Solar panels. Courtesy/PESIn a bold move for renewable energy, the Los Alamos Board of Public Utilities (BPU) struck down a controversial net metering surcharge for residents powering their homes with renewable energy proposed in the new rate ordinance.
The decisive action by the BPU sets an important precedent for renewable energy in New Mexico, and the BPU should be commended for preserving conditions for Los Alamos residents to pursue clean and efficient energy.
Residents, business owners and concerned citizens turned out en masse at public hearings to protest the $12 monthly net metering surcharge. A rate study1, completed by the consulting firm Leidos, identified costs to the utility of solar systems on homes but failed to evaluate the benefits of solar. Widely criticized, the charge would have netted the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) roughly $528 per month while doubling the time to recoup the capital investments made by homeowners with solar.
Los Alamos Sustainable Energy Network (LASE) member and Los Alamos resident Thomas Shankland said, “It was a timely decision of the board to view residential solar and distributed generation on the Los Alamos County grid as an asset to the community and not a burden. By striking down a fee perceived as unfair, the BPU and the DPU in partnership with the community can pull together to secure progressive solutions to problems that face us all in modernizing and maintaining our power grid.”
This important precedent set by the Los Alamos BPU is the first step toward what clean energy proponents hope will become a statewide movement that would recognize solar and renewable energy for what it truly is – an economic engine for jobs in New Mexico and a valuable resource for electric utilities. This year, a study from the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) found that rooftop solar and other small clean energy systems installed will deliver $36 million in net benefits to Nevada ratepayers (counted were installations through 2016). New Mexico is a natural candidate for a similar statewide study.
New Mexicans’ increasing adoption of solar energy for homes, businesses and schools has created a welcome ripple effect in the state: job creation. Regina Wheeler, Positive Energy Solar CEO stated, “New Mexico is a natural for solar energy. Falling prices and accessible financing have resulted in increasing consumer demand for solar, making the renewable energy one of the fastest growing industries. We added 30 jobs in the past year alone, and are still adding employees throughout the state at our three locations.”
Wheeler continued, “Los Alamos BPU took action to ensure continued adoption of clean, affordable solar energy in their community. As the state’s leading solar installer, we fully support this decision that allows consumers to choose and contribute to a diversified, energy grid.”
About Positive Energy Solar
An employee-owned company, Positive Energy Solar is the largest certified Benefits Corporation (B Corp) in New Mexico, a distinction earned for providing good wages, benefits, and growth opportunities for team members; contributing to schools and non profits; delivering 100 percent satisfaction to its customers; and selecting products for long term performance and low environmental impact. Positive Energy Solar is New Mexico’s leading residential and commercial solar installer. Visit www.positiveenergysolar.com.
Los Alamos Sustainable Energy Network
LASE is dedicated to promoting the development, use, and education of sustainable energy in our community. The LASE Network is a chapter of the New Mexico Solar Energy Association (NMSEA) https:////www.nmsea.org/, which in turn is a member of the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy (CCAE). The mission of the Coalition is to promote the responsible and affordable development of renewable energy sources such solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass, and to promote energy efficiency.
Leidos report: https:////www.losalamosnm.us/gov/Pages/PublicCommentForum.aspx
Votesolar.org summary: https:////votesolar.org/2014/07/08/pucn-study-rooftop-solar-is-a-cost-saver-for-nv-energy/
