El Paso Electric’s Solar Energy Portfolio Continues to Grow

In August, EPE began receiving energy from NRG Energy’s 20 MW (megawatts) Roadrunner Solar Generating Facility located in Santa Teresa, NM as part of a 20-year purchase power agreement. First Solar Inc. provided engineering, construction and procurement services for the project using its advanced thin film photovoltaic solar modules, and is the operations and maintenance contractor for the facility.

In July, EPE began receiving electricity generated from the 5 MW Hatch Solar Energy Center in Hatch, New Mexico. The Center is owned and operated by NextEra Energy Resources. EPE entered into a 25-year agreement to purchase all the power generated from the Center. The Hatch Solar Energy Center uses concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power systems, powered by Amonix Inc., that incorporate dual-axis tracking to maximize energy production throughout the day. The Hatch Solar Energy Center is currently the largest plant in the United States that utilizes this type of technology to harness the sun.

“These projects are part of El Paso Electric’s ongoing commitment to include solar energy as part of its overall energy mix provided to all its customers,” said Rocky Miracle, Senior Vice President, Corporate Planning and Development at El Paso Electric. “We currently have plans to invest in other solar projects that should come on-line within the next few years.”