PRC agrees to fast-track two solar projects for Facebook data center expansion

By PRC

The Public Regulation Commission (PRC) today voted in favor of expediting approval of two new solar plants which will supply 100 megawatts of renewable energy to the Facebook data center expansionin Los Lunas.  

The vote limits the time for protests from intervening parties to 20 days, meaning commissioners could issue a final order by September 26.  If protests are filed, a hearing would likely be scheduled on October 17, with a final order issued October 31.

“By supporting industry we are putting people to work without compromising consumer protection,” said PRC Chairman Sandy Jones. “This commission worked long and hard to bring Facebook to New Mexico and we will work just as hard to help it grow.”

Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) is proposing two 50-MW solar facilities, one near Moriarty called Britton Solar Energy Center and the other northwest of Rio Rancho called Encino Solar Energy Center.  The two projects combined will cost $140 million and bring up to 400 construction jobs.

The plants will be owned and operated by two subsidiaries – NMRD Data Center II, LLC and NMRD Data Center III, LLC.   PNM will buy the electricity from these subsidiaries under purchased power agreements(PPAs) for delivery to Facebook.  

PNM has stated procurement of additional renewable resources under the proposed PPAs will not impact utility rates.

“It’s a pleasure to approve these Facebook projects as they bring needed jobs, boost economic development, don’t cost ratepayers a dime, and they use only clean energy,” said PRC Vice-Chair Cynthia Hall.

To accommodate the data center, the first 50-MW facility should beoperational by December 31, 2019 and the second by June 30, 2020.