STATE News:
SANTA FE —The Community Solar Rule, which was unanimously adopted by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) in March 2022, has been filed in the New Mexico Register by New Mexico Commission of Public Records, making it now effective.
A copy of the rule published in the New Mexico Register can be viewed at https://www.srca.nm.gov/nmac/nmregister/xxxiii/17.9.573.pdf
In April 2021, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law the Community Solar Act, which called on the PRC to draft and approve the rules of the community solar program. The community solar program allows for the development of community solar facilities to provide customers of a qualifying utility with the option of accessing solar energy produced by the facility.
In a nearly year-long project for the Commission, the PRC sought input on the Community Solar Rule from utility companies, solar developers, and community organizations in New Mexico and across the country. The PRC’s Community Solar Action Team provided input on the rule provisions before the final draft was brought before the Commission for discussion and a vote to adopt.
The Community Solar Rule includes a statewide capacity of 200 megawatts of community solar power as well as selection policies for utility companies issuing opportunities for community solar development in New Mexico, requiring that at least 30 percent of the projects serve low-income subscribers and service organizations. Consumer protections are also established for community solar subscribers.
“Getting the Community Solar Rule across the finish line was a true test of endurance, an amazing team effort that involved numerous stakeholders and PRC staff,” said Commission Vice Chair Joseph Maestas. “We are so proud of this milestone initiative, which will allow New Mexicans who might not otherwise have access to rooftop solar to make use of clean, renewable energy.”
While the Community Solar Rule sets the parameters for project selection, the Commission itself will not be involved in the selection of individual community solar projects. As urged by stakeholders in the rulemaking process, a third-party administrator will be tasked with administering the community solar program.
About The PRC
The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) regulates the utilities, telecommunications, and motor carrier industries to ensure fair and reasonable rates, and to assure reasonable and adequate services to the public as provided by law.
The NMPRC also promotes public safety through the offices of State Fire Marshal, the Firefighter Training Academy, Pipeline Safety Bureau and Transportation Division
