ALBUQUERQUE – New Mexico regulators are close to making a decision on what some energy experts have called a watershed case that could influence energy policy in the state for decades to come.
In response to federal pressure, the state’s largest electric utility, Gov. Susana Martinez’s administration and others negotiated a plan to shut down two units at the San Juan Generating Station to curb haze-causing pollution.
The plan has been the subject of numerous hearings and hours of expert testimony.
Another public meeting is scheduled Wednesday in Albuquerque.
Public Service Co. of New Mexico wants to replace the lost electricity with a mix of nuclear, natural gas and solar power.
But critics are concerned PNM could end up acquiring more coal to fill the gap, and that could cost customers more.