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Santa Fe County is leading by example on environmental stewardship, economic responsibility and dynamic public policy initiatives. The County recently installed a 6.1 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system on the roof of the Tesuque Fire Station. The $18,000 system is large enough to supply all of the electric needs of the station, reducing County government operating costs and freeing up critical Tesuque Volunteer Fire District funds for fire safety needs. The solar project, initiated by Commissioner Daniel Mayfield, is projected to generate electricity over the next 25 years and will essentially mean that the fire station will not have electricity expenses during that period.

The Tesuque Fire Station solar project was a cooperative venture between Santa Fe County and New Energy Economy, a non-profit organization focused on sustainable economic development and clean energy. Funding for the project came from Commission District 1 capital funds, Tesuque Volunteer Fire District state grant funds, and New Energy Economy. “This collaboration is the kind of investment responsive and creative local governments take to foster innovative public policy that leads our community by example,” said Commissioner Mayfield.

The project is the first one developed pursuant to Resolution 2013-49, introduced by Commissioner Mayfield and cosponsored by Commissioner Robert A. Anaya, which was adopted by the Santa Fe County Commission in May 2013. The resolution established that “… each County-funded project must consider energy saving features such as solar energy…” “The Tesuque Fire Station solar project represents a win-win for the community. County taxpayers benefit from reduced County government operating costs. Our local economy benefits from the jobs created by the solar company that installed the system and our regional environment benefits from reduced power plant emissions,” stated Commissioner Mayfield.

The press is invited to attend the celebration and ask questions about the project. The solar project celebration will be on July 31 at  6:15 p.m. and is occurring in conjunction with the Tesuque Valley Community Association’s annual barbeque at the fire station, which begins at 5:30 p.m. The Tesuque Fire Station is located at 4 Senda de Fuego, just off of Tesuque Village Road about a mile north of the US84/285 exit.

For More Information: Craig O’Hare, Energy Programs Specialist, 992-3044