The New Mexico Supreme Court this week upheld the current rules for New Mexico’s community solar program, ruling in favor of the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) and a coalition of intervening parties, including the Coalition for Community Access to Solar Energy (CCSA), the Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico (CSCNM), City of Las Cruces, New energy economy and the New Mexico Renewable Energy Industries Association. The Supreme Court’s decision means the state’s community solar program will be rolled out under existing PRC rules.
The community solar program rules were approved in July 2022 and quickly challenged by Xcel Energy’s regional utility, Southwestern Public Service Company (SPS). In its ruling on Monday, the Supreme Court ruled that SPS’s appeal was without merit, allowing community solar development to proceed without further delay.
In 2021 the Common Solar Law authorized community solar in the state by allowing homeowners, renters and businesses to subscribe to electricity from community solar installations, connected to New Mexico’s three major utilities, including SPS. New Mexicans can save between 10 and 30% on their energy bills if they are part of the program, while low-income subscribers will likely save the most.
“This decision by the New Mexico Supreme Court is monumental as we work to democratize solar energy in New Mexico,” said Kevin Cray, Mountain West Senior Director for CCSA. “This program will create a more equitable and resilient grid, enable new communities to embrace clean energy, and save money for hardworking families. We look forward to working closely with our partners across the state to continue to roll out the first phase of this program and expand it in the future so that more people can access its benefits.”
News item from CCSA
