PNM Plan - It's the Right Plan for New Mexico
By: Scott C. Terry - President of the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce
The federal government is requiring that PNM, and the State of New Mexico, address emissions at the San Juan Generating Station in San Juan County near Farmington. PNM has prepared and delivered a plan to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. The proposed plan meets the criteria by shutting down two of the units and expanding its future electric generating alternatives to include renewable power from wind and solar.
The current PNM plan seems to create a good balance between environmental concerns, efficiency, reliable sources and using renewable power. However there are some individuals throughout this state and beyond that have decided to support a rather extreme idea of shutting down all four units at the San Juan Generating Station. It absolutely doesn't make sense. These individuals encourage the Public Regulation Commission to mandate that PNM shuts down all four low-cost coal generating units and provide electricity through other means, even if it is at a much higher rate. If the Public Regulation Commission rejects the PNM plan, PNM will likely be forced to close its entire generating station. Undoubtedly this will significantly drive up the cost of electricity.
Much higher electric rates will have a very detrimental effect to the economy of the regions served by PNM and the entire State of New Mexico. The much higher electric rates will deter new business and job growth in a state that needs growth... now.
As customers, consumers of PNM electricity, we take for granted that we will be able to turn on the lights in our home at any time we need light. And though this sounds a bit dire, by forcing PNM to close down the entire San Juan Generating Station, having round-the-clock reliable electricity may become a little more difficult. PNM must generate electricity 24 hours a day. Frankly, that is not always possible when relying on wind and solar. By placing so much emphasis on wind and solar generation, it is possible that this could lead to blackouts and brownouts around the state. Once you have experienced a rolling blackout or brownout, you will understand that electricity is not a commodity you can always take for granted.
PNM's current proposal before the New Mexico PRC does an outstanding job of balancing environmental concerns and our fragile economy. The PNM plan adds more solar and wind power, and at the same time decreases San Juan Generating Plant's coal and water use by as much as 50 percent. Even with this reduction, the PNM plan is structured in such a way to maintain jobs for miners and plant workers in the Four Corners area... and the plan keeps electric rates predictable.
My family and I lived in the Four Corners area for nine years. We have friends and know their family members that are employed at the San Juan plant. Abruptly closing down the entire San Juan Generating Station will cause a devastating effect on New Mexico's economy. Hundreds of people will lose their jobs. Ancillary businesses will probably be forced to close and additional New Mexicans and people from Arizona, Utah and Colorado will be out of work. And yes, on top of lost jobs and wages, electric rates will surely skyrocket.
PNM has given much thoughtful deliberation to provide a plan that phases out coal, while bringing more renewable power to New Mexico. This plan is good for our environment and it is good for our New Mexico economy. Accepting the proposed PNM plan is absolutely the right thing to do.