Otero County Electric Cooperative, Inc.

23/04/2026

OCEC is aware of an outage affecting much of the Alto area. Protective devices are on non-reclose due to high winds and red flag warnings. This means that breakers operate and the line stays open at the first sign of a fault to insure that power lines are less likely to be the cause of a fire. When these breakers operate causing an outage, line crews will do extra patrols of the affected section of line to make sure there are no trees or limbs touching the electrical equipment before giving an all clear to re-energize the power line.

Having these protective devices open at the first sign of a fault may cause more frequent and longer outages for some, but hope our members will understand. The benefits of the extra patrol time far out weigh the risks of not performing the expanded inspection.

Please be patient as crews patrol. Service will be restored as soon as they have checked for fire hazards such as downed trees or power lines.

18/04/2026

OCEC crews have identified a broken pole in the Alto area caused by a vehicle accident. Repairs will take several hours to complete. Alto area members affected by this outage should expect to be without power for a while. More information will be passed along as it becomes available.

18/04/2026

Just a reminder to members...warm temperatures, dry conditions and wind, along with red-flag warnings have caused OCEC to place reclosers on non-reclose so the breakers operate and the line stays open at the first sign of a fault to insure that power lines are less likely to be the cause of a fire. When these breakers operate causing an outage, line crews will do extra patrols of the affected section of line to make sure there are no trees or limbs touching the electrical equipment before giving an all clear to re-energize the power line.

Having these protective devices open at the first sign of a fault may cause more frequent and longer outages for some, but hope our members will understand. The benefits of the extra patrol time far out weigh the risks of not performing the expanded inspection.

14/04/2026

Today, we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day to recognize the brave men and women who keep power flowing, rain or shine. When storms roll in or the lights go out, line workers are ready when it matters most. Leave your words of appreciation for OCEC line crews in the comments!

13/04/2026

When the lights go out, OCEC crews are ready to answer the call, day or night, to safely restore power and keep our communities moving forward. They take pride in powering the places we call home. Today and every day, we thank line workers for their service and commitment.

12/04/2026

UPDATE as of 8:35 PM, repairs are complete and power restored.

ORIGINAL POST: OCEC crews will be taking an outage to make repairs on some equipment in the Tinnie Substation. The outage will begin around 7:15 PM and last about 2 hours provided repairs go as expected. All members in Hondo, Tinnie, Arabela, Lincoln, San Patricio, the far eastern parts of Hwy. 246 toward Roswell, and east of Hondo on Hwy. 70. Your patience while crews work is appreciated.

08/04/2026

02/04/2026

Power to all members in Timberon has been restored. A phase came untied off a pole causing the outage.

If you are still without service, please check breakers or call to report your outage at 1-800-548-4660.

16/03/2026

UPDATE - Power was restored to all communities in and around Cloudcroft as of 5:35 PM. Thank you for your patience as this much-needed maintenance work was completed. Crews were able to change out the damaged structure and do some other needed maintenance while the line was de-energized.

Just a reminder about the planned outage tomorrow affecting Cloudcroft and surrounding areas. Remind your friends and neighbors!

OCEC crews will be taking an outage to replace a structure on the transmission line that feeds the Cloudcroft Substation on March 17, 2026 from 9 AM to 4 PM. All members in Cloudcroft, Timberon, Pinon, W**d, Mayhill, Sacramento, James Canyon, and Hwy. 244 coming out of Cloudcroft will be without power during this time.

A structure on the transmission line feeding the Cloudcroft Substation must be replaced after being vandalized by gunfire.

03/03/2026

OCEC crews will be taking an outage to replace a structure on the transmission line that feeds the Cloudcroft Substation on March 17, 2026 from 9 AM to 4 PM. All members in Cloudcroft, Timberon, Pinon, W**d, Mayhill, Sacramento, James Canyon, and Hwy. 244 coming out of Cloudcroft will be without power during this time.

A structure on the transmission line feeding the Cloudcroft Substation must be replaced after being vandalized by gunfire.

25/02/2026

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