We are almost there! We have 10 more days as Community Solar moves through the New Mexico legislature, having passed in the Senate and just clearing its first committee in the House.
Help get Community Solar across the finish line – tell the New Mexico legislature to support the Community Solar Act, which will bring jobs and revenue from the renewable energy transition to communities across the state.
Community Solar refers to local small-scale solar arrays that allow multiple energy consumers, such as apartment residents, to tap into solar installations near their communities. To do this, consumers would buy or lease part of the solar array, receiving economic benefits such as credits on their electricity bills along with environmental benefits for their communities.
Twenty states and the District of Columbia have already adopted legislation enabling community solar programs to benefit local families, businesses, and residents.
New Mexico is on the cusp of a renewable energy boom. However, many customers cannot install rooftop solar, including low-income families, renters, and Native American tribal members.
The Community Solar Act (HB106/SB 84) authorizes development of community solar facilities by cities, counties, pueblos, tribes, and solar developers, as well as nonprofit organizations supporting low-income housing and neighborhoods. By aggregating demand, communities gain leverage to negotiate better rates with competitive suppliers and choose greener power sources, providing community choice for renewable energy.
Community solar brings equitable access to the solar market, increases consumer choice, lowers costs for subscribers through competition in the energy market, and provides economic stimulus to the state.
This is our moment. Help keep the pressure on as the bill moves to the House floor and then into reconciliation between the House and Senate versions. One of the most significant ways you can weigh in is by letting your legislator know that you support Community Solar.
All New Mexicans deserve to benefit from the renewable energy transition. Community solar provides a critical pathway that will make solar energy more affordable and accessible for all of us.
