Affordability is at the top of every decision maker’s mind across the country. As electricity prices rise, outpacing the inflation rate, Advanced Energy United continues to educate state leaders on smart solutions that can keep prices down, including ways to expand energy supply and get more out of our existing power grid. As part of that ongoing engagement, United and several member companies — Span.io, XGS, and Enchanted Rock — sat down on September 5 with New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and her office to discuss these solutions.
From left to right: Scott Lipton, Corey Amthor, Josh Prueher, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Richard Caperton, Joey Paolino, Secretary Rob Black.
New Mexico’s Geothermal Opportunity
New Mexico is a global hotspot for geothermal energy, and tapping into that resource could go a long way towards supporting the state’s growing energy demands, in part from data centers and increased electrification. With the recent loss of federal funding and tax incentives for some kinds of advanced energy, Governor Lujan Grisham expressed her desire to help keep costs down and open markets to next-generation technologies that will keep the lights on and expand economic opportunities for New Mexicans. Ultimately, these projects will serve large loads, from data centers to industrial sites, and desalination plants to address the state’s water access.
Eliminating Energy Waste
The cheapest electron is the one you don’t use. Leadership from United member companies showcases the opportunities our industry can provide through non-wires alternatives to streamline grid modernization through public-private collaboration. Through electric-ready building codes, New Mexico can maximize the amount of energy it’s getting out of the existing power grid by constructing more efficient homes, ultimately saving ratepayers money on their utility bills. With energy demands and energy bills rising, New Mexico can reduce energy burdens by helping homeowners leverage in-state programs like C-PACE to enhance affordability through efficiency.
Permitting Reform Can Unlock Microgrids
Microgrids provide flexible, resilient energy options for communities. But current permitting regimes across the country hamper their full potential. We discussed with Governor Lujan Grisham how the state can cut red tape around microgrids to further benefit New Mexico. With modern, streamlined permitting pathways, New Mexico can open markets to provide its citizens with more affordable energy options.
As the Governor finishes her term next year, she’ll be a key partner for United and its members, continuing to lead the way on energy abundance. State decision makers, now more than ever, are the vanguards of keeping energy costs down, providing consumers with flexible options, and driving economic development. In the absence of federal incentives, governors make all the difference when it comes to unleashing advanced energy’s full potential.