Energy

HB 303 requires New Mexico public utilities to obtain a certificate from the Public Regulation Commission before providing new service or extending systems, with limited exceptions for existing service areas or routine business expansions. It specifically mandates that energy storage projects be approved if they reduce costs, cut fossil fuel use during peak demand, improve grid reliability with renewables, and lower emissions. The bill sets strict deadlines for commission decisions (six months for energy storage projects, nine months otherwise), with automatic approval if deadlines are missed. The law takes immediate effect as an emergency measure.

HB 254 modifies New Mexico's utility cost test to allow investor-owned electric utilities to include the value of avoided greenhouse gas emissions when determining if energy efficiency programs are cost-effective. This change directly affects investor-owned utilities by enabling them to count reduced emissions as a financial benefit in cost-benefit analyses for energy-saving programs. The bill amends definitions and procedures in the Efficient Use of Energy Act, requiring the Public Regulation Commission to consider avoided emissions when evaluating whether utility programs meet the "utility cost test" standard. It does not mandate new emissions reductions but changes how existing programs are assessed for cost-effectiveness. The bill is currently pending before the House committees.

This memorial requests New Mexico's Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to create a 14-member study group focused on accelerating the approval of community- and utility-scale renewable energy projects. The group will examine current permitting processes, identify ways to streamline reviews, and recommend improvements to support the state's clean energy goals while balancing environmental protections and public input. The study group will include representatives from state agencies, utilities, environmental organizations, tribal entities, and local governments, with a final report due by November 2026.