Bill > HB218

This bill requires investor-owned public utilities (but not rural electric cooperatives) to offer affordable rates for low-income residential customers, defined as those with annual household adjusted gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (or 150% for rural electric cooperatives). The bill directs the Public Regulation Commission to approve the initial affordable rates and to promulgate rules to implement, administer, and evaluate these rates. Utilities are allowed to recover the reasonable costs of the affordable rate program, and may use data from energy assistance programs to help formulate the rates. The bill also allows the Commission to approve certain preferences or advantages for low-income customers without considering them as unlawful discrimination.

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https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=218&year=23