Last summer, when temperatures soared past 100 degrees, thousands of New Mexicans worried whether their power would stay on. Thankfully, our grid held up. But extreme heat and unpredictable weather are becoming a recurring challenge, and no one should have to live in fear of losing power when they need it most.
New Mexico is one of the first states in the nation to pass legislation requiring the use of advanced transmission technologies, thanks to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s signing of House Bill (HB) 93. This forward-thinking legislation is a big step toward upgrading our grid and ensuring reliable and affordable energy for all New Mexicans.
The Problem Isn’t a Lack of Power – It's a Grid That Can’t Keep Up
New Mexico is an energy-rich state—we generate more than enough power. We’re producing more homegrown wind and solar than ever, with even more being built to meet growing energy needs. Yet too often, that clean, affordable electricity gets stuck before it reaches the people who need it – all because of an outdated grid. The result? Higher costs, congestion, and a fragile system that struggles under pressure.
We don’t have to wait for a crisis before acting. By strategically investing in grid upgrades now, we can improve reliability, lower costs, and secure New Mexico’s energy future.
A Smarter, More Cost-Effective Grid
HB 93, championed by Representative Kristina Ortez, directs public utilities to optimize our existing transmission infrastructure with proven, cost-effective technologies known as ‘advanced grid technologies’. These technologies, which include grid-enhancing technologies and advanced conductors, can boost grid capacity, manage electricity flow efficiently, and help reduce costs for consumers without waiting years for new transmission infrastructure to be built.
What Comes Next
With HB 93 signed into law, the real work begins. Now we must ensure that utilities follow through. HB 93 gives utilities a framework to make smart, cost-effective investments in advanced grid technologies that will improve reliability without burdening ratepayers. By embracing these technologies, New Mexico can reduce grid strain and lower costs for ratepayers—something utilities and consumers alike can get behind.
The federal government has also recognized the value of these technologies. FERC Order 1920 directs transmission owners to consider the use of these technologies in their long-term transmission plans because there is broad recognition of their benefits. Order 1920 is being implemented now by utilities across the west, including in New Mexico. The passage of HB 93 will also support these efforts.
This win builds momentum for more transmission development in New Mexico to connect rural and vulnerable communities to reliable and affordable electricity. New Mexico’s leadership is also building momentum and inspiring similar efforts in other states. It is essential that decisionmakers at all levels of government follow the next steps for implementation to ensure we are deploying these technologies in a timely manner to optimize our grid and lower costs for families and businesses across the state.
