Proposed PNM rate increases could affect all New Mexicans. The UHA encourages you to be informed and have your say about the rate increases requested by PNM. 

The following information is provided by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission:

At the request of Commissioner Marks, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission will hold a pair of public comment hearings regarding Public Service Company of New Mexico’s (PNM) requested rate increase. The hearings will be held Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the African American Performing Arts Center, 310 San Pedro NE, Albuquerque.

In a case filed in 2010, PNM requested an average rate increase of 22% for customers in the Albuquerque area and other parts of its North/Central service territory.  Under PNM’s proposal, rates for residential customers would increase by more than the average (25%), and the increase would be in two phases.  PNM also proposes other changes to rates, including a sizable surcharge on customers that have solar generating systems installed on their homes after the effective date of the new rates.

During the hearings, a representative of PNM will make a 15-minute presentation summarizing the positions PNM has presented to the Commission in this particular case. Following PNM’s presentation, interveners representing consumer and environmental groups will deliver a 15-minute oral presentation of their own.   

After these presentations, the floor will be opened to members of the public to give oral comment to Commissioner Marks and other Commissioners who may be in attendance.  All comments will be taken down by a court reporter and the complete hearing transcript will become part of the official case record.   

Anyone wishing to attend either of the hearings is encouraged to do so. Those wishing to make public comments are also encouraged to attend to make their respective feelings known.

You may contact Commissioner Marks' office via email or at (505) 827-8015 if you have any questions about the hearing.  Last Fall, Commissioner Marks posted a statement regarding the PNM rate case on the PRC's website at http://www.nmprc.state.nm.us/commissioners/pdf/PNMRateCase2010.pdf