this wasn’t a product for the PRC per se, but something that came out of a workshop we held in Santa Fe last February (before covid hit, if any of us can remember back that far).

In terms of things like technology costs, what we wanted to convey to the PRC was not an opinion on any specific investment plan but the idea that the PRC should be considering technology trends as it evaluates and approves utility investment decisions. The costs for wind, solar and energy storage are falling so fast and these investments are so long-lived that you need to think beyond what costs look like right now and consider what they might look like several years down the road.

My comment on his comment:

Note that SFI tries to consider technology trends as it evaluates and approves utility investment decisions.

As we know, the NM  PRC will become an agency with three appointed members as contrasted to the five elected members.  With technology being more important, the backgrounds/experience/knowledge of the PRC members has include some science/technology that can handle thinking more about how the electric utilities will have to be in the future.  To a certain extent, the staff of the PRC needs to change as well.

Stated differently, a better PRC and staff will cost more ...but will do a better job.

Right now, I feel the staff is very good, not all of the PRC members have the needed skills, but one of the less experienced members will leave at the end of December.

George Richmond