ALBUQUERQUE – Speaking at an energy summit hosted by U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich in Albuquerque, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday announced she will include measures to reform the Public Regulation Commission on the agenda for next year’s legislative session scheduled to begin in January. In the months leading up to the legislative session, the governor will work with legislators, members of the business and conservation communities and other stakeholders on this legislation.

“It’s clear that reform is urgently needed to help restore sound decision-making to the Public Regulation Commission,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “If our goal is to protect ratepayers, create economic opportunities for New Mexicans and take advantage of our state’s renewable energy potential, we have too much at stake to sit on the sidelines. I’m confident we can create proposals that will help transition the PRC towards a reliable and professional body capable of acting in the best interest of our families.”

“Last legislative session, an overwhelming bipartisan majority of legislators voted to send a measure to the voters to restructure the Public Regulation Commission,” Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth said. “Until these changes take effect, New Mexico must continue our progress as a leader in clean energy. I applaud the governor for taking this necessary action and look forward to working with her to pass legislation that protects ratepayers and gives New Mexicans the stability we expect and need from this regulatory body.”

“Ratepayers in New Mexico need to be protected,” said Speaker of the House Brian Egolf. “Our state is leading the way to a future of affordable, clean energy, and that future depends on a functional and efficient Public Regulation Commission. The governor’s announcement today reflects a bipartisan effort in the legislature to ensure that the PRC is working to protect ratepayers while growing our economy. I look forward to continuing our bipartisan work in the legislature to create meaningful reform of the PRC.”