Rep. Eleanor Chávez: We Need More More Public Input in PRC Hearings

A bill that would promote more citizen involvement in Public Regulation Commission (PRC) decisions passed the House Health and Government Affairs Committee (HHGAC) yesterday. HB 488cs, sponsored by Rep. Eleanor Chávez (D-Albuquerque), cleared the committee with a vote of 4 to 3.

“This bill would level the playing field between working people and utility companies whose vast resources are used to gain an unfair advantage when they request a rate increase," Rep. Chávez said. "It is time families of New Mexico are protected and have the ability to be heard in such cases.”

HB 488cs would ensure that public utility customers have access to resources to share their concerns and interests with the PRC during formal hearings. It would make utility companies cover legal fees, costs for expert testimony and other costs for any customer who wishes to be actively involved a particular PRC hearing. This bill would allow more citizens to participate in the hearings and have their points be measured with the same weight as utility companies involved.

Rep. Chávez added, “We see so many times that utility companies go before the PRC and convince them that rate increases are necessary. The sad reality is that often the people who are most affected by the results of these PRC hearings cannot financially afford to share their concerns or make claims to the PRC. This legislation looks to remedy that and give the public more voice in these hearings.”

HB 488cs would mandate that the PRC order utility companies to pay legal costs, expert witness fees and other reasonable costs to customers who participate in a hearing. To receive payment from utility companies involved, customers would need to have: formally intervened in the hearing; made a substantial contribution to the outcome of the hearing; demonstrated they would suffer significant financial hardship as a result of participating in the hearing; and adhere to all administrative rules.

Take Action: HB 488cs will be considered in the House Business and Industry Committee (HBIC) next. Please contract your representative, as well as members of the HBIC and urge them to support HB 488cs.