“We applaud the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission for approving the next phase of the state’s community solar program, taking an important step toward advancing community solar across the state. This decision sets the stage for the Phase 2 Request for Proposals to be conducted, and brings New Mexico closer to expanding access to affordable, locally generated clean energy for more families, businesses, and communities. In phase 1 of the program, developers committed to reserving 50 percent of community solar capacity to low-income subscribers.
Community solar delivers direct savings for New Mexicans, often reducing their electricity bills by 10-15 percent. It fuels local economies, creating jobs, strengthening grid resilience, and expands access to clean energy for local households and businesses.
We encourage the PRC and program administrators to accelerate the release and awarding of the next RFP, so that we can maximize available federal tax incentives before they sunset and help New Mexicans, including low-income households, save money on their energy bills. Securing the sunsetting federal tax incentives will directly drive increased participation in community solar initiatives, particularly from low-income communities, enabling widespread energy savings for the families who can benefit the most.”
- Nick Bowman, Senior Manager, Markets and Research, Coalition for Community Solar Access
“The City of Santa Fe applauds the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission for continuing to strengthen the state’s Community Solar Program and expand access to clean, affordable energy. Community solar is helping local governments like Santa Fe advance our sustainability and equity goals by creating opportunities for residents, businesses, and public institutions to benefit from renewable energy. The financial savings of community solar is especially important for our most vulnerable households. The Commission’s thoughtful improvements to the program will make community solar more accessible, more efficient, and better positioned to deliver long-term economic, environmental, and community benefits across New Mexico.”
- Erica Renaud, Ph.D., Sustainability Lead, City of Santa Fe