New Mexico would fund a council to study energy costs

An energy affordability and grid reliability council would study energy needs and recommend steps for state leaders. Its work would consider energy costs, reliable service, emissions, and growing demand, including effects on households, rural communities, tribes, and small businesses. Its review of added energy supply and infrastructure would need to be consistent with the Energy Transition Act. The council would include state, consumer, utility, and economic development representatives, with advisory members from each investor-owned utility.

The state would set aside $2 million from its general fund for the Public Regulation Commission to pay council costs. The money would pay costs associated with the energy affordability and grid reliability council. The money would be available for spending in fiscal year 2027. Any unspent balance would return to the general fund at the end of that fiscal year.