We are excited to introduce our newest partner New Energy Equity.
New Energy is a US-based solar company committed to driving clean energy generation forward and increasing access to as many people as possible. They have experience working directly with communities to build solar systems that serve each area’s unique needs and are bringing their expertise to New Mexico as we expand access to community solar.
Eric Pasi, New Energy’s Vice President of Development, has been in the solar industry since 2007. Pasi works with policymakers and community stakeholders to develop ideas that expand access to clean energy. Since the start of his career, Pasi has helped them grow from working primarily on residential solar systems to entire school districts and now with community solar.
New Energy Equity is now in a position to work with communities to create solutions to provide access to affordable, clean energy in previously unattainable areas. Eric grew up in a single-parent household in the inner city and understood how modest savings could impact lower-income families with unfair energy burdens. He believes in the ability of renewable energy to democratize power for people. Our state can expect to see these opportunities as community solar expands. Renters and others who don’t have ideal situations for residential solar will have access to affordable clean energy with community solar. The community solar program is ideal because of its heavy focus on low-income communities. Over 50% of the projects are going to benefit these communities directly.
In the several years that New Energy has been in operation, there have been significant changes in access to solar energy. When the company first began, early program designs didn’t differentiate between commercial/residential subscribers or between those that relied on energy affordability and those with high credit scores. Since then, New Mexico has become the latest in various states to take a proactive stance on designing community solar programs that will funnel the benefits to those that need them. By going through the PRC and working with stakeholders to understand the unique aspects residents want from programs, New Mexicans create incentives for solar companies to address subscribers from disadvantaged communities while creating workforce development opportunities.
This community solar program is part of a larger statewide push to implement the Community Solar Act that passed a year ago. It is estimated to create over 4,000 new jobs across the state related to clean energy. These positions are well-paying jobs that cannot be outsourced, where the average employee earns $70,000 annually. New Energy is applying to participate in this program as one of several companies working throughout the state with local organizations, colleges, and other institutions to create pathways into the workforce.
This new energy economy has countless options to ensure an equitable transition, like community ownership. The recent Inflation Reduction Act will empower this evolving market at the federal level. It will allow organizations or nonprofit entities to earn the same incentives as if they were a bank or for-profit company. Groups of residents interested in cooperative ownership can band together and enjoy the same financing that a larger company would have access to. This new program would decrease the energy gap and create more equity for disadvantaged communities by leveling the playing field.
New Energy Equity is excited to build workforce development and equity, particularly with indigenous and disadvantaged communities. The workforce development opportunities include setting pathways back into gainful employment for previously-incarcerated citizens.
ReNew Mexico is excited to work together to advance accessible community solar development in our state. If you are interested in advancing these efforts, please sign our petition here and help bring affordable, clean energy to ALL residents!
Learn more about New Energy Equity’s work on their website here.