FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2015
Contact: James Hallinan (505) 660-2216
Attorney General supports motion to dismiss PNM’s attempt to charge solar energy producers fee to connect to the grid
Santa Fe, NM – Yesterday, Attorney General Hector Balderas filed a petition with the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) requesting that it investigate the impact of distributed generation (DG) on the utility system in New Mexico, including a full examination of its associated costs and benefits. DG refers primarily to solar or wind power generated by a customer and connected to the utility system or grid. Examples include solar panels on homes and businesses and small wind turbines. With the petition, Attorney General Balderas filed a pleading supporting a joint motion to dismiss PNM’s proposal to charge households and businesses a monthly fee for having solar or wind DG.
“New Mexico needs an accountable plan that guarantees energy security and affordable clean energy for all New Mexicans, and that’s why I am asking the Public Regulation Commission to initiate this investigation into New Mexico’s utility system,” Attorney General Balderas said.
“New Mexicans deserve affordable clean energy in places like Mora and Hidalgo County, not just in Las Cruces and Santa Fe. I am committed to working with stakeholders, the PRC and PNM to ensure New Mexico gives solar and wind energy the credit it deserves.”
Please see attached for the letter Attorney General Balderas sent to the PRC, the petition and the supportive pleading his office filed yesterday.
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