Memorial would ask researchers to study public electric utility options

The proposed memorial would ask the University of New Mexico Bureau of Business and Economic Research to study whether New Mexico could acquire and operate an electric utility. The study would consider creating a publicly owned electric utility in New Mexico. The bureau would be asked to consult the Public Regulation Commission, the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority, and the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. The bureau would be asked to present its findings and recommendations to a relevant interim legislative committee by June 30, 2027.

The proposed memorial would ask the bureau to examine legal, ownership, valuation, and operating issues and publish findings and recommendations. The review would cover laws and authority, service areas, property acquisition risks, labor issues, utility assets and value, ownership trends, and the needs of a possible transition. The bureau would be asked to consider alternatives to buying a utility that might serve the same goals. The bureau would be asked to collect high-level information about utility assets if possible.