Nuvve Holding Corp. Partners with Kit Carson Electric Cooperative for Innovative Battery-as-a-Service Projects

Under the terms of a recently executed term sheet, Nuvve New Mexico will develop two 5-megawatt / 20-megawatt-hour (4-hour) battery systems strategically located at two sites in the region. These systems are designed to provide crucial functions including peak load mitigation, grid resiliency, and participation in the Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM), in collaboration with Guzman Energy and the PNM Balancing Authority Area.

The BAAS model is particularly advantageous for KCEC, allowing the cooperative to leverage cutting-edge grid infrastructure without the burden of upfront capital investment. By transferring ownership, financing, operations, and maintenance responsibilities to Nuvve, KCEC can focus on serving its members while ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of its energy solutions.

The innovative battery systems will not only bolster the grid but also support essential community services, particularly in healthcare operations, fire, rescue, and assisted-living facilities. These systems will be equipped with grid-forming and black-start capabilities, enabling microgrid operations during outages and enhancing the resilience of local infrastructure. This aligns with KCEC's commitment to fostering sustainable community support while progressing toward long-term grid modernization objectives.

Luis Reyes, CEO of KCEC, emphasized the cooperative's dedication to its members, stating, “This partnership with Nuvve New Mexico reflects KCEC’s continued focus on resiliency, affordability, and innovation for our members. Battery-as-a-Service allows us to deploy advanced storage capabilities while maintaining financial discipline and flexibility.”

Nuvve’s CEO, Ted Smith, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, highlighting the potential benefits of the BAAS model. “These deployments demonstrate how Battery-as-a-Service can strengthen rural and tribal communities by delivering resiliency, predictable costs, and access to modern grid services without requiring utilities to take on additional balance-sheet risk,” he noted.

The partnership between Nuvve and KCEC is not limited to the initial projects. Both parties have shown interest in exploring future collaborative opportunities, which may include additional battery deployments, community microgrids, electric transportation, and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) integration. They also plan to jointly pursue state and federal funding to accelerate grid modernization across KCEC’s service territory.

Gregory Poilasne, CEO of Nuvve Holding Corp., expressed enthusiasm about the project’s implications for New Mexico, stating, “We are excited to see the success of Nuvve worldwide battery deployment also happening in New Mexico. We announced the Nuvve Battery-as-a-Service business model for coops a few months ago, and to have KCEC working with us in this process is an honor.”

The collaboration is set to progress toward definitive agreements following final documentation and regulatory coordination, with commercial operations expected to commence approximately 12–18 months after the execution of these contracts. This timeline reflects a commitment to rapid deployment and effective project management.

The partnership between Kit Carson Electric Cooperative and Nuvve New Mexico showcases the transformative potential of innovative energy solutions in rural areas. By adopting the Battery-as-a-Service model, KCEC not only mitigates financial risks but also enhances the reliability and sustainability of energy services for its members. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, collaborations like this will be critical in driving the transition towards a more resilient and modern grid infrastructure across the nation.