RURAL ELECTRIC CO-OP WILDFIRE LIABILITY ACT

SB 281 requires New Mexico rural electric cooperatives to create and maintain detailed wildfire prevention plans, including vegetation management, system inspections, and emergency protocols. These plans must be reviewed by the Forestry Division and approved by the Public Regulation Commission within 45 days, with public posting required. If approved, cooperatives gain liability protections in wildfire-related lawsuits, including limits on damage awards and a two-year deadline for filing claims. The law directly affects rural electric co-ops by mandating proactive safety measures while balancing service continuity and public safety.