Committee clears utility amendment allowing optional pre‑CCN construction; utilities say they bear risk The committee voted to pass a committee substitute as amended that would permit utilities to begin construction prior to completing the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CCN) process; utility witnesses said the option places financial risk on the utility and does not change PRC oversight or ratepayer cost recovery rules.

New Mexico's House Commerce committee just took a bold step, allowing utilities to start construction before final project approval—putting the financial risk squarely on their shoulders!

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#NM #CitizenPortal #RegulatoryReview #FinancialRisk #NewMexicoUtilities #UtilityProjects

Committee tables memorial seeking study of private equity ownership of utilities after wide public debate House Memorial 6, which would have directed the Legislative Finance Committee to study private equity involvement in critical utilities and whether the state should consider an ownership stake, drew extensive public testimony for and against and was tabled by the committee (final tabling vote recorded 8‑3).

Debate heats up in New Mexico as lawmakers table a critical study on private equity ownership of essential utilities, leaving many questions unanswered.

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#NM #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #NewMexicoUtilities #PublicTestimony #UtilityOwnership

House committee advances wildfire mitigation and utility liability bill despite concerns over access and statute of limitations The committee advanced the Wildfire Mitigation and Liability Act (HB 267) after extended testimony from utilities, insurers, victims' advocates and members; supporters said the bill incentivizes mitigation and stabilizes co-ops, while insurers and others warned it limits recovery and insufficiently defines mitigation standards.

New Mexico's House committee just pushed forward a controversial bill aimed at wildfire mitigation, but concerns about liability and insurance coverage are raising eyebrows.

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#NM #InsuranceReform #CitizenPortal #WildfireMitigation #RuralCommunitySafety #NewMexicoUtilities

Public Regulation Commission touts new e-filing system, says utilities oversight needs specialized staff The PRC told the Senate Finance Committee it does not 'approve' utility wildfire plans but reviews them for cost recovery and transparency; the commission unveiled a $2.5M e-filing system, seeks modest staff increases and GROW funding for community solar program, and warned specialized staff are needed to assess PSPS and mitigation plans.

The Public Regulation Commission is redefining wildfire preparedness in New Mexico with a new e-filing system and a push for specialized staff to ensure your safety and savings.

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#NM #NewMexicoUtilities #PublicSafety #WildfirePreparedness #EnergyTransparency #CitizenPortal

Asset Management team flags costly hydro assessment, sanitary-survey fixes and wildfire planning Staff told the board that a bid for hydro condition assessments came in roughly twice the budgeted amount and will be rebid; an arc-flash study and structural work to address an undersized crane at Abiquiu were described; a sanitary survey found 36 tank deficiencies (18 completed) and staff requested budget revisions to hire a diver to meet compliance deadlines.

The Asset Management Team's latest meeting unveiled staggering costs for hydro assessments and urgent compliance fixes, raising questions about the future of our water systems.

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#NM #WaterManagement #RegulatoryCompliance #PublicSafety #NewMexicoUtilities #CitizenPortal

Board hears overview of EDAM: direct CAISO settlements, resource-efficiency tests and possible penalties Los Alamos staff and a consultant outlined the extended day-ahead market (EDAM), explaining expected direct settlements with CAISO, resource efficiency evaluations that raise planning reserve requirements and potential penalties for imbalance; Pacificorp and PNM entries will drive local participation timelines.

Los Alamos is gearing up for major changes as it prepares to enter the extended day-ahead market, which will revolutionize how local utilities operate and bill for energy.

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#NM #MarketOptimization #CitizenPortal #ResourceEfficiency #NewMexicoUtilities

BPU backs staff application for state grid‑resiliency grant to rebuild EA‑4 line that serves wastewater plant and wells The board voted 4‑0 to recommend county staff apply for a New Mexico grid resiliency grant to rebuild an aging overhead feeder line (EA‑4). Staff said EA‑4 is in poor condition, serves critical infrastructure (wastewater treatment and Guaje wellfields), and construction costs are estimated at more than $3 million; staff also said San Ildefonso is a

Los Alamos County is gearing up to submit a crucial grant application to replace the aging EA-4 overhead line, ensuring vital infrastructure is upgraded and aligned with renewable energy goals.

