Kit Carson Electric Cooperative marked the completion of its Amalia II Solar & Battery Facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, adding 8.75 megawatts of solar generation and 8.75 megawatts of battery storage to its renewable-energy portfolio.
The project was developed through a partnership with the Rio Costilla Cooperative Livestock Association, Guzman Energy and Luminace and is located adjacent to the original Amalia I solar array.
With Amalia II now online, KCEC operates about 51 megawatts of solar generation and 25 megawatts of battery storage, placing the cooperative among the leading rural electric providers adopting renewable energy and energy storage nationwide.
The co-located solar and battery system is designed to improve grid reliability and resilience, particularly during peak demand, extreme weather and wildfire risk conditions common in northern New Mexico’s mountain communities. The battery system allows KCEC to store energy generated during the day and dispatch it when demand is highest or when outages occur.
“Today’s ribbon cutting marks more than the launch of a new facility; it represents the fulfillment of a shared community vision years in the making,” said KCEC CEO Luis A. Reyes Jr. “Amalia II enhances grid resilience, boosts local renewable energy production and demonstrates what can be achieved through strong local leadership and partnerships.”
Beyond providing renewable electricity, the facility reduces reliance on long-distance transmission lines, which can be vulnerable during wildfire seasons. The battery system also supports emergency operations by helping maintain power for essential services such as fire stations, medical clinics and communications infrastructure during outages.
RCCLA President Nick Vigil said the project aligns with the organization’s mission of responsible land stewardship and long-term community benefit.
“Amalia II shows that renewable energy development and responsible land management can work together to strengthen our communities and preserve the natural heritage of our region,” Vigil said.
KCEC will purchase power from the facility under a 25-year power purchase agreement with Luminace. Guzman Energy, KCEC’s wholesale power provider, will manage energy operations, including battery dispatch, to support reliability and cost control.
“The Amalia II project reflects the long-term partnership between Guzman Energy and KCEC,” said Jeffrey M. Heit, founding managing director of Guzman Energy. “It’s about working together to meet the evolving needs of the community.”
Robert Rabe, chief development officer for Luminace, said collaboration among public and private partners was key to the project’s completion.
“Our focus has been on delivering a project that respects the land, benefits local communities and provides dependable, affordable clean energy,” Rabe said.
Amalia II is KCEC’s 21st solar project and third battery energy storage installation. The project also supports the cooperative’s broader clean-energy strategy, which includes community microgrids and future hydrogen initiatives aimed at providing round-the-clock renewable power.
KCEC was formed in 1944 and serves nearly 30,000 members across Taos, Colfax and Rio Arriba counties.
