KCEC Forest Fire Mitigation Update: February 11, 2025

Taos, New Mexico - Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) is actively implementing forest fire prevention measures for 2025. The region's lack of precipitation during winter heightens the risk of wildfires as spring approaches. KCEC will systematically and proactively carry out its tree trimming and maintenance program and build wildfire mitigation microgrids to reduce fire hazards in preparation for the upcoming months. This ongoing work is crucial for the safety and well-being of our communities. 

KCEC is collaborating with the Carson National Forest Service, Taos County, Taos Ski Valley, Holy Cross Hospital, Taos County Chamber of Commerce, and UNM-Taos to distribute fire prevention information and resources. KCEC encourages all members to prepare for potential fire threats in the area. Attached are resources and evacuation guidelines that members can use to take proactive measures to prevent fires on their properties:

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR WILDFIRES

Wildfire risk reduction steps that can make your home safer during a wildfire

https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/wpcontent/uploads/sites/4/FirewiseHowToPrepareYourHomeForWildfires.pdf

Ready, Set, Go! 

Your Personal Wildland Fire Action Guide

https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/FINAL-new-mexico-RSG-guide-2017_000.pdf

Please take the necessary steps to prepare yourself and your family for this spring's uncertain months ahead.

KCEC crews are working diligently to minimize service interruptions by inspecting and tightening our electric and internet infrastructure, as well as patrolling and monitoring our electric and fiber optic lines.

KCEC crews are performing tree trimming and operation maintenance for February in the following areas:

• Costilla   

• Ranchos  

• Twining  

• Ojo Caliente  

• Idlewild

• Rodarte   

• Canon Plaza    

We ask for your cooperation as our crews perform tree trimming and maintenance. KCEC maintains electric and internet infrastructure beyond the national forest, occasionally requiring access to members' residences and businesses. Your assistance in keeping our communities safe is appreciated.  KCEC encourages members to contact it if they notice any dangers that could interfere with an electrical line or cause a power disruption. 

KCEC Project Updates & Status 

As KCEC continues prioritizing safety and wildfire prevention measures, we want to update our members on current projects to enhance our system's resilience and reliability.

1. Taos Amalia Solar and Battery Project: This 8.75 MW solar energy facility, paired with an 8.75 MW battery energy storage system, has received approval from planning and zoning. Construction begins in May 2025, with an anticipated completion date of December 2025.

2. Taos Pueblo Solar Project: This 5 MW solar project, in partnership with Taos Pueblo, has been approved and is currently in the design phase.

3. Green Hydrogen Initiative: This initiative involves 104 MW of renewable energy from hydrogen and solar facilities, along with battery energy storage systems in northern New Mexico. Funding has been awarded, and the project is in the planning phase. Its completion date is projected to be in the second quarter of 2028.

4. Microgrid Battery Project in Taos Ski Valley, Penasco, and El Rito West: These distributed battery energy storage projects, totaling 7.5 MW, are complete, and a contractor has been selected. Construction is expected to commence in June 2025, with a completion target of June 2026. 

We will continue to keep our members informed about these projects as they progress. For more information regarding these projects, visit us at kitcarson.com or email at msantistevan@kitcarson.com

KCEC is committed to keeping you informed and updated. We will continue to inform and update community members of any future planned outages and information regarding the extreme wildfire conditions. Rest assured, KCEC has crews on standby to address power disruptions.

KCEC CEO Luis Reyes states, "The only way we can effectively address wildfire hazards and other events is by communicating and working together to achieve our goals for improving the quality of life in our communities. Please join us in making our communities and forests safer."

For further information, please contact CEO Luis Reyes at lreyes@kitcarson.com or COO Richard Martinez at rmartinez@kitcarson.com.

About Kit Carson Electric Cooperative 

Formed in 1944, Kit Carson is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative in northern New Mexico and the second largest cooperative in the state. It is one of 16 electric cooperatives that serve rural New Mexico communities, serving nearly 30,000 members in Taos, Colfax and Rio Arriba counties. To learn more about Kit Carson, visit www.kitcarson.com.

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