Albuquerque City Council Unanimously Embraces Solar Future

Environment New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM – Tonight, the Albuquerque City Council voted unanimously to set a goal of utilizing solar energy to power 25 percent of electricity used by city facilities by 2025. This will set Albuquerque and New Mexico on a path to becoming a national leader on solar energy.

The City of Albuquerque currently gets about 3 percent of its electricity from solar energy. Upon reaching the goal set by the City Council, the City could save approximately $3.6 million each year at current electric rates, with savings likely to increase with ever increasing energy costs.

“As our state’s largest city, Albuquerque can pave the way for New Mexico to be a national solar leader,” said Councilor Isaac Benton. “I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution to support and showcase the important asset that is our sunshine, while the City saves recurring energy costs that can be put to more important purposes.”

Solar energy is a jobs creator. In New Mexico, there are 102 solar companies that employ nearly 2,000 people throughout the state, the majority located in Bernalillo County.

“Setting a strong solar goal for the City of Albuquerque will provide numerous benefits, from protecting the City against future electric rate increases to creating badly needed jobs,” said Councilor Davis, co-sponsor of the resolution.

“We applaud the Albuquerque City Council for setting a strong goal for solar energy,” said Sanders Moore, director of Environment New Mexico. “Solar energy protects our environment by decreasing air and water pollution, and improves public health. I am very proud that the Albuquerque City Councilors unanimously voted to embrace solar energy and move our city and state forward.”