[Lwvcnmtopics] NM PRC meeting May 5

[George Richmond]

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!

NM Broadband expansion:

The NM PRC is to work with a state agency to prepare studies on 
expanding broad band (internet access) in New Mexico.  As much of NM is 
rural, massive federal funding is needed to create net works for 
people/businesses to have access to the Internet.

This is a multi year task when urban/suburban residences with access 
will do well and those without the internet will not do well.

A few weeks ago the PRC conducted a survey of NM Electric Co ops and 
Small Utilities to learn about delinquent customers and what the 
utilities are doing about them.   Utilities have to threaten their 
customers with disconnection to move them to sign up with state/federal 
programs to pay for back utilities.  The dead line for disconnect has 
now been extended to August from May.

Comment: Utilities do not want to cut off customers but have to make the 
threat to cut service to move them to either sign up for payment 
programs or find federal or state aid.

The NM PRC commissioners always attend programs to advance their 
education/knowledge of utilities, so one of the next two meetings is 
likely to be canceled.

Meetings are still held via Zoom.

George Richmond

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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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