The Lewis and Roca Renewable Energy Blog

Last week I attended the January meeting of the Governor's Solar Energy Task Force (Task Force).  Arizona Governor Jan Brewer created the Task Force by executive order in March of last year.  The executive order notes the existence of "various impediments" that have "hampered several promising, proposed solar projects" and the need for "greater effectiveness and efficiency in public processes and competitive taxation structures to advance development and meet the promise of solar energy in Arizona."  The Task Force is charged with identifying impediments to solar energy development, evaluating current incentive structures, and proposing appropriate reforms to public agency processes and tax structures. read more

The dasHaus Tour, an exhibit of advanced technologies for building construction and solar energy use, will be in Tempe from Jan. 21-30 as the third stop on its North American tour.  "Das haus" means "the house" in German and the main attraction of the exhibit is the dasHaus pavilion -- a fully-functioning structure that demonstrates advanced German solutions for reducing buildings' energy demand and maximizing the efficiency of energy generated on-site.  In addition to the dasHaus pavilion, the exhibit will include presentations by respected experts, new technologies displays, and networking opportunities for students and organizations.  The display will be at the Tempe Arts Park, at 700 West Rio Salado Parkway. read more

State Senator Tim Keller has introduced proposed legislation to revamp the way Commissioners at the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission are selected.  Following a series of scandals, including felony convictions of two of its recent Commissioners, Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR 2) would have the Governor appoint the members for 5-year staggered terms.  The legislature would have a nominating committee evaluate applications of qualified individuals to serve on the Commission.  That committee would make recommendations to the Governor.  The proposed resolution would also set minimum education requirements -- requiring either a baccalaureate or more advanced degree from a regionally accredited post-secondary educational institution or at least five years of relevant professional experience as determined by law. read more

Last week, North Carolina-based Duke Energy announced the purchase of two photovoltaic (PV) solar projects in Arizona with a combined generating capacity of 20 megawatts (MWs).  The two projects are the 5 MW Ajo Solar Project in southern Arizona and the 15 MW Bagdad Solar Project near Prescott, Arizona.  Both projects were developed by Recurrent Energy, which has been owned by Sharp Corporation for just over one year now.  The Ajo facility began commercial operation in September of this year and the larger Bagdad facility is scheduled to achieve commercial operation within the next few weeks.  The electricity generated by the projects will be purchased by APS under 25-year power purchase agreements. read more

In an interview with Las Cruces Sun News, newly appointed Public Regulation Commissioner Doug Howe stated he supports a number of the recommendations made by "Think New Mexico" for restructuring the New Mexico regulatory agency.  Howe stated he felt the PRC should focus on its core responsibilities of utility and telecommunications regulation.  He also supports establishing some additional criteria for persons elected to the position, a key recommendation from the bi-partisan Think New Mexico group.  Democrat Jason Marks and Republican Patrick Lyons favor some reductions in the agency's responsibilities while Democrat Theresa Becenti Aguilar and Republican Ben Hall believe reforms can come from within.  Any changes to the responsibilities or qualifications for the Commissioners would have to come from the legislature and from the NM voters, since the PRC's responsibilities are derived from the NM Constitution and not merely from statutes. read more

On Monday, November 7, 2011, NM Governor Susana Martinez appointed Independent Dr. Douglas Howe to the open seat on the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission ("PRC").  Dr. Howe, a consultant with IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates and a Santa Fe resident, will fill out the remaining term of Jerome Block, Jr. who resigned from the PRC following Block's plea agreement and admission to several felony charges.  Dr. Howe has been involved with global power industry for over 28 years and has extensive experience in the areas of long-range corporate, strategic, and regulatory planning, particularly in the areas of executive management, corporate strategy, marketing, regulatory affairs,power contracting, retail energy and energy efficiency. read more