Bill > SB156

This bill, the Ratepayer Relief Act, allows for the use of securitization financing when an electrical utility abandons a generation facility. The bill defines key terms like "securitization bonds" and "stranded asset," and outlines the process for a utility to apply for a financing order from the public regulation commission to recover the costs of abandoning a generation facility. The bill requires the commission to make certain findings before issuing a financing order, and gives the commission oversight over the structuring and pricing of the securitization bonds. The bill also prohibits the commission from considering the securitization bonds and associated charges as part of the utility's debt or revenue, and protects the property rights and security interests related to the securitization bonds. Overall, the bill aims to reduce costs for ratepayers by allowing the utility to recover abandonment costs through securitization financing rather than traditional utility rate financing mechanisms.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/legislation.aspx?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=156&year=21