Spark Alerts: Mar 28, 2025

Note: This is a proof of concept for Spark Alerts, focusing on utility-scale solar news and policy updates in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. News has been backdated through Monday, March 17. Please help us improve by sharing general feedback with us!

📰 Market & Development News

Arizona

• 3/26- The Eloy City Council approved layout changes on an 816-acre solar project, allowing it to be sited relatively close to residential areas.

Colorado

• 3/26- Alamosa County will hold a public hearing for Korsail Energy’s 90-MW Cornflower Solar project.

Texas

• 3/27- Construction on Enel Green Power’s 146-MW Lily Solar project in Kaufman County which will lead to significant tax revenue losses for both the county and the local school district.

• 3/26- Nofar and Qcells will partner to build two BESS projects in Texas totalling 350MW.

• 3/26- Gillespie County commissioners voted to oppose new BESS construction in the county.

• 3/25- The City of Savoy and Fannin County will jointly study the construction of a battery energy storage system near Savoy, which has raised concerns among local residents.

• 3/25- Vesper Energy unveiled a 600MW solar project in Swisher County.

• 3/25- Fayette County commissioners held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance establishing more stringent definitions and requirements for solar farms.

📢 Policy & Programs

Arizona

• HCM2014

  • Directs the AZ Corporation Commission to ban utilities from implementing Net Zero policies and replace existing generation with renewables.

  • Introduced in House on 2/12, passed House 33-26 on 2/26.

  • UPDATE- Senate minority and majority caucuses recommended passage on 3/25.

Texas

• HB3580- Solar Incentives

  • Prohibits any incentives for solar energy systems.

  • First reading in House 3/25, referred to State Affairs Committee.

• HB3568- Interconnection

  • Provides that any solar or wind project interconnecting after 9/1/25 cannot use any “critical electric grid equipment” purchased.

  • First reading in House 3/25, referred to State Affairs Committee.

• HB3586- Tax Abatement

  • Prohibits tax abatement on property on which solar power is planned or located.

  • First reading in House 3/25, referred to State Affairs Committee.

• HB3228/SB2657- Solar Recycling

  • Mandates inclusion of certain recycling/disposal provisions in wind and solar lease agreements.

  • Filed in House 2/24, Senate 3/13.

  • UPDATE-Left pending in House State Affairs Committee 3/26.

• HB3809/SB1824- Battery Decommissioning

  • Lays out regulations for removal of battery storage systems.

  • Filed in Senate 3/3, House 3/5.

  • UPDATE- First reading in House 3/25, referred to State Affairs Committee.

  • UPDATE- Senate Committee public hearing set for 3/27.

• SB819- Renewable Energy Fees

  • Establishes additional permitting fees for solar and wind projects.

  • Introduced in Senate 2/7, sent to Business & Commerce Committee.

  • UPDATE- Senate Committee public hearing set for 3/27.

• HB3229/SB2659- Renewable Recycling

  • Lays out regulations and requirements for recycling of renewable system components.

  • Filed in House 2/24, Senate 3/13.

  • UPDATE- House Committee public hearing set for 3/27.

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