El Paso Allows Solar Energy, Jobs to Continue Growing

(TEXAS – July 21, 2016) El Paso Electric Company today filed a unanimous settlement on its rate case pending before the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The electric utility agreed to eliminate its proposed creation of a separate rate class for customers who install solar panels at their homes. The proposed electricity rate structure would have raised costs for most existing residential solar customers, and made it impossible for people considering installing solar panels to determine the economic impact of their investment.   

“Texas has more solar potential than any other state and, by not discriminating against households who install solar panels, El Paso Electric’s agreement will allow our state to continue its clean energy legacy. In addition to protecting local solar jobs, this compromise will empower El Pasoans to produce their own clean energy, without unnecessarily increasing electric bills.”

• Jim Marston, Vice President, Clean Energy