PO Box 230 or 1403 N. 13th St.
Artesia, NM 88211
Artesia/Dexter/Roswell: (575) 746-3571
Hagerman: (575) 752-3366
Give us a brief summary of the type of work you do or service you provide.
Central Valley Electric Cooperative is a member-focused electric cooperative. We provide electricity primarily to the rural areas of Eddy, Chaves, and parts of Lea and Otero counties. We strive to provide our members with quality service and value through accountability, innovation, integrity, and commitment to community.
Co-op electricity makes barns and basements brighter, homes more comfortable, and businesses more competitive.
How long have you been in business? Please share a brief history.
CVE was incorporated on June 23, 1937, as the first rural electric cooperative in New Mexico. During the 1930s electricity was either too expensive or, in many instances, not available at any cost in rural America. It was in this environment that a group of farmers and others interested in forming a cooperative first met in the office of the Cottonwood Gin on July 15, 1936. Over the next year and after numerous meetings, this group of dedicated individuals laid the groundwork for what was to become Central Valley Electric Cooperative. Today, 85 years later, members of CVE still benefit from the hard work and foresight of yesterday’s co-op pioneers.
What makes your business unique?
Members are the reason for our existence. CVE is owned by the people who use our services, not far off investors, and that gives CVE members a say in how the co-op is run. Every year, the co-op holds an annual meeting, and at that meeting members get to vote for who is on the Board of Trustees and other matters important to the co-op.
What aspect of this business are you most passionate about?
Central Valley Electric Cooperative is passionate about providing members with safe, reliable and affordable power all while keeping our employees safe.
How do you stay involved in the community?
Central Valley Electric Cooperative’s commitment to the communities we serve goes beyond providing safe, reliable, and affordable power. CVE gives back to the communities we serve through programs such as United Way, Relay for Life, sponsorships of area youth at sporting events, support for 4-H and FFA projects, and much more. Central Valley Electric Cooperative also started an Education Foundation and has been providing college scholarships to active CVE members and their dependents for almost 40 years.
Tell us what makes your business unique compared to others in the same industry.
Because Central Valley Electric Cooperative is owned by our members, and not far off investors, our members share in the co-op’s success. Any year that CVE makes a profit, we give a portion of that profit back to the members, or owners of the co-op, in the form of capital credits.
Business Spotlight originally published in Focus on Artesia 2022 Fall edition.
