New Mexico PRC to vote on rollover of net metering credits
UPDATE: We recently found out that this vote died in a 2-2 vote (with one commissioner abstaining). Since 18 months have passed since the beginning of the rulemaking process, a new rulemaking would need to be re-opened to address this issue again, though comments from this process could be regurgitated. On Election Day 2010, the New Mexico PRC was…
UPDATE: We recently found out that this vote died in a 2-2 vote (with one commissioner abstaining). Since 18 months have passed since the beginning of the rulemaking process, a new rulemaking would need to be re-opened to address this issue again, though comments from this process could be regurgitated.
On Election Day 2010, the New Mexico PRC was scheduled for a vote of their own, to adopt proposed rules to institute rollover of excess generation for net metered solar facilities. The PRC proposed rule provides that utilities must offer solar QFs the opportunity to choose between the current monthly true-up program that pays out credits for excess energy generated at the avoided cost rate or the roll-forward option that credits their generation of excess energy at a kWh to kWh 1:1 ratio with no monetization. QFs may choose to switch between the programs, but if they do, they cannot carry forward any of the credits accrued up to that point. The utilities would be given the option of extending this program to wind QFs, but they are not required to do so.
The proposal determined that the appropriate valuation of the excess energy produced for those customers who choose the roll-over option without monetization is a 1:1 ratio of the kWh’s; for those solar QFs who choose to retain the monthly true-ups (and non-solar QFs), that energy will be valued at the avoided cost rate.
The rule would take effect on January 1, 2011. As of yet, no information can be found on the PRC website about whether this vote took place or what the outcome was. We’ll keep you posted.
