New Mexico

Description: Adopted by the PRC in July 2008, New Mexico’s interconnection rules simplify the interconnection requirements of qualifying facilities up to 10 MW in capacity, and specifically allow for the interconnection CHP. Four levels of capacity are distinguished, with smaller capacity systems requiring less stringent interconnection processes. All systems are required to comply with applicable local and national utility standards—including NEC, IEEE, and UL standards—and disconnect switches are required on all systems. The PRC may require a generating facility to obtain insurance, and interconnection customers are required to pay reasonable application fees. Municipal utilities are exempt from these standards, as they are not regulated by the PRC.

Links:

• New Mexico Public Regulation Commission Rule 568 can be found here.
• New Mexico Public Regulation Commission Rule 569 can be found here.
• The New Mexico interconnection manual can be found here [PDF].
• Visit the DSIRE database for additional information about New Mexico’s interconnection standards.

Contact:
Jim Brack
New Mexico Public Regulation Commission
224 East Palace Ave.
Marian Hall
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Phone: (505) 827-6982
E-Mail: jim.brack@state.nm.us
Web Site: http://www.nmprc.state.nm.us/

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Description: The Public Service Company of New Mexico’s Rate 12 offers standby service to CHP customers that are FERC Qualifying Facilities only and have contracted for a specific amount of standby capacity. A high customer charge is assessed each month. A high demand charge is paired with a moderate energy charge. The demand charge is based upon the maximum on-peak demand during the month or 50% of the maximum from the previous 11 months, whichever is higher. Xcel Energy’s standby service is also offered only to Qualifying Facilities that have contracted for a specific amount of standby capacity. There is a high customer charge, a moderate demand-based reservation fee and moderate demand and energy rates. Demand is calculated by the maximum 30 minute demand of the month or 60% of the maximum from the previous 11 months, whichever is higher. Both of these standby services are viewed as unfavorable toward CHP.

Links:

• The Public Service Company of New Mexico’s rates can be found here
• Xcel Energy’s New Mexico tariffs can be found here [PDF]
• More information about best practices in utility rate design can be found on the EPA’s CHP Partnership website.

Last Updated 08/27/2009

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