With the upcoming Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative Board elections, this seems like a good time to relay my experiences with the current Board (and distinguishing from experiences with Jemez employees, which have always been positive).
Being really interested in addressing the deadly serious climate problem, I decided to attend Jemez Board meetings and encourage them to use renewable energy sources. Their supplier, Tri State Generation and Transmission, claims to utilize lots of renewable energy, but Jemez draws directly from a coal plant in the Four Corners area. Our electricity comes from coal, period.
It is surprising how often the Board goes into executive session. They are really secretive, especially if it involves Tri State. Why?
When the opportunity arose to serve on a “Member Advisory Board” for renewable energy, I eagerly volunteered, having considerable experience in the area, and wanting to help. We were to advise the Board’s renewable energy committee. Well, we met a couple of times, did nothing.
The Board’s Renewable Energy Committee did manage to negotiate a contract for a 2-megawatt solar array in Alcalde without advice from us “advisors,” at a fairly high cost per kWh rate. The good news is that it’ll be solar, still cheaper than coal. Please research Rio Grande SUN archives for more information on the controversy.
My own representative, a congenial fellow named Victor Salazar (up for reelection), attends Board meetings, never speaking, though when the time comes, he always votes with the Board chairman. Actually, I’d like a representative who represents!
Everyone, please vote to take back your Co-op.
Chuck Wright
Dixon