PNM Gives Back to Your Wallet
Time to bust out the bubbly and celebrate.
Thanks to a decision by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission on Thursday, Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) customers will get a break on their bills by the utility company that has a near-stranglehold on the state’s energy market.
The decision to issue a combined $115 million rate credit over the span of a year is the latest in an August settlement between PNM and the state’s Office of the Attorney General aimed at resolving an appeal connected to the shuttering of the San Juan Generating Station.
Part of the PRC’s decision also includes allowing the energy company to issue bonds capped at 5.5 percent interest.
Attorney General Raul Torrez praised the commission’s move and the New Mexico Supreme Court for agreeing to send the issue back to the public regulating body.
“This settlement was a great achievement for all parties and is in the best interest of ratepayers,” Torrez said in a statement. “The cap on interest rates is an important tool that will protect ratepayers during economic uncertainty.”
Money to Maui
The Pueblo of Sandia donated $1 million to the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawai’i Community Foundation for rebuilding efforts after the recent Maui wildfire that killed almost 100 people and burned more than 2,000 buildings.
“We extend our wholehearted support to the people of Maui during this challenging time. Our donation represents our commitment to alleviating suffering and assisting in the restoration of normalcy. Moreover, we are steadfast in our commitment to assist the native Hawaiian Indigenous people, with the goal of providing support and uplifting them during trying circumstances,” the pueblo’s Gov. Stuart Paisano said.
“Mahalo to the Pueblo of Sandia for this considerable gift to the Maui Strong Fund,” said Micah Kāne, CEO and president of Hawai‘i Community Foundation. “The complex, multi-level needs in the wake of this disaster requires all of us to come together to support Maui at this difficult time. This gift will help to uplift Maui communities now and in the long-term.”
Seniors Chosen for Junior Treasurer Program
Jennifer A. Taylor, Sandoval County Treasurer, has announced that Natalia Shiji from Jemez Valley High School and Daniela (Dani) Villatoro from Rio Rancho High School are the 2023 Junior County Treasurers for Sandoval County. They were selected by the Treasurer’s Evaluation Committee which reviewed several essay applications from County high school students.
“We are going to ensure this program is a successful and amazing experience for both of these students.” Treasurer Taylor said. “This is a great opportunity and will give them hands-on experience in local government and public service, as well as provide a public speaking platform. Both candidates will be expected to conduct their own mock Board of Finance meeting later in the year.” Initially, this new pilot program had positions for a junior and a senior in high school to fill the roles of Junior Treasurers. However, as no juniors submitted an essay for consideration, two seniors were selected.
Get Ready to Hobble and Gobble
The annual RunFit Hobbler Gobbler, which will take place in Loma Colorado on Nov. 23, is open for registration. The 18th annual NM Hobbler Gobbler on Thanksgiving Day will feature runs for all skill levels with 10K, 5K and Kids K courses.
To register and learn more about the NM Hobbler Gobbler visit irunfit.org.