Can local governments fairly self-regulate utilities they own?
(Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)
Thousands of New Mexicans could be missing out on the opportunity to get solar energy options at homes and businesses because their locally run utility company is exempt from a new law requiring them to offer the incentive.
In 2021, the state Legislature passed a bill requiring state-regulated privately owned utility companies operating in New Mexico to adopt community solar, a way for multiple homes or businesses to get solar energy from one local facility and get credit for doing so.
Details in the legislation allow seven utility companies, run by a mix of local city…