Groups announce solar agreement

EPCOR and SynerGen Solar on Tuesday announced an agreement aimed at developing solar energy projects, providing cheaper utility costs.

According to a news release from EPCOR, the 485-acre tract of land will be supporting a solar facility that will produce 90 megawatts of electricity, enough to power an estimated 17,000 homes. SynerGen will design and operate the facility, which will be less than five miles south of downtown Clovis.

“The City is excited to announce this latest project that will bring renewable energy for years to come,” said Clovis Mayor Mike Morris in the release. “I thank EPCOR and SynerGen for collaborating on this effort and continuing to find innovative ways to benefit our community.”

EPCOR will receive 84 water wells, 20 fleet vehicles and five buildings, while also receiving renewable energy credits from the solar facility to offset carbon emissions. The release states the revenue generated from the solar project will be used to benefit EPCOR’s customers in Clovis by reducing their utility costs.

“New Mexico is known for its abundance of sunshine, and EPCOR is well positioned to use this resource to power our communities, reduce reliance on greenhouse gas-emitting power, and help deliver a new service to the region,” said Daniel Bailet, EPCOR vice president of business development and general manager of New Mexico operations in the release.

“We are proud to develop and deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that maintain affordable, safe, and reliable utility services for our customers,” Bailet said.