BYLAW CHANGE NOTICE

The following is a notice to Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative Inc. members.

Notice is hereby given of the following proposed bylaw change pertaining to elections of the CNMEC annual meeting:

At the April 13, 2019, CNMEC annual meeting, a proposal was brought forth to the members allowing a declaration of candidacy to include Mountainair and Moriarty offices. The original bylaw language only included Mountainair. The new amendment will read as follows:

Article Iii

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SECTION 3.04.2

A candidate for the Board of Trustees shall execute a Declaration of Candidacy and file it in the Cooperative’s office in either Mountainair, New Mexico, or Moriarty, New Mexico, before 4 p.m. on the last business day that is thirty (30) days before the annual meeting of the members.

This amendment will be brought to the annual meeting April 22, 2023, for vote. A quorum must be present to transact any business. As stated in the bylaws, each member shall be entitled to only one vote upon each matter submitted for a vote to the members. Voting shall be in person, and no member shall be entitled to vote by proxy or power of attorney.

All questions shall be decided by a vote of a majority of the voting members.

Shall the proposed bylaw change pass, it will be implemented immediately following the date of the vote and added as an amendment to the bylaws.

Do’s and Don’ts of Portable Generators

By Abby Berry

Storm season is upon us, which means greater potential for power outages. If you’re planning to use a portable generator during an outage, Central New Mexico Electric Co-op reminds you to play it safe.

With proper use and maintenance, portable generators can provide great convenience during an outage. However, when generators are used incorrectly, they can be extremely hazardous. In a 2022 report, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated 85 U.S. consumers die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gasoline-powered portable generators.

Here are 10 do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when using portable generators:

• Do install backup carbon monoxide alarms.

• Do keep children and pets away from portable generators at all times.

• Do position generators at least 25 feet outside the home and away from doors, windows and vents that can allow carbon monoxide to enter the home.

• Do ensure your generator is properly grounded. Use a portable ground-fault circuit interrupter to prevent electric shock injuries.

• Do use three-pronged extension cords rated to handle the load of the generator. Inspect extension cords for cuts, frays or other damage before use.

• Don’t operate a generator inside your home or an enclosed or partially enclosed space. Generators produce high levels of carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.

• Don’t open windows or doors while the generator is running.

• Don’t rely a generator as a full-time source of power. They should only be used temporarily or in emergency situations to power essential equipment or appliances.

• Don’t overload generators. They should only be used to power essential equipment. Make sure your generator can handle the load of the items you plan to power.

• Don’t connect generators directly to household wiring unless you have an appropriate transfer switch installed. If a generator is connected to a home’s wiring without a transfer switch, power can backfeed along power lines and electrocute utility lineworkers making repairs.

Before you operate a portable generator, thoroughly read the owner’s manual for important safety information and tips.