Spark Alerts: April 18, 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. Please help us improve by sharing general feedback with us!

📰 Market & Development News

Colorado

• 4/16- Montezuma County residents organized against a solar project by JUWI Inc., which is proceeding despite the county’s recent moratorium.

• 4/16- Officials in Alamosa County denied a permit for Korsail Energy’s 320-MWh solar/storage project.

• 4/15- Adapture Renewables announced a 110-MW solar/storage project in Alamosa County.

New Mexico

• 4/16- All three of New Mexico’s IOUs said they were prepared to meet summer load after procuring solar and storage.

• 4/16- The Kit Carson Electric Cooperative is expanding its renewable energy portfolio by constructing an 8.75 MW solar array in Amalia, which will increase its total solar capacity to 50 MW. Additionally, they are planning to start three microgrid battery projects this year to enhance reliability during emergencies.

• 4/15- McKinley County granted the issuance and sale of industrial revenue bonds to RWE’s Masi Solar project.

• 4/15- Enlight secured funding for a 128-MW solar/storage project in Albuquerque.

Texas

• 4/15- The Texas Senate passed SB 819, which creates restrictions on solar and wind development. It will now move to the House.

• 4/15- The Paris City Council discussed allocation of funds from the disannexation of a local utility solar energy project, and is planning to put the money towards community amenities.

📢 Policy & Programs

Arizona

• SB1309

  • Revises existing code, prompts the PSC to ensure that all electric grid improvements are capable of producing sufficient electricity and ensures a dispatchable grid.

  • Potential to promote anti-renewable action.

  • Introduced in Senate 1/30, passed Senate 2/26, passed House 3/31 with amendments.

  • UPDATE- Amendments approved by Senate 4/15, approved and sent to Governor.

• HCM2014

  • A recommendation by the state legislature that the state PSC avoid net-zero policies and focus on dispatchable generation over renewables.

  • Introduced in House 2/12, passed House 2/26.

  • UPDATE- Senate Committee amended recommendation and voted Do Pass on 4/17. Will move to full Senate vote.

Colorado

• SB280- Colorado Data Center Development and Grid Modernization Act

  • Allows tax and utility benefits to a data center operator that applies to the Colorado Office of Economic Development.

  • Introduced in Senate 4/4, assigned to Transportation & Energy Committee.

  • UPDATE- Amended and sent to Appropriations Committee 4/16.

Texas

• SB819- Solar Fees and Regulations

  • Authorizes fees and development restrictions on solar and wind energy systems.

  • Introduced in Senate 2/7.

  • UPDATE- Passed Senate on 4/15, sent to House.

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