PNM continues to utilize technology to test new ways to bring reliable, sustainable and affordable energy to New Mexicans

PNM, Block Energy, and Tierra Que Canta announce residential microgrid pilot

(Albuquerque, NM) – A residential microgrid pilot is being deployed in the Las Campanas housing development in Santa Fe. The 22-home subdivision, Tierra Que Canta, will include the installation of a Block Energy microgrid with distributed solar and storage directly connected to the distribution system to power the homes and provide energy to the rest of the grid. 

All costs of the equipment and installation of the microgrid will be borne only by the developer of the subdivision and there will be no costs to customers outside of this pilot. Customers connected to the grid through the microgrid will remain on standard residential energy rates while receiving the benefits of renewable energy and the resiliency of a microgrid which is designed to continue operating independently of the grid even in the event of a local outage.

PNM will own and operate the entire microgrid, including the solar panels, battery storage, and control system for the long term. This means that all PNM customers will benefit from the renewable energy that is fed back to the grid, along with any grid services provided by the energy storage and controls in the pilot system.

"This is a great opportunity for us to learn more about microgrids and how they interact with our grid," said Don Tarry, President and CEO of PNM. "This also gives the customers who buy homes in this area an opportunity to reap the benefits of a microgrid while not impacting those who don't live there. We are glad to be partnering with Block Energy and Tierra Que Canta to bring this groundbreaking project to life."

This pilot provides PNM an opportunity to try this technology on the system so that future housing developments might have the tools necessary to deploy this technology and actively participate in the energy transition.

"At BlockEnergy, we are focused on developing an innovative approach to power new residential communities with renewable energy in a way that provides unprecedented reliability and resiliency. Our partnership with PNM and Tierra Que Canta is a testament to our shared vision of delivering a cleaner, sustainable, reliable and resilient energy future," said Paul Laberge, BlockEnergy's Chief Operating Officer. "This pilot project is not just about powering a subdivision— it's about pioneering a new model for energy delivery that can be scaled for future housing developments while benefitting all PNM customers."

PNM is committed to and equitable energy transition and deploying proven technology to underserved communities.  If the pilot is deemed successful, PNM plans to partner with affordable housing organizations to expand the benefits of microgrids to all New Mexicans.