A 22 megawatt network of proposed solar power facilities was approved unanimously by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC), confirmed the project sponsor PNM Resources in a press release issued yesterday.
According to the Albuquerque-based energy holding company, their newly-approved initiative will feature several solar energy systems throughout the state. It is scheduled for completion “by the end of 2011.” The total costs for construction and other expenses were capped by the NMPRC at $101.7 million.
Based on New Mexico state law PNM can file to recover the costs associated with its approved solar renewable energy project through rate riders—additional pre-tax fees applied to regular utility bills. PNM expects to implement these temporary fee adjustments one year after its new rates take effect.
As New Mexico’s largest public utility, PNM describes itself as having “more than 2,710 megawatts of generation resources.” It provides electricity to more than 875,300 businesses and homes in New Mexico and Texas.
In addition to increasing its clean energy portfolio, PNM’s upcoming project is an effort to comply with New Mexico laws requiring 10 percent of the energy generated from each electric utility be derived from renewable resources by 2011.
PNM Resources president and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn praised the NMPRC for approving its renewable energy efforts.
“We are pleased that the Commission recognized the significance of adding renewable energy to our existing generation resources. Our industry, along with regulators, needs to continue to look for ways to add renewable power while balancing the cost impact to consumers. This is the first step toward achieving that goal and meeting the state’s requirement to diversify our energy resources,” stated Vincent-Collawn in PNM’s Sept. 1 news release.
In addition to seeking approval from the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, PNM also wants public input on their expanded renewable energy project, as well as other ways to meet customer’s power needs through 2030.
According to a July report by Associated Press reporter Susan Montoya Bryan, the company organized 11 public meetings throughout New Mexico and is soliciting community volunteers to join a monthly “working group” to help design its “integrated resource” plan.
For additional information on PNM Resources, please visit:
http://www.pnmresources.com/press/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=503980
To learn more about the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, please go to:
To read more about PNM’s work with New Mexico consumers, please see:
http://www.abqjournal.com/news/state/appnmpublicenergyplan107-09-10.htm
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