New Mexico regulators have approved Xcel Energy’s request, in a 5-0 vote, to expand their wind farm in service areas in both Texas and New Mexico.

The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission approved a plan to add over 1,230 megawatts of wind energy to the region. Xcel Energy says the plan would lower costs for customers, and is supported by multiple organizations including state agencies and environmental groups.

Xcel Energy's president - New Mexico, David Hudson, released a statement regarding the approval;

"This is a historic day for customers of Xcel Energy in New Mexico and Texas... These wind facilities will power the regional economy with energy from out abundant, fuel-free wind resource and save customers hundreds of millions of dollars in energy costs for decades to come."

The plan includes the construction of the 522-megawatt Sagamore Wind Project in New Mexico, which includes the building of nearly 250 Vestas turbines, and the 478-megawatt Hale Wind Project in Texas. Xcel Energy says these facilities will produce enough wind energy to power around 360,000 homes, create nearly construction and management jobs, and generate $154 million in revenue for the region.

Xcel Energy says customers will see their bill’s lowered after the wind facilities are built, expected to be completed in 2021.

 

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