The northern New Mexico Kit Carson Electric Cooperative announced it is installing nine more electric vehicle charging stations in and around Taos, the region called the Enchanted Circle.
The cooperative’s board of trustees approved the additional EV chargers with the belief that the future of transportation is shifting toward a carbon-free environment that relies on EV vehicles, charging stations and new cars with an extended battery range. The addition of the new stations will create opportunities for locals, tourists and businesses to invest in EVs.
“We are creating a clean environment for our communities to preserve the natural beauty of Northern NM. Creating a carbon-free climate will raise the standard for a better quality of life for our younger generations. We are investing in their future,” says CEO, Luis A. Reyes
KCEC said the expansion involves the Town of Taos, EC-COAD members, Renewable Taos, Taos County, Village of Red River, Village of Eagle Nest, Village of Questa, Village of Angel Fire and other critical stakeholders.
In a joint effort, KCEC is engaging with local and state stakeholders to find the desire for electrification infrastructure opportunities in our communities. Through a series of meetings, KCEC and these organizations have created a working group to address issues regarding KCEC’s Beneficial Electrification Plan.
Sol Luna, a local solar installer and KCEC partner, will utilize a local labor force to install the EV charging stations in KCEC’s service territory. KCEC’s overall Beneficial Electrification Plan will import and introduce new economic development opportunities to the region and fill the demand for long-range electric vehicle drivers.
Once the EV Project is completed, KCEC will have 19 EV charging stations with 28 charging points for the communities to use. In May of 2020, KCEC received a New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) grant award, for $200,119, as one of 43 projects throughout the state from the Volkswagen Settlement Fund. The grant is meant to initiate an EV charging station network in the state and the Enchanted Circle.
Source: press release
