The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) has approved Xcel Energy’s $1.6 billion plan to add more than 1,230 megawatts of wind energy in both Texas and New Mexico.
Construction of the 522-megawatt Sagamore Wind Project will include installation of close to 250 Vestas turbines and will produce an estimated $43 million in gross receipts of tax revenue for the state of New Mexico. Together with the 478-megawatt Hale Wind Project, the Xcel Energy–owned facilities will produce enough wind energy to power about 360,000 homes, create approximately 600 construction jobs and 40 to 50 full-time positions, and generate $154 million in additional revenue for state and local governments and school districts.
Xcel Energy plans to grow its wind portfolio by more than 50 percent by the end of 2021 by adding a dozen new wind farms in seven states.
Regulatory approval is still needed from the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Xcel Energy anticipates approval from Texas regulators by mid-April.
