Gila Resources Information Project Executive Director and Earth Matters co-host Allyson Siwik talks to Christian Casillas and Ona Porter about New Mexico’s new Community Solar program that could jumpstart broad adoption of renewable energy in the state. The Public Regulation Commission recently approved rules to implement the 2021 legislation to guide development of 200 megawatts of solar power over the first three years of the program. A key component of New Mexico’s program is the requirement that 30% of each solar project must be reserved for low-income customers and low-income service organizations.

Christian Casillas, Director of Policy Development and Research with the Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico. Christian has lived and worked in countries around the globe, focused on aspects of sustainable energy use and rural electrification for under-served communities. He has been the lead author for peer-reviewed papers in Science, Climate Policy, and Energy Policy.   https://www.coalitionscnm.org/

Ona Porter, Founder Emerita & Clean Energy Leader, with Prosperity Works. Ona develops and tests high impact strategies that build the opportunities, knowledge and relationships required for all New Mexicans to achieve economic security and prosperity. She is known for her powerful, no-nonsense approach to problem solving and strategy development in business, education, health and human services. https://www.prosperityworks.net/

Listen Below:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

Additional Information

New Mexico Public Regulation Commission Community Solar website – https://www.nm-prc.org/utilities/community-solar/