pvMB 1/24/19: New Mexico has a community solar bill, Berkshire Hathaway enters the lithium game and more…
Hello, happy Thursday and welcome to the pv magazine USA morning brief. Today we’ll be taking a look at Fitch Ratings downgrading the Solar Star project, the question of if the public is willing to pay to help fix climate change, and a really cool video about Colorado’s largest battery.
Big solar and batteries coming to the border
El Paso Electric has awarded contracts for 200 MW of solar and 100 MW of battery storage through its latest solicitation, and may procure 50-150 MW more wind and solar. But the RFP also shows that the utility is firmly wedded to gas.
Xcel gets in front of the 100% renewable energy movement
By setting a timeline for the inevitable decarbonization of its fleet, Xcel is moving to have an energy transition on its terms.
PNM calls for 50 MW solar project to support C&I program in New Mexico
The company has issued a request for proposals for 50 MW of solar to support its simultaneously-announced subscription program for government, tribal and other large customers.
Pro-clean energy candidates for governor identified by AEE win 7 “open” elections
The new governors favor policies such as a higher renewables mandate, community solar, increased use of storage, and expanding the Western grid, reports the nonprofit Advanced Energy Economy.
Democrats sweep AEE clean energy scorecards
Trade group Advanced Energy Economy has published a scorecard which ranks candidates in nine gubernatorial races on clean energy issues, and one of the two major parties is largely missing in action.
New Mexico prepares to approve 100 MW-AC of solar for Facebook data centers
The social media giant’s Los Lunas data center plans to buy power at $30/MWh.
New Mexico kills attempted hike on discriminatory solar fee
New Mexico regulators have killed the standby fee that critics say has paralyzed rooftop solar in the territory of Southwestern Public Service.
Solar bond pays for 12 solar installations, with no taxpayer cost
The City of Albuquerque has revealed details of the first phase of $25 million in solar power investments, as part of its goal to bring the city to 25% renewables. The first 12 projects are on local structures including fire and police stations, increasing resilience.
Does an aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standard increase utility rates?
In this op-ed ASU energy security researcher Dr. Wesley Herche demonstrates that for all the talk of renewable energy raising customer rates, there is no correlation between utility rates and ambitious state-level renewable energy mandates.
