6 minute read
Your Electric Co-op
General Manager
Anthony J. Mercure
Address
P.O. Box 217 1135 Camino Escondido Chama, NM 87520
Telephone
575-756-2181
nora@noraelectric.org
Website
www.noraelectric.org
Summer Office Hours
7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (M-Th)
Closed Fridays Board of Trustees President
Steve Rendon Chama, District 2
Vice President
Thomas G. Rivas Chama, District 2
Secretary
Paul Cordova Tierra Amarilla, District 3
Treasurer
Leroy Martinez Canjilon, District 4
Michael Gomez
Lumberton, District 1
Debbie F. Manzanares
Tierra Amarilla, District 3
David Martinez
Canjilon, District 4
Board Meeting
The Board of Trustees meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in the Cooperative boardroom.
Take Precaution Around Electrical Hazards
NORA Electric Cooperative takes safety around electricity very seriously.
Electricity works by traveling in a completed circuit. It always travels in the path of least resistance, and it tries to travel to the ground. Typically, we are safe around every day uses of electricity; however, it’s very important to be aware of the dangers associated with electricity and how to keep ourselves protected when situations arise that could potentially put us in danger of electric shock or fire.
Injuries and accidents happen when electrical appliances are used improperly, procedure is not followed, or when safety systems are disregarded. Only adequately trained qualified workers should attempt to work on repairing a potentially dangerous electrical situation. Use of common sense and following simple safety precautions can help avoid senseless injury and/or tragedy. Encountering the following conditions requires exercising extreme caution: ➥ Working Around Overhead High
Voltage Power Lines: Trimming trees, climbing ladders, and flying kites can turn deadly if contact is made with a non-insulated overhead power line. ➥ Digging Near Buried Lines: Always call your local utility provider or 811 before digging. This applies to gas and water lines as well.
Enroll In SurePay Today
Sure Pay is a convenient and easy way to make sure your payment gets paid on time every month. It is an automatic debit set up between NORA and your bank account. This service is provided free of charge by NORA on a voluntary basis by the customer. To enroll, you can visit our office and fill out an application or you can download it online at www.noraelectric.org. Once enrolled, your bank account will be charged the minimum payment due 10 days following the statement date. You can terminate this agreement at any time by contacting our office. In the event that your bank account should ever have non-sufficient funds for covering your minimum amount, the SurePay account will be automatically terminated and subject to returned item fees from both NORA and your financial institution.
➥ Overloaded Circuits: Plugging in too many cords in a single outlet can be very dangerous causing the circuit to overheat and start a fire. ➥ Damaged Cords or Insulation on
Wires: Immediately discontinue using a cord that is damaged or has exposed wire. Do not attempt to repair the cord yourself. Have a qualified electrician repair or replace any damaged wires. ➥ Operating Portable Power
Tools: Never use around wet areas.
Immediately stop using if the tools overheat or start sparking. Repair or replace any damaged tools.
Northern Río Arriba Electric Cooperative How A GFCI Protects Us
A ground fault circuit interrupter, usually abbreviated as GFCI or sometimes simply referred to as GFI, protects us from electric shock due to an imbalance in the flow of electrical current through circuits. There is a constant monitoring of the current and if even the slightest variance is detected (0.006 amperes), the power is interrupted by the GFCI. The circuit gets tripped, and immediately the flow of electricity gets stopped. If the human body comes in contact with current greater than 0.006 amperes (or 6mA) it is considered very dangerous and possibly even fatal. This technology can prevent electrocution, severe shock and burns. Additionally, it can prevent electrical fires and also reduce the severity of other fires because of its ability to interrupt the flow of electricity.
A ground fault is an unintentional path of electricity between a power source and a grounded surface. Ground faults are caused by different reasons including: • Unsafe operating conditions, such as using electrical appliances around water sources. • Deterioration of insulated wires. • Defective appliances or improper use of appliances.
In the United States a standard electrical outlet carries 120 volts. Current flows to and from the load on two insulated wires. Each slot on the outlet has a special function. The right slot is considered “hot” and has a black wire. The left and larger slotis considered “neutral” and has a white wire. The hole below the slots is considered the “ground.” Electricity flows to the load on the black or “hot” wire, moves through the load, and then returns along the white or “neutral” wire. When appliances are functioning properly, the current flows in balance and the appliance will work. If the GFCI detects a mismatch, the device recognizes that the current is no longer flowing equally from hot to neutral and instantly opens the circuit cutting the power.
In the event that your GFCI becomes tripped, it can easily be reset by pressing the red reset button. If the outlet continues to trip, it is extremely important to have the outlet inspected by a qualified professional electrician to find the source of the problem. It is also important to have functioning GFCI outlets tested on a regular basis by pressing the black test button and by using a plug-in GFCI tester.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY
Our office is closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day. Office hours will resume on Monday, July 6. Have a safe and happy holiday!
FAST TIP FOR MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR CEILING FANS
FLIP THE SWITCH: Most ceiling fans have a switch near the blades. In warm months, flip the switch so that the blades operate in a counterclockwise direction, effectively producing a “wind chill” effect. Fans make the air near them feel cooler than it actually is. In winter, move the switch so the fan blades rotate clockwise, creating a gentle updraft. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling into occupied areas of the room. Regardless of the season, try operating the fan on its lowest setting.
feel the rush of 12mph.
Steal away a day on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. It’s a breathtaking journey that zig zags through steep mountain canyons, the high desert, and lush meadows. The train departs from Antonito, Colorado or Chama, New Mexico and returns to the origination point after a hearty lunch in Osier. Feel the rails underneath. Hear the bright steam whistle. And leave all those worries behind.
book now at cumbrestoltec.com 1-888-286-2737
America’s most historic scenic railroad
Enchantment_Rush_7.25x4.75.indd 1
ELECTRICITY REMAINS A GOOD VALUE
The cost of powering your home rises slowly when compared to other common expenses. Looking at price increases over the last five years, it’s easy to see electricity remains a good value! Average Annual Price Increase 2014-2019
Percent
4.0 3.7%
3.5 3.0 2.5
3.0%
2.6%
2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0 Rent Medical Care Education
0.4%
Electricity
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index
5/25/20 9:57 AM
enchantment Gift Subscriptions 1 Year: $12 or 2 Years: $18 Mail payment (payable to NMRECA) and details to: enchantment 614 Don Gaspar Ave. • Santa Fe, NM 87505
How to contact enchantment Phone 505-982-4671 Email enchantment@nmelectric.coop Facebook facebook.com/enchantmentnmreca Mail 614 Don Gaspar Avenue Santa Fe, NM 87505 Community Events events@nmelectric.coop Display Ads enchantmentads@nmelectric.coop Book Chat Inquiries enchantment@nmelectric.coop
