El Paso — Today, state Senator José Rodríguez released the following statement regarding the decision by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) to allow third party-owned solar systems financed though power purchase agreements (PPAs) in El Paso Electric Company’s (EPE) service territory. Over the past few months, with the support of a bipartisan group of legislators, Sen. Rodríguez had appealed to the PUC to reach this decision.

“I applaud the PUC Commissioners for their decision, which will encourage new private investment in solar electric generation and promote green jobs in El Paso and throughout the state. Power purchase agreements offer tremendous advantages to solar leases by significantly lowering costs for customers. Many in our community are elated to have this option available in EPE’s service area, and we believe that this will encourage considerably more investment in renewable energy. I want to thank the PUC for helping ensure that El Paso can take full advantage of our tremendous solar resources.

Senator Rodriguez Statement PUC Decision 5 18 12