State Land Commissioner Urges PRC to Approve Xcel Energy Wind Farm

State Land Office

SANTA FE, NM – State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn is urging the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission to approve a proposed 522-megawatt wind farm that will bring clean energy, economic investment, and jobs to the state.

Xcel Energy, the nation’s number one utility wind energy provider for 12 years, is investing nearly $900 million in New Mexico to develop the Sagamore Wind Project, located 20 miles southeast of Portales in Roosevelt County.

“It surprises me that, considering the level of energy consumption in the United States, a member of the PRC is asking Xcel Energy to prove there is a need for more sources of renewable energy,” said Commissioner Dunn. “This single wind farm will power 260,000 homes, schools, and businesses with clean energy; not to mention the 300 construction jobs and 20 to 30 full-time positions the project will bring to the region.”

In an effort to diversify the State Land Office’s portfolio and encourage investment in New Mexico, Commissioner Dunn is currently reviewing seven wind energy applications and one solar energy application, which together cover 138,474 acres of State Trust Lands.

Chicago-based Invenergy LLC, which will develop the wind farm for Xcel Energy, has applied for a State Land Office business lease covering 18,000 acres of State Trust Lands.

Furthermore, under Commissioner Dunn’s leadership, the State Land Office has recently developed a new wind energy lease template which will provide for additional revenue early-on in the project and includes additional protections regarding reclamation.

“Xcel Energy is a tremendous asset to New Mexico and I appreciate them doing business with the State Land Office,” said Commissioner Dunn.

“Xcel Energy, through our Southwestern Public Service Company subsidiary, has been a partner in New Mexico’s development since 1904,” said David Hudson, president, Xcel Energy – New Mexico, Texas. “Our planned investment of $865 million in new wind resources in Roosevelt County is characteristic of what we’ve been doing for years – building value in the state by growing the tax base and providing safe, reliable and reasonably priced energy to grow the economy. Xcel Energy’s overall proposal will save New Mexico and Texas customers about $2.8 billion over 30 years, demonstrating our commitment to delivering customer value.”

Oil, gas, and mineral production, ranching and farming, and commercial development on State Trust Lands support public schools, seven universities, New Mexico Military Institute, New Mexico School for the Deaf, New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, three hospitals, correctional facilities, water conservation projects, and public building construction and repair. In fiscal year 2016, the State Land Office collected $497 million from lease payments, oil and gas lease sale earnings, rights-of-way, interest, fees and royalties.