Solar Surge in the Desert: How Clean Energy Thrives in Otero County’s Red Heartland Despite Political Pushback

In the heart of deep-red Otero County—home to State Rep. John Block and New Mexico GOP Chair Amy Barela—the landscape tells a different story from their rhetoric when it comes to renewable energy. Massive solar arrays like the 120 MW Buena Vista Energy Center and community projects like Pluma Solar Alamogordo and Carrizozo Solar stand as testaments to market-driven progress, generating hundreds of construction jobs, ongoing maintenance roles, and millions in local revenue for roads, schools, and services.

Tesla’s new Supercharger which just opened at Lowe’s Signature Market in Alamogordo further weaves EV infrastructure into the fabric, supporting skilled tech work for hardware, software upgrades, and upkeep—jobs that draw on high-demand skills in a county hungry for economic opportunities.

This quiet revolution unfolds amid political resistance: Otero County, with its vast sunny deserts and state trust lands, has become a hub for solar development despite its conservative leanings. Key projects include:

• Buena Vista Energy Center (also called Buena Vista Solar): The largest solar facility in New Mexico, located near Chaparral. Developed by NextEra Energy Resources and operational since 2023, it generates 120 MW of solar power plus 50 MW battery storage—enough to power ~60,000 homes. It spans ~2,700 acres, created ~150 construction jobs, and provides ~$12 million in tax revenue over 30 years for local roads, schools, and services. Operated under a long-term agreement with El Paso Electric, it doubles the utility’s solar capacity.

• Pluma Solar Alamogordo: A 5 MW community solar project on state lands, approved in 2025. It powers 1,250–1,500 homes and generates at least $2 million for Eastern New Mexico University. Located near Holloman Air Force Base, it exemplifies affordable clean energy access for locals unable to install rooftop solar.

• Carrizozo Solar Project: A 3 MW community-scale array owned by Otero County Electric Cooperative (OCEC). It delivers power at under 4.5 cents/kWh—one of the lowest U.S. rates for distributed solar—and saves members ~$250,000 annually in energy costs.

• Alamogordo Substation Solar Garden: A smaller 76 kW project by OCEC, operational since 2014, using micro-inverters for efficient renewable generation.

• Alamogordo Solar and Storage Project (125 MW solar + 50 MW storage): Acquired by Greenvolt Power in 2023 from Solariant Capital, expected to produce 300+ GWh annually and power ~20,000 homes.

These projects highlight Otero County’s role in New Mexico’s renewable boom, driven by state land auctions and private investment.

Tesla’s Role and the Alamogordo Supercharger

Tesla owns and operates its Supercharger network, including the Alamogordo station at Lowe’s Signature Market (675 E 10th St). Opened this week. This station features multiple stalls for fast charging—up to 250 kW—ideal for travelers along US-54/US-70 near White Sands National Park and Holloman AFB. Tesla partners with hosts like Lowe’s for site access, attracting EV drivers and boosting local foot traffic during the 30 minute charge to the Alamogordo MainStreet New York Avenue District and to downtown businesses.

Maintenance involves skilled Tesla technicians for hardware, software updates, and upgrades, creating jobs in Otero county with limited high-tech opportunities.

No other Tesla owned and managed Superchargers exist in Otero County; the network focuses on major routes, with nearby ones in Las Cruces and planned expansions like Roswell. Alamogordo led Roswell in this implementation. 

Deeper Dive into Hypocrisy of Block and Barela

State Rep. John Block (R-District 51, Alamogordo) has called renewables “enviro-Marxist,” criticized the 2019 Energy Transition Act for harming fossil fuels, and introduced failed House Bill 45 in 2025 to impose a 3.75% excise tax on renewable production—potentially stifling growth. He advocates expanding oil, gas, and coal for jobs and revenue.

Amy Barela, Otero County Commissioner and NM GOP Chair (elected 2024), echoes this by prioritizing oil/gas to lower costs and strengthen the economy, opposing policies that shift from fossils.

Yet in their backyard, renewables flourish: Buena Vista alone created 150 construction jobs and millions in revenue, while community projects like Pluma and Carrizozo deliver affordable power and savings. The Tesla Supercharger enables EV adoption, aligning with clean energy trends. Critics call this hypocrisy—leaders decry renewables while local developments bring economic benefits, jobs, and infrastructure to a red county. Supporters argue it’s pragmatic: fossils remain key, but renewables add diversification without replacement.

Tying It All Together

In the heart of deep-red Otero County—home to Rep. John Block and GOP Chair Amy Barela—the landscape tells a different story from their rhetoric. Massive solar arrays like Buena Vista and community projects like Pluma and Carrizozo stand as testaments to market-driven progress, generating hundreds of construction jobs, ongoing maintenance roles, and millions in local revenue. Tesla’s Supercharger at Lowe’s further weaves EV infrastructure into the fabric, supporting skilled tech work and drawing travelers to Alamogordo.

This quiet revolution unfolds amid political resistance: Block’s failed tax proposals like most of his failures, and Barela’s fossil fuel focus contrast sharply with the tangible gains—higher wages from renewables, energy savings for residents, and economic boosts in a county that needs them.

What is revealed is a core irony: even in conservative strongholds with resistance by out of touch politicians like John Block, who has never worked a day in building a sustainable business model nor ever created a job, clean energy thrives!  What business interests, in spite of out of touch politicians, is proving, is that renewable energy is not an ideological foe but a practical ally for jobs, resilience, and community strength. 

As New Mexico pushes toward renewables, Otero County’s on-the-ground reality, driven by business interests versus political rhetoric—solar panels gleaming under the desert sun, EVs charging in parking lots near Alamogordo MainStreet —may ultimately bridge divides, showing that embracing solar and EV infrastructure strengthens communities for the long haul.

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