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#NM #CitizenPortal #NewMexicoUtilities #ClimateAction #GridResiliency

Utility Board Discusses Integrated Resource Plan Updates and Survey Feedback Process Utility Board reviews Foxtail Flats update and survey distribution among council members.

The Utility Board's latest meeting revealed surprising shifts in the integrated resource plan, leaving many questions about the future of the Foxtail Flats project.

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#NM #ResourcePlanning #CitizenPortal #PublicEngagement #NewMexicoUtilities #CommunityInvolvement

Hydro Facilities Review Highlights Decreased Generation and Rising Costs Over Three Years Review reveals significant drops in hydro generation and rising costs per megawatt hour.

Los Alamos County is facing a critical energy challenge as local hydro facilities see declining generation and skyrocketing costs—what's the plan for the future?

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#NM #CitizenPortal #FutureEnergyNeed #NewMexicoUtilities #CostEfficiency #EnergySustainability

Electrification Study Reveals Aging Infrastructure Limits at East Side Substation Aging assets and capacity limits prioritize replacement costs according to the electrification study.

The Los Alamos County Board has raised urgent alarms about the aging electrical infrastructure, revealing that the East Side Substation is nearing its capacity limits amid rising demand from new developments.

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#NM #CitizenPortal #NewMexicoUtilities #CommunityEngagement

Board of Public Utilities updates procedural rules amid staffing changes Board discusses staffing updates and procedural rule amendments for efficient governance.

The Los Alamos County Board of Public Utilities is tackling staffing challenges and updating procedural rules to enhance governance efficiency—find out how these changes could impact your community!

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#NM #CitizenPortal #NewMexicoUtilities #GovernanceReform #StaffingChallenges

Board of Public Utilities recommends Abiquiu Hydroelectric plant project award to GME General Building Board addresses cost overruns and project scope changes for Abiquiu Hydroelectric facility

Los Alamos County is making a bold move to enhance the Abiquiu Hydroelectric Plant's safety with a $4 million infrastructure project that addresses urgent operational needs.

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#NM #CitizenPortal #NewMexicoUtilities #InfrastructureImprovement #SafetyStandards #BudgetingStrategies

New Mexico House Bill 13 enhances utility grid transparency and customer support House Bill 13 ensures New Mexico utilities enhance grid planning for reliable electric service.

New Mexico's House Bill 13 could revolutionize utility infrastructure, making electric service more reliable and affordable for all residents.

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#NM #InfrastructureTransparency #RegulatoryReform #CitizenPortal #NewMexicoUtilities #EnergyEfficiency

Lawmakers propose PowerUp bill to enhance utilities' emission reduction efforts The PowerUp bill aims to improve energy efficiency and support workforce expansion for utilities.

New Mexico lawmakers are pushing the groundbreaking "PowerUp" bill to revolutionize energy efficiency and tackle utility regulations for a greener future!

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#NM #EmissionReduction #EnergyEfficiency #NewMexicoUtilities #EconomicDevelopment #CitizenPortal

New Mexico's PowerUp bill enhances utility distribution and supports economic development PowerUp Mexico mandates public utilities to improve electricity distribution transparency and planning.

New Mexico's PowerUp initiative is set to revolutionize electricity distribution, demanding transparency and forward-thinking planning from public utilities.

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#NM #EnergyTransparency #InfrastructureImprovement #SustainableDevelopment #NewMexicoUtilities #CitizenPortal

City proposes 9% electric rate increase amid budget challenges and neighbor comparisons Proposed 9% electric rate increase aims to address budget shortfalls and align with peers.

Los Alamos County is facing a proposed 9% electric rate increase that could raise bills for residents just as neighboring communities grapple with their own rising costs.

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#NM #CommunitySustainability #UtilityCosts #NewMexicoUtilities #CitizenPortal #EquitableRates