© 2024 KRWG
News that Matters.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

PRC District 5 Comissioner Sandy Jones To Host El Paso Electric Rate Hike Public Hearings

  With the El Paso Electric rate increase request moving forward, it's a good time to speak with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, which is tasked with approving or reject the company's request.  Fred Martino spoke with PRC District 5 Commissioner Sandy Jones about how the PRC evaluates utility requests.

On its website, El Paso Electric says it anticipates a nine percent increase in residential rates next spring…if the PRC approves its plan.  However, additional costs might be passed on to residential customers through another proposal. El Paso Electric wants to increase rates for street lights by 20 percent.  Meantime, there’s no increase proposed for a variety of rates…including military research, general service, large power service, even private area lighting. 

From the NMPRC:

How Will the Upcoming El Paso Electric Rate Case Affect Your Electric Bill?

Commissioner Jones Schedules Public

Hearings in Doña Ana County Aug. 17-18

SANTA FE – New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner Sandy Jones has scheduled a series of informational public comment hearings regarding El Paso Electric Company’s request to increase their rates for electricity. The public comment hearings have been scheduled to take place throughout Doña Ana County on Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18.

At the beginning of each hearing, an El Paso Electric Company representative will provide a 15-minute presentation summarizing the proposed rate changes. Following the presentation, the hearing will be opened for comments from the general public. All comments will be recorded and placed into the record. Written comments will be accepted as well.

“It is important to me that consumers have the opportunity to comment on these important cases without having to travel to Santa Fe to do so,” Commissioner Jones stated.

Those unable to attend any of the sessions are encouraged to e-mail their comments to Robert.Hirasuna@state.nm.us.

The Commission may set a time limit on the length of comments in order to accommodate all who seek to provide comment.

The hearings will be held at the following locations and dates:

MONDAY, AUGUST 17

• 10 a.m., Village Trustees Chambers, 133 N. Franklin St., Hatch, NM 87937

• 5:30 p.m., Anthony City Hall, 820 Highway 478, Anthony, NM 88021

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18

• 2 p.m., Doña Ana County Community College East Mesa Campus Auditorium, 2800 Sonoma Ranch, Las Cruces, NM 88011

• 5:30 p.m., Doña Ana County Community College East Mesa Campus Auditorium, 2800 Sonoma Ranch, Las Cruces, NM 88011

After the public comment hearing has ended and all representatives of the Public Regulation Commission have departed, members of the public will have the opportunity to ask El Paso Electric representatives questions pertaining to the company’s proposed rate changes and any other issues regarding this case.

About the NMPRC

The NMPRC regulates public utilities, telecommunications companies and motor carriers operating in the State of New Mexico. It also administers the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the New Mexico Firefighters Training Academy in Socorro, N.M., and the Pipeline Safety Bureau.