Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) serves as the premiere natural gas and electric supplier for the northern New Mexico region. In addition to the service they provide to residents in the area, they also take on many philanthropic endeavors to further empower and support their customers. Most recently, the cooperative announced they would be implementing forest fire mitigation during the remainder of the year.

The lack of snow that northern New Mexico has experienced so far in our winter months is heightening the risks of wildfires during the upcoming spring and summer months—the reason KCEC crews will be carrying out tree trimming and maintenance.

Fire lines can spark fires in several ways, like when downed lines come in contact with overgrown vegetation, so doing this work before the dry and warmer seasons arrive is crucial to reduce our risk of wildfires that might be ignited by electricity.

“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,” KCEC CEO Luis Reyes states.

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.

The cooperative says they will be performing tree trimming and mitigation in Costilla, Ranchos, Twining, Ojo Caliente, Idlewild, Rodarte, and Canon Plaza.

While the cooperative has been proactive in reducing risk of fire danger, it also requires the attention of our local residents. They advise: work to clear brush and trash around your homes. Build a barrier around your home with no flammable items. Always have a go-bag ready to evacuate with you and your family, including three or four changes of clothes, medications, travel-size toiletries, spare car keys, and important documents (insurance/ medical cards, contact lists, identification, marriage and birth certificates).

In addition to this recent work, Kit Carson Electrical Cooperative has announced that it will work to support federal employees who have lost their jobs with the recent DOGE cuts. The Cooperative will not disconnect electric, internet or propane services. All affected employees must contact the Cooperative to set up a plan as soon as possible.