New Mexico Statutes Chapter 62. Electric, Gas and Water Utilities § 62-15-31. “Rural area,” “person” and “member” defined

A. “Rural area” means any area not included within the boundaries of any municipality having a population in excess of five thousand persons; provided that a municipality having a population of more than five thousand persons shall not cease to be included within the term “rural area” if at the time of the commencement of the cooperative's or its predecessor's operation therein the population of the municipality was less than five thousand persons and the municipality has been and continues to be served by a cooperative; provided, however, that the population of any municipality shall not be included in any rural area if said municipality has a municipally owned plant or other operating noncooperative utility; and, provided further, that any cooperative shall not be permitted to operate in any municipality without first having obtained a franchise from the governing authorities.

B. “Person” includes any natural person, firm, association, corporation, business trust, partnership, federal agency, state or political subdivision or agency thereof or any body politic.

C. “Member” means each incorporator of a cooperative and each person admitted to and retaining membership therein, and shall include a husband and wife admitted to a joint membership.