Kit Carson Electric Coop to Receive Federal Funds to Conduct Energy Audits for Small Businesses in Taos, Rio Arriba, and Colfax Counties

USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner (right) today announced that Kit Carson Electric Cooperative located in Taos, New Mexico will receive $100,000 to conduct energy audits for some of the businesses it serves.

To celebrate the obligation of the grant funds, State Director Terry Brunner will travel to Taos on Friday, October 9th, to present a ceremonial check to Kit Carson CEO Luis Reyes. The ceremony will take place at 10:00 AM at “The Enchanted Florist” located at 233-C Paseo del Pueblo Sur in Taos, according to a statement released by the agency.

Immediately following the ceremony, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative staff will make a short presentation on energy efficiency and conduct a typical walk through of an energy audit.

In making the announcement Brunner said, “With winter coming, people in Northern New Mexico are starting to think more about their energy costs and how to save money. USDA Rural Development funds will help Kit Carson’s customers assess where they can save on their energy usage.”

The $100,000 grant will allow Kit Carson Electric Cooperative to provide a minimum of 148 energy audits for rural businesses and offer renewable energy development assistance for agricultural producers. Plans for the funds also include education and training on the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy through public workshops and displays.

Administered by USDA’s rural business cooperative program, the Rural Energy for America Program Grants/Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance (REAP/EA/REDA) programs are designed to promote energy efficiency throughout rural America.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.