New Mexico regulators move forward on clean energy standard
New Mexico utilities are embracing clean energy, but under a proposal put forward by the state’s attorney general and consumer advocates, they could have even more impetus to move to renewable energy. Under the proposed clean energy standard, utilities would have to cut CO2 emissions by 4% through 2040.
Public Service Co. New Mexico, the state’s largest utility, also crafted a draft Integrated Resource Plan that would end its use of coal-fired generation by 2031. The plan calls for the retirement of four units at the San Juan coal plant and exiting participation in the Four Corners coal plant.
Instead, the utility plans to emphasize renewables and natural gas-fired generation. Public Service Co. New Mexico has already invested almost $270 million in 15 solar generation facilities.
In other parts of the state, Xcel Energy is planning two wind farms to serve customers in New Mexico and West Texas, and El Paso Electric is contracting to buy power from solar farms in the region.
