New solar power plant dedicated in northern NM

A new seven-acre, 1.3 megawatt solar-power generation facility capable of powering 400 homes is now online in New Mexico. The solar array, in the northeast New Mexico town of Springer and operated by Springer Electric Cooperative, was dedicated Tuesday by USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner and U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, who were on hand to celebrate the completion of construction of a new solar-power generation facility. A $14.1 million loan provided by USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utility Service helped pay for the photovoltaic project, which also includes 74 miles of new electric line and updated smart-grid technology. Springer Electric Cooperative serves the New Mexico counties of Colfax, Harding, Mora, San Miguel and Union, including the communities of Cimarron, Maxwell, Roy, Wagon Mound, Mosquero and Folsom...more