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Committee gives unanimous support to grid modernization roadmap bill
Summary
Senate Bill 142, which directs agencies to coordinate on a state grid modernization roadmap and makes projects eligible for grants, received unanimous committee approval after agency and utility witnesses described ongoing coordination and past progress.
The Senate Conservation Committee gave unanimous approval to Senate Bill 142, a measure that directs the Public Regulation Commission and the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to coordinate on a statewide grid modernization roadmap and expands eligibility for state grid-modernization grants.
Sponsor Senator (presenting) said the bill clarifies agency roles and expands the definition of grid modernization to include transmission and distribution upgrades so that grant funds can address substation and distribution needs in rural and growing areas.
John Bogacco, acting legal division director at the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC), told the committee the bill is complementary to the 2021 Grid Modernization Roadmap and to active PRC proceedings aimed at interconnection, advanced metering infrastructure and inverter standards. Bogacco described several proceedings since 2021 that updated interconnection rules, added advanced metering infrastructure in utility cases, and addressed advanced inverter standards.
Carlos Lucero of Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) said the bill would enable grid modernization grants to reach PNM customers and rural projects, and said PNM supports SB 142. The committee heard no opposition and several questions focused on whether the bill would cover —net zero— resources and nontraditional projects; Senator Cedillo Lopez confirmed the measure does not alter rules for carbon accounting or negative-carbon credits.
Senators voted to give SB 142 a due-pass recommendation to the full Senate. Senator Cedillo Lopez moved for a due pass; Senator Bill Pope seconded. The roll call returned unanimous support and the clerk announced a unanimous due pass.
