ENERGY AFFORDABILITY & GRID RELIABILITY

HB0329

HOUSE BILL 329

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2026

INTRODUCED BY

Meredith A. Dixon
and
Debra M. Sariñana

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES; CREATING THE ENERGY AFFORDABILITY
AND GRID RELIABILITY COUNCIL; PROVIDING DUTIES; MAKING AN
APPROPRIATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

SECTION 1.
[
NEW MATERIAL
] ENERGY AFFORDABILITY AND GRID
RELIABILITY COUNCIL CREATED--PURPOSE--MEMBERSHIP--PUBLIC
REGULATION COMMISSION TO STAFF.--

A. The "energy affordability and grid reliability
council" is created to:

(1) evaluate strategies to protect consumers
by maintaining affordable electric and natural gas utility
rates while ensuring prudent and timely investment in grid
modernization, reliability and resilience;

(2) examine options to support additional
energy production, generation capacity and infrastructure
necessary to meet growing consumer demand and enhance economic
development opportunities, consistent with the Energy
Transition Act;

(3) assess regulatory, financing and planning
mechanisms that balance cost containment, reliability,
emissions reduction and long-term system sustainability;

(4) consider impacts on residential, rural,
tribal and small business customers;

(5) identify best practices from other states
addressing similar energy transition and demand growth
challenges; and

(6) develop legislative, regulatory or
administrative recommendations.

B. The council consists of the following members:

(1) one representative of the energy, minerals
and natural resources department, designated by the secretary
of energy, minerals and natural resources;

(2) one representative with expertise in
consumer or ratepayer advocacy, appointed by the governor;

(3) one representative with expertise in
electric or natural gas utility operations, generation,
transmission or distribution, appointed by the governor;

(4) one representative with expertise in
economic development or workforce impacts related to energy
policy, appointed by the governor; and

(5) as advisory members, one representative
from each investor-owned utility in the state.

C. The governor shall appoint a chair and vice
chair of the council.

D. All members of the council serve at the pleasure
of the governor.

E. Public members of the council are entitled to
per diem and mileage as provided in the Per Diem and Mileage
Act and shall receive no other compensation, perquisite or
allowance.

F. The council is administratively attached to the
public regulation commission. The commission shall staff the
council.

SECTION 2.
APPROPRIATION.--Two million dollars
($2,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the
public regulation commission for expenditure in fiscal year
2027 to pay costs associated with the energy affordability and
grid reliability council. Any unexpended balance remaining at
the end of fiscal year 2027 shall revert to the general fund.

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