A new Biden administration initiative to support solar power in low-income communities is set to be piloted in New Mexico.
The goal of the program is for people who receive the energy bill assistance known as LIHEAP to be able to access an online platform and choose whether they want to get their energy from a community solar energy resource.
New Mexico is one of six states participating in the building of the platform.
The While House's Deputy Climate Director Ali Zaidi told KUNM the initiative should lower bills as well as reduce fossil fuel use.
"Rather than going year in year out, sometimes having to pay more when the price of natural gas or electric off the grid goes up, they can actually lock into more stable and lower clean energy costs through this program," he said.
Community solar projects are as yet nascent in New Mexico. A Community Solar Act was signed into law in 2021 and a rulemaking process was finished just last week, although appeals against it are ongoing.
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