[Lwvcnmtopics] Update on NM PRC happenings

[George Richmond]

No Public Regulatory Commission meeting this Wednesday, but some 
relevant news:

Case 21=00017-UT

PNM's applications for abandonment of the Four Corners Power Plan

Originally, there were five coal fired plants in the Four Corners, with 
Arizona Public Service being the largest and dominant owner.

Built starting in the 1960's, the first three units have been closed, 
Arizona PS said it will close by 2031.  PNM has a 13% interest which

it want to transfer to another minority partner, Navajo Generating  
which will be producing coal fired electricity, Arizona PS needing the plant

as their peak summer load is 2X that of the winter demand level. '

PNM will be able to say that it is not producing power from coal, which 
will be true, but the plant will be operating for another nine years.

PNM is likely to ask for the ratepayers to absorb its losses on the 
transfer of its interest in the plant for $1.00 to the Navajo company.

The second matter is case 21.00111-UT which is El Paso Electric's 
application for its Renewable Energy Plan.  El Paso uses a lot of 
natural gas plants now

and how/when it moves to renewable generated electric power will be 
interesting to learn.

Item 3 is the Merger of PNM into Avangrid.

All parties, except ONE, have signed off.  The one party opposing wants 
a government entity, such as the State of NM, City of Albuquerque, to 
buy PNM,saying

that some utilities are owned by governments, such as The Los Angeles 
Department of Water and Power is the largest municipal utility in the 
United States,

serving nearly four million residents. It was founded in 1902 to supply 
water to residents and businesses in Los Angeles and surrounding 
communities. In 1917, it started to deliver electricity.

As I am not aware that the State of NM or any New Mexico government 
wants to buy PNM, I say there is NO likelihood of such an event 
happening, thus the organization that wants PNM to be operated by a 
government  will not be successful.


The PRC Hearing Examiner will release his recommended order in a month 
or so, then the NM PRC will hold a public hearing and act on the merger 
application.

I will advise as to timing, in case any of you wish to attend and speak 
on the matter.  Probably November.

Have a great weekend,

George Richmond

Observer, NM PRC, League of Women Voters Central New Mexico

-- 
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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