Richard A. Kessler 

Wednesday, July 03 2013

PNM, the largest electric utility in New Mexico, has unveiled plans to boost solar PV 30% on its system next year and wind 50% in 2015 as part of its effort to curb reliance on coal.

The proposed renewable resource additions including building 23MW of solar PV and purchasing under long-term contract 102.4MW of wind energy from NextERa Energy Resources’ Red Mesa facility 80km west of Albuquerque starting 1 January 2015.

PNM’s proposal meets the state’s requirement for a fully-diversified renewable energy portfolio equal to 10% of retail sales through 2014 and 15% starting in 2015, while keeping costs below the state’s 3% cost cap. It will add 83 cents to the average residential monthly bill starting in 2014.

The plan must be approved by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.

http://www.rechargenews.com/solar/americas/article1331395.ece