Greg Seeley House District 27 | Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter
The Public Regulation Commission hearing examiners have recommended the approval of a settlement agreement involving New Mexico Gas Company and several parties, including the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy, Western Resource Advocates, PRC staff, the New Mexico attorney general, New Mexico Affordable Reliable Energy Alliance, New Energy Economy, and the Incorporated County of Los Alamos. This settlement pertains to a rate case with New Mexico Gas Company.
The hearing examiners have set deadlines for exceptions on November 17 and responses by November 21. The full Commission could potentially vote on this matter as early as November 23.
Although not part of the settlement, New Mexico Gas Company has agreed to collaborate with Western Resource Advocates, Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy, New Energy Economy, and others on a legislative proposal aimed at reducing utility rates for lower-income residents in New Mexico.
Sara Gersen from Earthjustice commented on the settlement: “Under the settlement, customers won’t foot the bill for a hydrogen pilot project that would have increased climate pollution and put air quality at risk.” She added that without this project as a distraction, leaders should focus on helping customers transition to zero-emission electric appliances.
Cara Lynch from CCAE stated: “Not only will customers see lower rates than the company originally proposed, but under our agreement, New Mexico Gas has also agreed to study important health impacts of residential hydrogen-blend projects.”
Tammy Fiebelkorn with Southwest Energy Efficiency Project expressed optimism about establishing low-income utility rates: “A reduction in energy burden via low-income rates will help many families who are struggling to balance high energy bills.”
Pat O’Connell from Western Resource Advocates noted improvements made by the agreement: “This settlement agreement makes important improvements to New Mexico Gas Company’s initial request... We look forward to continuing our work...to reduce harmful methane pollution.”
