[Lwvcnmtopics] NM Public Regulation Commission Today

[George Richmond]

It was a long meeting today, and even after a lunch break, I left @ 300 PM.

The meeting started with two representatives from Southwestern Public 
Service, the Xcel Energy company serving Eastern New Mexico.  Their 
operations which are also in Texas, were impacted by the winter storm 
but with careful planning, and the fact that SPS could get help from the 
CO affiliate, as Xcel operates in eight states, resulted in very little 
loss of service. In Texas, however, the demand for power exceeded supply 
which resulted in rolling blackouts as well as some total elimination of 
electric and in some cases gas service.

Importantly, the Grid System in the US is in three parts, an Eastern, 
Western and Texas is its own Grid.  Grid means the way power generated 
is transmitted to the end users for distribution to homes/business.  The 
Texas grid system has been criticized for over 10 years as being 
inadequate.

This issue is important for New Mexico because as the state moves to 
renewable energy from fossil fuel generated electricity, better planning 
is needed.  Our NM PRC knows this and is in the process of producing 
longer term plans which do include improving its staff and getting the 
resources to act more promptly on issues.

As most of you remember, in 2016, Facebook built a Data Center near Los 
Lunas.  This center is now being expanded and PNM has been asked to 
provide back up power, should the Face Book facility need it.

In planning for its budget for the next FY, NM PRC is looking to engage 
suitable outside consulting services to get the best resources to manage 
its staff.

I contacted the office of Mayor Keller and the Bernalillo County Manager 
Julie Morgas Baca on plans for more use of renewable energy.  Ms. Baca 
said the County is putting solar panels on it buildings where it can and 
also got a grant from an auto company to install charging stations for 
electric vehicles.  The county is adding electric vehicles to its fleet 
and will continue to do.  I have not yet heard from Mayor Keller.

The session ended with a review of pending legislation which might 
affect the NM PRC and which bills needed support or opposition.

Have a great week,

George Richmond

LWV CNM Observer to the NM PRC.

-- 
George M. Richmond
152 Juniper Hill Road, NE
Albuquerque, NM 87122-1913

C: 505-280-2105
E: geomrich1 at comcast.net


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