| Resource Type | Article |
| Author / Source | Melissa Stark, Luis Reyes (World Economic Forum, Rice University, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative) |
| Publication Date | May 2026 |
| Location | New Mexico (framework applicable nationally) |
| Initiative Type | Technology, Program, Partnership |
| Project Complexity | Advanced |
| Recommended For | Board, Staff |
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Why This Matters for Rural Electric Co-ops
Kit Carson Electric Cooperative's CEO co-wrote this piece about how his small New Mexico co-op stopped accepting whatever prices its supplier set and took control of its own power supply. The article boils that shift down to six practical lessons, from managing supply contracts to engaging members.
For co-ops facing rising wholesale costs or price volatility, it shows what more supply independence demands in staff, planning, and risk management. Leaders can use it to open board conversations about contract flexibility and local generation. The linked ACCESS case study adds a closer look at a tribe-owned solar and storage partnership.
Key Takeaways
| › | Kit Carson exited its wholesale contract in 2016 and grew from 2.5 MW of solar to about 100 MW of solar, batteries, microgrids, and hydrogen, operating or under construction. |
| › | Supply independence brings work in house. That includes managing contracts and regulators, producing load forecasts, and running a communications network that supports battery optimization. |
| › | Microgrids with 4 to 6 hours of battery backup are being built to keep fire, water, and medical services running through wildfires and power shutoffs. |
| › | Member trust comes from frequent plain-language updates, about 70 advisories per project, framed around what members care about: costs, renewables, and new revenue. |
Implementation Considerations
- Regulatory or Governance Considerations: Leaving a long-term wholesale contract can involve exit costs, contract negotiation, and regulatory review. Boards should weigh the risks of taking on supply responsibility before committing.
- Staffing or Technology Requirements: Kit Carson hired experienced former utility executives, built in-house forecasting, and relies on its own communications network. Smaller co-ops may need consultants, partners, or shared services to build similar capacity.
- Time-Sensitive Information: Portfolio size, pricing, and the 2040 price lock are current as of May 2026. The ACCESS case study dates from December 2023, so its Picuris Pueblo phase II timeline, cost estimates, and pending federal funding should be rechecked.
Notable Examples
- Kit Carson Electric Cooperative: Taos, New Mexico distribution co-op that reached 100% daytime solar after leaving its wholesale supplier.
- NRECA: Partner in Kit Carson's four-year apprenticeship program, along with equipment vendors and regional schools.
Supporting Documents
- ACCESS Project Case Study: Kit Carson Electric Cooperative: NRECA's December 2023 case study of Kit Carson's partnership with Picuris Pueblo on tribe-owned solar and battery storage, including project economics and lessons learned.
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
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