Legislators push case for third-party power producers

PNM says contracts with such developers illegal under state law

Staci Matlock | The New Mexican

8/16/2009 - 8/12/09

"A bipartisan group of legislators has filed a brief with state regulators on an issue that will affect who provides renewable energy in New Mexico.

The state legislators support allowing third parties — entities besides Public Service Company of New Mexico — to own and operate solar plants and other renewable energy systems under contract with the utility's customers.

PNM, the state's largest utility, contends such third-party arrangements within its exclusive service area are illegal.

It is the first time in recent memory, and perhaps the first time ever, that legislators have filed a brief with the state Public Regulation Commission in their official capacities as elected lawmakers. "It is unusual," PRC member Jason Marks said.

Rep. Brian Egolf Jr., D-Santa Fe, said 26 legislators so far have signed on to the brief he wrote, from House Speaker Ben Luján, D-Nambé, to the other side of the political spectrum, Sen. Clinton Harden, R-Clovis. "Renewable energy is important enough that legislators were willing to put their names on this," Egolf said.

Gov. Bill Richardson also supports third-party agreements for renewable energy." More>>>>