Originally published February 15 2006
New Mexico takes step toward statewide renewable energy with solar incentive program
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission (PRC) has approved a solar photovoltaic incentive program that will greatly increase the state's solar installation industry.
New Mexico's first solar photovoltaic (PV) incentive program, just approved by the New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission (PRC) as part of the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard, calls for the main local utility (PNM) to buy Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for 13 cents/kWh from interconnected solar photovoltaic systems.
Donate Now - Support the Solar Living Institute "This program is a historic and major step forward for New Mexico that will make solar power much more affordable for residents.
In particular, it leads the way for incentives that are based on actual production of solar energy, so that high quality systems are encouraged."
Under the new rule, the utility will pay customers for every kilowatt-hour generated with their solar systems through at least 2018.
In an effort led by the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy (CCAE), this PV program makes New Mexico as one of the first states in the U.S. to take this step, effectively paving the way for further distributed renewable energy generation.
"This program is a historic and major step forward for New Mexico that will make solar power much more affordable for residents.
In particular, it leads the way for incentives that are based on actual production of solar energy, so that high quality systems are encouraged", said Ben Luce, Chair and Policy Director of the New Mexico Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy (CCAE).
Luce first proposed the idea for such a program to the Public Regulation Commission in 2004, an idea that the Commission approved at the time, but PNM's program is the first actual program to be proposed by a utility and approved by the Commission.
"PNM was very proactive about proposing this program, and supporting it through the regulatory process.
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