The New Mexico Supreme Court has upheld the state regulators’ decision to prohibit investor-owned utilities from subtracting transmission costs from the bill credits that community solar subscribers will receive. The Community Solar Act aims to help low-income households access renewable energy, and subtracting transmission costs could reduce these benefits. The court found that the utilities failed to prove that the rule violates the Community Solar Act. This decision marks a victory for community solar advocates and ensures that subscribers will continue to receive fair bill credits. The ruling clarifies that transmission costs cannot be subtracted from bill credits, as the Community Solar Act does not mention these expenses. The court found that electricity generated by a community solar facility is distributed and consumed locally, without the need for a utility’s transmission system. This decision reaffirms the PRC’s authority to make policy decisions related to community solar and ensures that subscribers are not burdened by additional costs. The utilities had challenged the PRC’s rule, but the court’s ruling upheld the decision, marking a significant win for the community solar program in New Mexico.
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Photo credit nmpoliticalreport.com
New Mexico Supreme Court dismisses utilities’ objection to community solar regulation
