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New Mexico Utility Adding More Solar Power

New Mexico's largest electric utility says it will meet a state standard for renewable energy by building four more solar arrays in 2015.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- New Mexico's largest electric utility says it will meet a state standard for renewable energy by building four more solar arrays in 2015.

PNM outlined its plan Monday in a filing with the Public Regulation Commission. Regulators will hold a public hearing and make a decision on the plan later this year.

The solar arrays are expected to cost $79 million.

Starting next year, the state will require 15 percent of electricity to come from renewable sources. PNM says it will be able to meet that requirement with a combination of solar, wind and geothermal energy along with renewable energy certificates from its customer solar program.

PNM expects to have more than 100 megawatts of solar at 15 sites around New Mexico by 2016. It will also have 300 megawatts of wind-generated power.

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