STUDY LOW-INCOME HOUSE SOLAR DEVICES

Senate Memorial 10 requests New Mexico's Energy Department to form a working group to design a pilot project studying portable solar devices (plug-in/balcony systems) for low-income households. The pilot would install these devices in 5-10 households to measure monthly energy cost savings and assess grid impacts on utilities. The working group, including utilities and nonprofits, must report findings to lawmakers by November 2026. This study aims to evaluate a potential solution for energy insecurity, as low-income residents spend 16-30% of income on energy costs versus the state average of 3%. The bill does not fund installations but seeks data to inform future policy.