El Paso Electric (EPE) officially broke ground on construction of a 10 megawatt (MW) solar facility for its successful Texas Community Solar program. In its commitment to provide accessible renewable energy to all, this second expansion of this program will allow for an additional 5,000 customers to subscribe to solar energy. Along with a reduced monthly charge for all current subscribers, the expanded program will provide a discount to income-qualified Texas residential customers. The solar facility is expected to be operational by the end of this year.
“The success of our existing Texas Community Solar program shows us that our customers want access to renewable energy in an effortless way,” said Jessica Christianson, EPE Vice President of Sustainability and Energy Solutions. “After the first expansion of the program in 2018, we began to develop the framework for greater capacity additions. We are excited to grow our community solar generation with this installation in San Elizario and reduce the cost of the program for all subscribers.”
EPE selected EDF Renewables, a trusted partner, to construct the solar facility on 70 acres of barren farm fields in San Elizario, Texas. At completion, a total of 18,930 solar panels will harvest the sun’s energy for subscribers.
“We are pleased to strengthen the partnership between EDF Renewables and El Paso Electric through our Distribution-Scale Power group and support the increasing demand in the Texas Community Solar program, enabling more EPE customers to access the benefits of clean and sustainable power,” said Kenton Martin, Senior Manager of Project Development at EDF Renewables. “We eagerly anticipate the successful completion of this project for EPE and remain dedicated to supporting their commitment to deliver responsible, sustainable and reliable energy to their valued customers.”
How this expansion to the Texas Community Solar Program will benefit customers:
- The minimum monthly capacity charge will decrease approximately 15% for existing and new subscribers.
- Income-qualified residential subscribers will receive a discount of 10% to the monthly capacity charge.
- Customers on the reserve list will be automatically enrolled.
- Subscribers receive the benefits of solar energy without upfront costs, maintenance costs or the hassle of installing rooftop solar on their home or business.
- Homeowners, renters and business owners can subscribe.
The Texas Community Solar Program has been fully subscribed since 2017 and a reserve list is available for residential and commercial customers in the Texas service territory who do not already have rooftop panels.
How customers can join the reserve list to the Texas Community Solar Program:
Submit an electronic application form online by visiting epelectric.com/communitysolar.
Download the subscription application and send via email to communitysolar@epelectric.com or mail it to the address specified on the form.
