El Paso Electric backs out of Ft. Bliss solar project

El Paso Electric announced today it will not move forward with a plan to develop a 20 megawatt solar power facility on Ft. Bliss. The project had been a cornerstone of the plan developed by the former post commander, Major General Dana Pittard, to make the installation “net zero” or self-reliant for its energy needs.

Tom Shockley, El Paso Electric CEO, issued a statement today, saying the Army’s unwillingness to grant an easement without cost to his company led to the decision.

“After negotiations,” Shockley wrote, “We have been unable to reach acceptable terms on the easement with the Army. We are therefore unable to continue pursuing this project at this time. We appreciate the Army’s efforts to partner with El Paso Electric, and we remain committed to continue pursuing our renewable energy goals for the benefit of our customers and our community.”

The solar array was to have been built on more than 200 acres owned by the military, at a cost of nearly $50 million to El Paso Electric, The utility filed an application for the project with the Texas Public Utility Commission back in April.

Solar panels would have tracked the sun during the course of the day to maximize power generation.

Ft. Bliss has not yet offered public comment on the decision. Evan Folan will have a complete story on the impact to Ft. Bliss’s energy plans tonight on ABC-7 at 5 and 6.