NEW ENERGY ECONOMY JOINS PNM OPPOSITION WITH MOTION TO INTERVENE
NEW ENERGY ECONOMY JOINS PNM OPPOSITION WITH MOTION TO INTERVENE
Santa Fe, New Mexico-New Energy Economy has filed a "motion to intervene" with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) concerning the Public Service Company of New Mexico's claim that they have the monopoly on the energy mix in Santa Fe.
"PNM is attempting to kill the solar industry in New Mexico and is trying to block the ability of new businesses to enter into New Mexico's energy market," says Dr. John Fogarty, executive director of New Energy Economy. "New Mexico has the potential to be a national leader in solar power. If PNM is successful in blocking the City of Santa Fe, the renewable energy potential in New Mexico will be jeopardized."
As PNM spokesman Don Brown said in his interview with the Santa Fe New Mexican, "the power company is most concerned about the ‘legality' of Santa Fe's proposal to purchase power generated by a private firm. It's our view that state law does not allow a company to generate power and sell it to one of our customers, but that issue is going to be decided by the PRC." (City's solar energy deal faces obstacles; PNM believes third-party project violates state law; PRC to decide; Julie Ann Grimm | The New Mexican; 6/24/2009.)
Supporters of the Santa Fe City Council's proposal to generate electricity from the sun at eight city facilities are questioning the "legality" of being forced to purchase power from PNM. PNM has been consistently raising rates and providing energy from dirty coal plants.
PNM's attempt to obstruct the transition from coal-based energy sources that cause global warming to clean, locally produced renewable energy is detrimental to the health, economy and welfare of New Mexicans. New Mexico has abundant renewable energy resources and could become a leading exporter of clean renewable energy and new energy technologies like solar and wind. New Energy Economy's motion will allow them to join ongoing litigation concerning third-party arrangements for renewable energy generation in New Mexico.
"Should PNM prevail in this case and create a monopoly on the sun in New Mexico, it will be a huge setback for the thriving New Mexican solar industry and the economy as a whole," said Mariel Nanasi, senior policy analyst for New Energy Economy.
New Energy Economy is dedicated to creating green jobs, boosting the economy and solving global warming.
http://www.newenergyeconomy.org/
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