FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                          

February 19, 2025                                                                                                                       

KCEC Forest Fire Mitigation Update: February 19, 2025

Taos, NM - Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) continues to work in collaboration with the Carson National Forest, New Mexico State Forestry, Taos County, Taos Ski Valley, UNM-Taos, and the Taos County Chamber of Commerce to share information and resources with our communities. KCEC's top priority is to proactively prepare for and be ready for the upcoming fire season and extreme weather events.

" Extreme weather events and forest fires don't respect boundaries. We must work together to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season. Uncertainty remains at the federal level, so our communities must be ready and coordinated as we approach this high-fire danger period. We must take more proactive and rigorous steps to ensure the safety of our communities. Our families and neighbors live and work in this region, and it is our responsibility to keep them safe and protect them." - KCEC CEO Luis A. Reyes.  

According to the National Interagency Coordination Center, the potential risk for a wildland fire is above normal for the upcoming months. An above-normal significant wildland fire potential indicates a greater likelihood that significant wildland fires will occur.

For more outlooks and information regarding upcoming fire potential, please visit the NRIC website

"We need to start preparing for wildfire season right now!" said JR Logan, Taos County Forest and Watershed Health Program Manager. "There are simple steps that residents in our communities can take to help mitigate forest fires around their properties. Being prepared and sharing information and resources can make a significant difference."

KCEC has three maintenance crews dedicated primarily to tree trimming and maintenance. Each month, KCEC updates the areas being serviced as the crews continue their work. The KCEC teams are working hard to minimize service interruptions by inspecting and tightening our electric and internet infrastructure and patrolling and monitoring our electrical 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 expresses its gratitude for the collaboration with the Carson National Forest, NM State Forestry, Taos County, UNM-Taos, and Taos Chamber of Commerce for their help with the following key essential resources and links for our communities: 

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR WILDFIRES

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

Your Personal Wildland Fire Action Guide

Fire Prevention Programs 

Ready, Set Go New Mexico

This page has information about embers, insurance, Ready Set Go, and other aspects of fire prevention and education.

 Living With Fire page

 Ready Set Go page

These resources can help members prepare for wildfire events and provide steps homeowners can take to protect their properties. KCEC encourages members to review this information and take the necessary precautions for their families and homes. This guidance will also be beneficial when dealing with homeowners' insurance applications or renewals.

Currently, KCEC is developing three microgrid projects in its service area, aiming to provide up to 32 MWh of additional battery energy storage systems for enhanced reliability and resilience. These projects are expected to be operational by 2026. The new microgrid projects will meet additional electricity demands to maintain critical infrastructure during extreme weather events or fires. KCEC is collaborating with local safety and fire officials to ensure these facilities meet the highest safety standards.

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

rmartinez@kitcarson.com. Visit us at kitcarson.com for more information. 

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