From Legislation to Celebrations of Our Communities

Goodbye Legislature
As always, success at this year’s legislative session can be measured in many ways.

Overall, the team at the Statewide Association tracked and monitored more than 116 bills. Of the 11 bills we opposed, none passed. We supported 14 bills, of which 8 passed, including HB-323, which reversed overburdensome requirements for co-ops regarding engineer stamps.

Another bill we supported was SB-31, which will provide 0% interest loans to cooperatives and local governments in response to natural disasters and wildfires.

Our success at this year’s session and in previous years is rooted in strong support from our state representatives and senators who represent rural cooperatives.

Along with other moderate legislators who understand the vital role rural electric cooperatives play in the continued economic stability of rural New Mexico, we were able to advocate for and protect the interests of our member-owners.

We thank all legislators who sacrifice their time away from their jobs, businesses, and families to serve in the only non-paying legislature in the country.

Hello Annual Meetings
Electric cooperatives can focus on their annual meetings now that the legislative session is over and all the bills have been signed or vetoed.

All 15 of New Mexico’s member distribution cooperatives and two generation and transmission cooperatives have begun hosting annual meetings.

Annual meetings are a good time to gather with friends, neighbors and fellow member-owners and hear updates about your cooperative from the elected board members and CEOs.

Your annual meeting is an illustration of what separates electric cooperatives from investor-owned utilities and is rooted in the seven cooperative principles:

1. Democratic member control

2. Open and voluntary membership

3. Members’ economic participation

4. Autonomy and independence

5. Education, training, and information

6. Cooperation amongst cooperatives

7. Concern for community

I encourage you to attend and participate in your annual meeting. Of course, you’ll also have a chance to win great door prizes and have a hearty meal.