New Mexico legislation · 2026 Regular Session
New Mexico HB254: AVOIDED GASSES IN PRC COST TEST
Status: Passed one chamber, February 15, 2026
What the bill says
An act relating to public utilities; permitting the incorporation of the value of avoided greenhouse gas emissions in the public regulation commission's utility cost test.
From the introduced text, January 30, 2026:
AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES; PERMITTING THE INCORPORATION OF THE VALUE OF AVOIDED GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN THE PUBLIC REGULATION COMMISSION'S UTILITY COST TEST. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO: SECTION 1. Section 62-17-4 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2005, Chapter 341, Section 4, as amended) is amended to read: "62-17-4. DEFINITIONS.--As used in the Efficient Use of Energy Act: A. "achievable" means those energy efficiency or load management resources available to the utility using its best efforts; B. "advanced conductor" means a conductor that has a direct current electrical resistance at least ten percent lower than existing conductors of a similar diameter while .233401.1 wen = lairetam derocsrednu eteled = ]lairetam detekcarb[ simultaneously increasing the energy carrying capacity by at least seventy-five percent; C. "advanced grid technology" means hardware or software technology that increases the efficiency, capacity or reliability of existing or new electric transmission and distribution systems, facilities and equipment and includes advanced conductors, thermal ratings, [grid enhancing] gridenhancing technology and technology determined by the commission or the federal energy regulation commission to increase the efficiency, capacity or reliability of an existing or new transmission facility; D. "advanced power flow controllers" means hardware or software technology used to push or pull electric power in a manner that balances overloaded lines and underused …
Sponsors
- Kristina Ortez (D, HD-042) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Sent to SCONC - Referrals: SCONC
- : Passed in the House of Representatives - Y:65 N:0
- : HGEIC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation with amendment(s)
- : HENRC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation
- : Sent to HENRC - Referrals: HENRC/HGEIC
- : Action Postponed Indefinitely
Votes
- House Floor Vote (February 14, 2026): 65 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: ENVIRONMENT, UTILITIES (sewer, electric, gas, water, telephone)
Common questions
- What is HB254?
- HB254 is a bill in the New Mexico Legislature (2026 Regular Session): AVOIDED GASSES IN PRC COST TEST.
- What does HB254 do?
- In its own words: An act relating to public utilities; permitting the incorporation of the value of avoided greenhouse gas emissions in the public regulation commission's utility cost test.
- What is the status of HB254?
- Passed one chamber as of February 15, 2026. Latest action: Sent to SCONC - Referrals: SCONC (February 15, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB254?
- Kristina Ortez (D, HD-042).
- Where is the official record for HB254?
- On the New Mexico Legislature website: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legType=B&legNo=254&year=26
Source: official New Mexico record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.