During a recent Santa Fe County government meeting, officials discussed critical strategies for enhancing energy efficiency and renewable energy access across county facilities. The conversation centered on setting measurable goals for energy upgrades, with a proposed target of achieving 60% energy efficiency improvements by 2030.

Commissioners reviewed the current status of energy initiatives, noting that out of 120 facilities, only 37 have undergone energy efficiency upgrades, equating to approximately 31%. The plan aims to increase this to 60% by 2030, with further goals of reaching 70% by 2035. The discussion also highlighted the importance of incorporating renewable energy sources, with PNM (Public Service Company of New Mexico) reporting that they expect to achieve 50% renewable energy by 2025.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the potential expansion of the Solar Direct Program, which currently allows county facilities to source 50% of their energy from renewable sources. Commissioners expressed interest in exploring the feasibility of increasing subscriptions to this program, particularly for facilities like the wastewater treatment plant.

Additionally, the need for innovative energy solutions was emphasized, particularly in rural areas of the county. One commissioner proposed the exploration of microgrid technologies to enhance energy reliability and independence from PNM's grid limitations. This suggestion was met with support, as it could address energy access issues for vulnerable populations reliant on life-support systems during outages.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of integrating microgrid technology into the county's renewable energy strategy, alongside ongoing collaboration with PNM and other stakeholders to advocate for necessary grid upgrades. The commissioners also discussed the importance of ensuring that all new electric meters in the county are connected to renewable energy sources, aligning with broader sustainability goals.

Overall, the meeting underscored Santa Fe County's commitment to advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, with clear targets and collaborative efforts aimed at fostering a sustainable future.