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PowerSecure works with Kit Carson Electric Cooperative to enhance grid resilience

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PowerSecure (NYSE:SO) is collaborating with Kit Carson Electric Cooperative to build three microgrids with battery energy storage systems to strengthen grid resilience in Northern New Mexico.

The project adds 7.5 MW of BESS (38.25 MWh) across Taos Ski Valley, El Rito West and Penasco, is under construction, and supports extended critical-load operation and public safety power shutoffs.

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AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Positive

  • Adds 7.5 MW BESS (38.25 MWh) to KCEC energy portfolio
  • Construction underway at three sites: Taos Ski Valley, El Rito West, Penasco
  • Improves resilience by supporting critical loads during extended outages

Negative

  • None.

News Market Reaction – SO

-3.11%
1 alert
-3.11% News Effect

On the day this news was published, SO declined 3.11%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

New microgrids: 3 microgrids Battery capacity (power): 7.5 MW Battery capacity (energy): 38.25 MWh
3 metrics
New microgrids 3 microgrids Number of new microgrids in KCEC project
Battery capacity (power) 7.5 MW BESS capacity added to KCEC portfolio
Battery capacity (energy) 38.25 MWh BESS energy storage added to KCEC portfolio

Market Reality Check

Price: $91.62 Vol: Volume 9,113,977 is 38% a...
normal vol
$91.62 Last Close
Volume Volume 9,113,977 is 38% above the 20-day average of 6,582,196, indicating elevated interest ahead of this grid-resilience news. normal
Technical Shares at $94.95 are trading above the 200-day MA of $91.23 and about 5.8% below the 52-week high of $100.84.

Peers on Argus

SO gained 2.58%, while large regulated electric peers DUK (+2.47%), AEP (+2.06%)...

SO gained 2.58%, while large regulated electric peers DUK (+2.47%), AEP (+2.06%), D (+2.32%), XEL (+2.58%) and NGG (+0.26%) also traded higher, pointing to a sector-wide bid that amplifies the positive microgrid announcement.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 28 (Positive)
Pattern 5 events
Date Event Sentiment Move Catalyst
Jan 28 Dividend declaration Positive -0.6% Announced regular $0.74 quarterly dividend and 78-year payout streak.
Jan 26 Storm restoration update Positive +0.8% Reported restoration for over 214,000 customers after Winter Storm Fern.
Jan 21 Reputation ranking Positive +0.4% Ranked FORTUNE industry No. 1, citing investment value and community focus.
Dec 30 Nuclear milestone Positive +0.0% Marked 50 years of nuclear power with high capacity factors and tax impact.
Dec 22 Community donation Positive +0.5% Donated $250,000 to support winter heating assistance across Georgia.
Pattern Detected

Recent positive corporate and reputational updates have typically seen small positive share reactions, with one divergence on a dividend announcement.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, Southern Company has highlighted stability and infrastructure strength. A $0.74 quarterly dividend and a record of 78 consecutive years of stable or rising payouts underscored income reliability. Operationally, the company emphasized restoration performance after Winter Storm Fern and celebrated 50 years of nuclear generation, with strong capacity factors and tax contributions. Recognition as FORTUNE’s No. 1 industry player and ongoing community support via a $250,000 donation complemented this narrative. Today’s microgrid project with PowerSecure continues the theme of grid resilience and community-focused investments.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights Southern Company’s focus on grid resilience through PowerSecure’s colla...
Analysis

This announcement highlights Southern Company’s focus on grid resilience through PowerSecure’s collaboration with Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, adding 3 new microgrids and 7.5 MW / 38.25 MWh of battery storage. It complements prior themes of reliability, nuclear generation strength, and community support. Investors following the story would likely track additional microgrid deployments, regulatory treatment of such projects, and how these initiatives support long-term system reliability and customer outcomes.

Key Terms

microgrid, battery energy storage systems, bess, public safety power shutoffs
4 terms
microgrid technical
"development and construction of a microgrid project that includes three new microgrids"
A microgrid is a small, local electricity system that combines power sources (like solar panels, small generators) and storage (batteries) with controls so it can run either connected to the main utility grid or on its own during outages. For investors, microgrids matter because they reduce outage risk, can lower energy costs, enable new revenue streams (selling excess power or grid services), and reflect growing demand for resilient, decentralized energy infrastructure.
battery energy storage systems technical
"three new microgrids incorporating battery energy storage systems (BESS)."
Large, grid-connected rechargeable battery systems that store electricity for later use, like a giant household battery for cities or power plants. They matter to investors because they help balance supply and demand, enable more renewable energy, reduce outage risk, and create revenue through services such as selling stored power at peak times or participating in grid stability programs, while requiring upfront capital and having performance limits tied to lifespan and degradation.
bess technical
"three new microgrids incorporating battery energy storage systems (BESS)."
BESS stands for Battery Energy Storage System, a technology that stores electricity for later use. Think of it as a large rechargeable battery that can hold excess power generated during times of low demand and release it when usage is high, helping balance supply and demand. This is important for investors because it supports the stability of energy grids, enables the integration of renewable sources, and can create new opportunities for profitability in the energy market.
public safety power shutoffs technical
"enabling public safety power shutoffs while maintaining critical local power loads"
A public safety power shutoff is a planned, temporary cut to electricity service by power companies to prevent equipment from sparking fires during extreme weather. Think of it like turning off a water valve to stop a leak before it causes damage. Investors care because these outages can reduce utility revenue, raise repair and liability costs, disrupt customers and local businesses, and increase regulatory and reputational risk for utilities and dependent industries.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

