Bill > SB83

This bill, known as the Local Choice Energy Act, authorizes local governments (municipalities, counties, or Indian nations/tribes/pueblos) to create "local choice energy programs" that allow customers within their jurisdiction to aggregate their electric loads and choose their energy provider. Key provisions include: - Defining key terms like "local choice energy provider," "public utility," and "cooperative" (Section 2) - Allowing customers to opt out of the local choice program, with protections for existing and new customers (Section 5) - Requiring local choice providers to meet renewable energy portfolio standards, with increasing targets over time (Section 4) - Outlining the process for local governments to establish a local choice program, including an implementation plan and specific required documents (Section 6) - Mandating cooperation from public utilities and cooperatives, including on data sharing and billing (Section 9) - Allowing public utilities/cooperatives to charge an "exit fee" to compensate for above-market power costs, with limits and oversight (Section 11) - Prohibiting discrimination against local choice programs by the Public Regulation Commission (Section 12) - Directing the Commission to adopt rules to implement the Act within 180 days (Section 13) Overall, the bill aims to give local governments more control over their electricity supply and encourage renewable energy development, while balancing the interests of incumbent utilities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/legislation.aspx?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=83&year=21