New Mexico creates Energy Affordability and Grid Reliability Council

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed an executive order establishing the New Mexico Energy Affordability and Grid Reliability Council.

• Council established by executive order: 13-member council appointed to protect ratepayers and modernize the grid, administratively attached to the Department of Finance and Administration; members will serve without compensation other than per diem and mileage and must deliver a final report with legislative, regulatory, and administrative recommendations by November 1, 2026.
• Scope and membership: The Council will evaluate Ratepayer protection (including impacts from data centers and onshore manufacturing), Grid modernization and reliability, Clean energy progress to advance New Mexico’s Energy Transition Act net-zero goals, and Permitting efficiency; membership includes state agency leaders, utility executives, rural cooperative and tribal energy experts (e.g., Don Tarry, Kelly A. Tomblin, Zoe Lees, Sandra Begay Keeto, Rep. Meredith Dixon).