Dive Summary:

• A rule-making process regarding how to calculate the costs and benefits of renewable energy in New Mexico is headed toward a January hearing in from of the state's Public Regulation Commission (PRC).
• The final ruling could determine how quickly new projects come online in the state and whether higher-cost solar or geothermal power will be pushed aside in favor of cheaper alternatives like wind generation.
• The case's sticking point has been how much ratepayers will be asked to pay for alternative energy; the PRC's ruling could come in mid-January, which is a month after the deadline for final breifs to be filed in the case.

From the article:

A lengthy and contentious debate over how to calculate the costs and benefits of renewable energy is coming to a head at the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.

A rule-making process on the issue that began in November 2011 will likely culminate at a PRC hearing in January. The outcome could determine how fast new projects come online in New Mexico, and whether higher-cost solar or geothermal power takes a back seat to lower-cost wind generation as utilities strive to meet the state’s renewable portfolio standard. ...