Spark Alerts: May 9, 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

Arizona

• 5/8- DESRI broke ground on its 250-MW Catclaw Power and Storage Project in Buckeye City.

• 5/6- Pinal County rejected NextEra’s application for a 160-acre solar-plus-storage project.

• 5/5- Arevon’s 2,500-acre Kelso solar farm is set to bring $34 million in revenue to Scott County.

New Mexico

• 5/8- Otero County has authorized the issuance of $285 million in taxable industrial revenue bonds to finance NextEra’s 1,600-acre Buena Vista solar project.

• 5/5- A group opposing a 160-MW AES project in Santa Fe filed an appeal citing fire concerns, meaning the fate of the project will be decided in court tis summer.

Texas

• 5/7- Pine Gate Renewables’ 250-MW Grapefruit Solar project is expected to begin construction in Hidalgo County by 2026.

• 5/7- RWE announced the completion of six solar projects across the US, including three projects across Texas.

• 5/6- A report found that proposed restrictions on renewables in Texas could increase power prices by up to 14% and decrease grid reliability.

• 5/6- Shell subsidiary Sonnen launched a 60MWh virtual power plant in Texas.

📢 Policy & Programs

Arizona

• HCM2014

  • A resolution urging the state PSC to disincentivize renewable energy in favor of fossil fuel generation.

  • Introduced in House 2/12, passed House 2/26, passed Senate with amendments 4/30.

  • UPDATE- House upheld amendments 5/6, sent to Secretary of State.

Colorado

• SB280

  • Sets out benefits and incentives to facilitate data center and electric grid development.

  • Introduced in Senate 4/4, sent to Energy Committee. Energy Committee recommended amendments 4/16.

  • UPDATE- Amendments failed to gain approval from Appropriations Committee on 5/8.

• SB037

  • Provides assistance to communities undergoing energy transitions from fossil fuel to renewable energy.

  • Introduced in Senate 1/8, passed Senate 2/20, passed House with amendments 4/30. Senate rejected amendments.

  • UPDATE- re-passed House and Senate after conference committee 5/7.

Texas

• SB715

  • Would require solar and wind farms to back up their electricity output with natural gas power plants or a fleet of batteries.

  • Introduced in Senate 2/7.

  • UPDATE- Passed Senate 5/8, will move to House.

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