MSMEC Convenes Annual Meeting

Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative held its 2022 annual membership meeting Saturday, June, 24, 2023. The annual meeting had been canceled for the two prior years, first due to COVID-19, then because of the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon wildfires.

Board members were pleased to host the membership and report on previous years business of the cooperative. Member attendance was good; 103 members registered, and quorum numbers were met.

The 2022 Annual Meeting Report was distributed to the membership prior to the meeting. Members who did not receive an annual report can view it at morasanmiguel.coop, or pick one up at their local MSMEC office.

Guest speaker Duane Highley, CEO of Tri-State Generation and Transmission, informed members of the steps Tri-State is taking to include additional renewable energy in its supply, create membership options for purchasing additional renewables, and efforts to control costs and retain reliable and affordable electricity for its membership.

Finance Manager Julie Pacheco gave a brief financial update during the annual meeting and reported the co-op in good financial condition.

General Manager Les Montoya informed the membership of the challenges facing the cooperative based on the past two years’ events. Les said the focus of the cooperative is to rebuild the portions of the system impacted by the fire, extend service when requested, implement new technology, and develop a reliable work force that will be able to operate and manage the business of the cooperative.

MSMEC Education Foundation College Scholarship recipients were recognized. Approximately $12,000 of education funds will be invested in our youth this year. These students will retain this support as long as they remain enrolled and meet grade requirements.

MSMEC awarded each of the following students a $1,000 scholarship: Michael Lucero III, Harlee Jaramillo and Patricio Jaramillo, from Santa Rosa High School; Mistidawn Roybal, from Robertson High School; Aleah M. Tanuz and Ashlyn Lujan, from Pecos High School; and Mikayela Velarde, Ayana Vigil, Melania Sanchez, Sheree Anderson, Chene Gutierrez, Hailey M. Chavez and Isaiah Atencio, from Mora High School.

Evaristo Tenorio, from Anton Chico Middle School, was accepted to attend New Mexico Military Institute.

Annual Meeting Prize Winners

A total of 30 gift cards with denominations from $20 up to $50 were drawn.

An electric leaf blower, donated by Tri-State G&T, was awarded to Maria A. Abeyta from South Carmen.

Three months off on power bills (up to $75 per month) was awarded to Vincent Pacheco, from Monte Aplanado, and Jimmy Duran, from Ojo Feliz.

The grand prize of six months off on power bills (up to $75 per month) was awarded to Joseph Casados, from Mora.

No applications were received from Wagon Mound or West Las Vegas high schools.

Installation of the board of trustees was conducted by attorney Lorna Wiggins. Virginia Mondragon, District 1; Robert Baca, District 4; and Joe C de Baca, District 5, were sworn into office.

Upon adjournment of the business meeting, a drawing of more than 40 door prizes took place. Lunch was then served by Hatcha’s - Kenn’s Cuisine Restaurant. MSMEC would like to thank members and Mora High School for the use of their facilities. Mark your calendars for next year’s annual meeting scheduled for Saturday, June, 22, 2024.

The enchanted CEO

By Charise Swanson