This story is republished from NM Political Report, a nonprofit news outlet, as a part of our commitment to bringing you the best in independent news coverage that matters to Albuquerque.
By Hannah Grover
New Mexico lawmakers are considering a bill that would create a tax credit for those who purchase backup power generators.
HB 176 could later be included in the tax package, but was discussed Friday in the House Taxation and Revenue Committee without actually voting on it. It previously cleared the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee with unanimous support.
Power outages in some parts of the state are becoming more frequent because utilities are shutting off electricity during high winds to prevent lines from sparking fires.
“Especially in Lincoln County, we’ve had very dry weather, we have overgrown forest,” bill sponsor Rep. Harlan Vincent, R-Ruidoso Downs, said.
Those outages can last for hours, which can be challenging for people who require oxygen tanks or dialysis machines that need electricity.
The tax credit would cover half of the cost of the generator. The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department would be tasked with giving out the vouchers for the tax credit, however the tax credits would be capped at $5 million each year.
Vincent said he drafted the bill with combustion generators in mind, but he said he is not opposed to including solar generators.
“Whatever I can do to make this bill right so people can have durable medical equipment, I’m 100% in on that,” Vincent said.