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DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PowerSecure is proud to collaborate with Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) to continue the development and construction of a microgrid project that includes three new microgrids incorporating battery energy storage systems (BESS). The project is designed to strengthen KCEC's community readiness and improve resilience against the impacts of catastrophic events.

"We are honored to collaborate with Kit Carson Electric Cooperative on this transformative project, which underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enhance grid resilience and support communities in times of need," said Jim Smith, president of PowerSecure. "By integrating advanced microgrid and battery energy storage systems, we are helping to ensure that KCEC can provide reliable and sustainable power to its service area, even in the face of extreme events."

PowerSecure's involvement in the project is crucial for providing additional resiliency to KCEC's service area in Northern New Mexico, which faces vulnerabilities from threats such as wildfires and extreme weather conditions.

The microgrid infrastructure will help ensure that critical loads can be supported for extended time during severe events, offering a reliable solution for local power needs. The project includes the construction of microgrid facilities at Taos Ski Valley, El Rito West and Penasco.

"Kit Carson Electric Cooperative is proud to partner with PowerSecure and Southern Company to deliver innovative energy solutions that strengthen the resilience of our communities," said Luis A. Reyes, CEO of Kit Carson Electric Cooperative. "Through this initiative, we are advancing microgrid and battery storage technologies that will provide reliable, sustainable power during critical times. These partnerships underscore our commitment to safeguarding Northern New Mexico against extreme events while ensuring our members benefit from a stronger, more dependable energy future."

Construction on the project is currently underway. This collaboration will expand KCEC's energy portfolio by adding 7.5 MW of BESS (38.25 MWh), enabling public safety power shutoffs while maintaining critical local power loads and services. PowerSecure is committed to supporting KCEC's efforts to enhance grid resilience and ensure reliable power delivery to its communities.

About PowerSecure
PowerSecure, a subsidiary of Southern Company, stands at the forefront of the distributed energy infrastructure sector in the United States. With a rich history spanning more than two decades, PowerSecure's dedicated team of professionals has successfully developed, installed, managed and serviced over 2 gigawatts of microgrid capacity. This achievement underscores PowerSecure's commitment to advancing energy solutions that are both efficient and sustainable, having implemented energy efficiency upgrades valued at more than $900 million. To learn more, visit www.powersecure.com.

About Kit Carson Electric Cooperative
Formed in 1944, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative serving Northern New Mexico. As the second-largest cooperative in the state, KCEC provides reliable and sustainable energy to nearly 30,000 members across Taos, Colfax, and Rio Arriba counties. One of 16 electric cooperatives serving rural New Mexico communities, KCEC is committed to innovation, community resilience, and delivering clean, affordable power to its members. To learn more, visit www.kitcarson.com

About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success, driven by 28,000 employees dedicated to delivering exceptional service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/powersecure-works-with-kit-carson-electric-cooperative-to-enhance-grid-resilience-302687381.html

SOURCE PowerSecure

FAQ

What is PowerSecure announcing with Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (SO) on February 16, 2026?

PowerSecure announced a collaboration to build three community microgrids with battery storage to boost resilience. According to the company, the project includes three microgrids sited at Taos Ski Valley, El Rito West and Penasco and is currently under construction.

How much battery energy storage capacity did PowerSecure say the KCEC project will add (SO)?

The project will add 7.5 MW of BESS totaling 38.25 MWh of storage capacity. According to the company, that capacity enables extended support for critical loads and planned public safety power shutoffs.

Where are the microgrid sites for the Kit Carson Electric Cooperative project announced Feb 16, 2026 (SO)?

The microgrids will be built at Taos Ski Valley, El Rito West and Penasco in Northern New Mexico. According to the company, these locations target community readiness against wildfires and extreme weather events.

What operational benefits did PowerSecure highlight for KCEC's microgrid deployment (SO)?

PowerSecure said the microgrids will support critical local loads during extended outages and enable public safety power shutoffs. According to the company, integrated BESS improves reliability and community resilience during catastrophic events.

Is construction already started for the Kit Carson Electric Cooperative microgrid project (SO)?

Yes. Construction on the three-microgrid project is currently underway. According to the company, work is in progress to install microgrid infrastructure and battery energy storage across the named sites.