Luis A. Reyes Jr.

Luis Reyes has been the CEO and General Manager of Kit Carson Electric Cooperative since 1993, leading the organization with a commitment to innovation and community service. Beginning his career with the co-op in 1984 as a System Engineer, Reyes has expanded its offerings to include diverse services such as broadband internet, renewable energy, and low-cost propane. Under his leadership, Kit Carson has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Utility of the Year Award from the Solar Electric Power Association in 2013 and the NOVA Award for community contributions in 2002. The co-op’s initiatives, such as providing high-speed internet to schools and creating jobs through a new call center, have strengthened local economies and enhanced the quality of life in Northern New Mexico.

Notably, Kit Carson secured a $45 million grant and a $19 million loan through the ARRA stimulus funding to bring broadband and smart grid technology to rural communities across 3,000 square miles in New Mexico. This “fiber-to-home” project will improve access to telemedicine, teleconferencing, and educational tools while serving 29 communities, including two Native American pueblos. Reyes and the Board of Trustees have also driven strategic diversification, increasing plant investments to $75.3 million and ensuring sustainable growth. The co-op’s dedication to fostering economic opportunities and improving infrastructure has earned widespread recognition, including the VIVA Award for building vital communities in Northern New Mexico.