Home Battery Systems Protect Taos’ Medically Vulnerable Residents

Between 2020 and 2024, unplanned power outages in Taos increased by 51%, jeopardizing the health of some of community’s most vulnerable residents, including those dependent on oxygen concentrators, dialysis machines, and other life-sustaining equipment. Recognizing the critical need, staff with Kit Carson Electric Cooperative had the idea to launch a pilot program installing home battery backup systems for medically vulnerable residents. LOR’s funding helped Kit Carson purchase and install home battery storage systems for five households in Taos. The systems will provide up to eight hours of backup power during outages, while excess energy will be returned to the grid. If the model proves effective, Kit Carson hopes to scale their solution with additional funding, expanding protection for some of northern New Mexico’s most at-risk residents.

This project is fiscally sponsored by Downtown Taos.