🔥🔥Fire Prevention Alert🔥🔥:

Because of the high winds in the forecast today and tomorrow, we have put several of our reclosers on non-reclose in forested areas. This way, if something does happen and a line goes down, power will be cut to that line immediately, reducing the chance of large wildfires. If you live on one of these lines, this means your power may go out abruptly. Outages may be reported on the SmartHub app or by calling 800-339-2521 or 505-832-4483 and selecting option 1. We are doing our best to prevent wildfires in our area.

CNMEC 2026 Annual Meeting:

Join us for Central New Mexico Electric Cooperatives Annual Meeting on April 11'th at Estancia High School Gymnasium. Doors open @ 8:00 and business meeting starts @ 11:00. 

Call Us: 505-832-4483  |  1-800-339-2521

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Cooperative Principles

Electric cooperatives follow global principles from the 1844 Rochdale model, putting members' needs before profits.

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Cooperatives around the world operate according to the same set of core principles and values, adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance. Cooperatives trace the roots of these principles to the first modern cooperative founded in Rochdale, England in 1844. These principles are a key reason that America’s electric cooperatives operate differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of their members first.

Open and Voluntary Membership

Membership in a cooperative is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances.

Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors/trustees) are elected among the membership and are accountable to them. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote); cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.

Members’ Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

Autonomy and Independence

Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control as well as their unique identity.

Education, Training, and Information

Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

By working together through local, national, regional and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies, and deal more effectively with social and community needs.

Concern for Community

Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.