to save power every day.

For older children, show them how to program smart thermostats and appliances. Shop with them for LED lights and discuss Energy Star-rated appliances. Show them the electric bill so they can see the costs, energy use and how their actions impact the bill.

Children can learn a few simple energysaving habits that can last a lifetime:

• Turn off lights, devices, computers and video game consoles when not in use.

• Open blinds and curtains during winter days to let warm sunlight in, and close them during summer days to keep your home cooler.

• If your children are old enough to run the dishwasher or wash their own clothes, teach them to run these appliances only with a full load and during off-peak energy hours.

Rewards

Offer rewards for agreed-upon milestones. Rewards provide positive reinforcement on energy-saving actions.

The idea is to create a habit of being energy efficient. For parents, this could mean less nagging about turning off the lights.

Teaching your children about saving energy is not only a creative way to spend time with them; it helps your home be more energy efficient and can instill good habits that benefit your child as they make their way into adulthood.