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Santa Fe County orders phased study on creating a public electric utility after extended debate
Summary
After hours of public comment and debate, the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners voted 4–1 to direct the county manager to commission a phased feasibility study into options for a publicly owned electric utility, including an initial 90‑day pre‑feasibility scan and a later full feasibility phase.
The Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners voted Nov. 10 to direct the county manager to conduct a phased feasibility study to examine whether the county should pursue a publicly owned electric utility.
The resolution, sponsored by Commissioner Adam Johnson and co‑sponsored by Chair Camilla Bustamante, passed 4–1 with Commissioner Justin Green recorded in opposition. The board inserted a series of amendments establishing a staged approach: an initial pre‑feasibility scan to assess legal, technical and financial viability, a full feasibility phase with modeling and public engagement, and report‑backs to the commission after each phase.
Why it matters: supporters said the study will let Santa Fe County understand options ranging from microgrids and community energy pilots to larger, county‑owned models. Opponents — including representatives of New Mexico electric cooperatives and PNM — warned that a county…
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