New Mexico utility reaches agreement with groups over renewable energy plan

NM utility to refile renewable energy plan

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Public Service Co. of New Mexico and environmental and energy groups have reached an agreement the utility says could lead to nearly 80 megawatts more of solar power — enough for 26,000 homes.

The agreement will be the basis for a renewable energy plan PNM will file with the state Public Regulation Commission by Jan. 25.

The PRC gave the state’s largest utility extra time to spell out how it will incorporate renewable energy into its portfolio.

PNM, a subsidiary of PNM Resources Inc., asked for more time to address concerns raised by its filing last July, which included plans to scale back solar incentive programs for customers.

That triggered a backlash from the renewable energy industry.

State law requires electric utilities to generate 10 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2011.