New Mexico community solar rules adopted by regulators

June 21, 2022 Anne Fischer

New Mexico grew to become the 21^st state to undertake neighborhood photo voltaic when SB 84 was enacted in 2021. On the time of passage, it was agreed that tasks could be capped at 5 MW and this system would develop entry to neighborhood photo voltaic to deprived communities, with a carve out of at the very least 30% of capability per mission devoted to low-income prospects and repair organizations.

“Neighborhood photo voltaic is the answer for clear power fairness that New Mexicans have been ready for,” stated Beth Beloff, govt director of the Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico. “Increasing entry to renewable power whereas additionally chopping prices, particularly for our low-income households, goes to enhance lives from pueblos to cities. We’re glad the PRC shall be implementing this vital program on a timeline that delivers the money-saving advantages of neighborhood photo voltaic at a time when folks want it most.” 

Enacting these guidelines will assist modernize and decarbonize New Mexico’s electrical grid and supply financial savings for ratepayers, it is going to additionally generate vital funding within the state that may result in well-paying jobs. New Mexico has traditionally ranked amongst one of many poorest states within the nation, with its economic system based mostly on the service sector, mining, and oil manufacturing.  A current College of New Mexico research discovered that neighborhood photo voltaic can present a significant financial stimulus to New Mexico at a time when it’s desperately wanted. The research discovered that neighborhood photo voltaic will:

• Generate $517 million in financial advantages
• Create 3,760 high-quality jobs in varied sectors over the subsequent 5 years
• Generate over $2.9 million in tax revenues yearly for the state that’s funded by personal corporations with out requiring elevated taxes or state funding

The research additionally concluded that every county in New Mexico would profit from $15 million in financial output and 117 new jobs over a 20-year interval.

“The PRC has achieved a wonderful job with this rulemaking course of for our new neighborhood photo voltaic program, and we admire their willingness to just accept enter and alter this system accordingly,” stated Senator Liz Stefanics (NM-39), the prime sponsor of the Neighborhood Photo voltaic Act which enabled a neighborhood photo voltaic program. “A key component of neighborhood photo voltaic is the chance it gives to deliver entry to photo voltaic and the clear power economic system to anybody who desires to take part, particularly low-income households. These guidelines will make sure that these New Mexicans could have an equal probability to profit from the implementation of this vital program within the state.”

By means of neighborhood photo voltaic, prospects can take pleasure in equal entry to the advantages of photo voltaic technology by subscribing to small native photo voltaic arrays and supporting native photo voltaic growth. They then obtain a credit score on their utility invoice for his or her share of the facility that’s produced, simply as if the panels have been on their very own roof.

“I’d prefer to commend the PRC for all of their diligent work. The ultimate rule that was adopted will make sure that this program delivers the utmost value financial savings, job creation, and fairness advantages for New Mexicans,” stated Kevin Cray, Mountain West regional director for CCSA.

Learn extra about SB 84 right here.