At this year's Solar Power International Conference in Chicago, Illinois Kit Carson Electric Co-op (KCEC) was selected from among 11 nominees to receive the Utility of the Year award from the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA). The award is presented in recognition of innovative solar projects such as KCEC's continued integration of solar and it's Community Solar Initiative. During 2012 KCEC took part in the development of the 1.25 megawatt (MW) Amalia I Solar Array, the 1.25 MW Blue Sky Energy Array, and the 98 kilowatt (kW) Community Solar Array, all of which are located in New Mexico.

The co-op partnered with Clean Energy Collective on the Community Solar Project, which allows locals to purchase 235-watt panels for $845 and receive credit on their monthly electric bills for any electricity generated by their panels. The credits received by the customers will match the current cost of energy from Tri-State Energy and Transmission. Under a contract with Tri-State, only 5 percent of the electricity co-op members consume can be from renewable sources owned by Kit Carson. The Community Solar Project avoids this contractual agreement allowing KCEC to exceed the 5 percent maximum since the solar array is actually owned by Clean Energy Collective.

Press Release - Kit Carson Co-op Wins SEPA Utility of the Year Award

Additional Information - N.M. Co-op Dedicates Solar Projects