The Community Solar Rule requires any applicant seeking selection of their project bid for the New Mexico Community Solar Program to provide “a utility pre-application report or an equivalent report by the utility.” 17.9.573.12(B)(3) NMAC. The Program Administrator understands that potential applicants have been requesting such reports from the qualifying utilities in anticipation of a solicitation for the recently approved 300 MW of additional program capacity. The Commission has not set a timeline for a solicitation for this capacity, nor determined what amount of this allowed capacity it will solicit. A rulemaking proceeding, for the purpose of considering amendments to the Rule, is pending before the Commission in Docket No. 24-00258-UT. It is unlikely that the Commission will commence a new solicitation prior to the completion of the rulemaking process.
In light of these circumstances, those who plan to participate in a future solicitation for the new capacity may wish to consider refraining from seeking pre-application reports at this time. Such reports may no longer be current by the time a future solicitation commences, either because relevant project or interconnection circumstances may change, or because the Commission may amend the Rule.
Please reach out to the Program Administrator at [email protected] or (877) 794-0109 with any questions.
