Utility's Rejection of Renewable Energy Projects Questioned

It is up to the Public Service Co. of New Mexico to provide answers to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. Clear answers are needed so that corrections can be made and progress may go forward.

When I was a teacher, the principal told us that $125,000 in Federal funds had been granted to our school. All we had to do was to submit proposals for the money to him. All 35 teachers complied. At the next meeting, the principal told us "I am sorry but I will have to spend the money myself since none of you wrote the proposals in the way I wanted them written." The teachers requests were denied 100%.

Here we seem to have a similar situation but I think it can be resolved.

adrianakau@aol.com

Yes, actions speak louder than words, but a single action should not be construed as all action. To its credit, PNM has been quite proactive in encouraging customer-owned intertied PV. Their REC purchase program is a new, reasonable, production-based incentive in support of grid-tied PV, and they are installing a 25 kW PV "sunflower" array at an existing power plant right next to a busy interstate, in part in order to encourage public awareness of PV.

I share your concern about this news, but want to make sure that PNM is seen in a somewhat balanced light. I will also note here that as a NABCEP PV installer, I deal with them on a regular basis, have testified against them at the PRC in years past, and still occasionally butt heads with them. I'm not greenwashing the utility; PNM has earned my words of support here.

Allan Sindelar, Positive Energy, Santa Fe

Actions speak louder than words.