The 2025 New Mexico legislative session ended with both meaningful progress and frustrating setbacks for clean energy advocates. Advanced Energy United and our partners helped move forward legislation that will upgrade the state’s transmission system and support long-term affordability. But other transformative measures—including a bill to promote proactive distribution system planning and expanded electrification—fell short.
This year’s session was defined by an intense focus on public safety and behavioral health, sparked by recent violent incidents and political pressure on lawmakers to respond decisively. As a result, other policy areas—including energy—faced heightened hurdles in gaining traction. Despite early movement of public safety legislation, much of the session was consumed by debate over this topic, leading to fewer opportunities for forward-looking clean energy measures to advance.
A Bipartisan Win for Grid Modernization
Despite these challenges, a major clean energy victory came with the passage of House Bill (HB) 93, sponsored by Representative Kristina Ortez. Known as the Advanced Grid Technology Bill, it encourages utilities to use grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) and advanced conductors to affordably expand the capacity of existing power lines.
New Mexico is one of the most resource-rich areas in the country, with an abundance of solar and wind resources. However, transmission constraints often prevent that energy from reaching consumers. Building new transmission lines can take over a decade, while congestion on existing lines drives up costs and increases the risk of outages. HB 93 addresses this challenge by requiring utilities to incorporate advanced grid technologies into their planning, maximizing the capacity of the existing grid infrastructure, and offering a smarter, faster, more-cost effective way to upgrade the grid. This measure promises cost savings for consumers and a more robust, flexible grid better suited to handle future growth.
Advanced Energy United worked closely with clean energy, environmental, and business allies to champion HB 93, which passed with strong bipartisan support, reflecting a shared vision of a secure, cost-conscious electric system. The bill now awaits the Governor’s signature and stands to make a real difference in upgrading the grid and lowering long-term energy costs.
Missed Opportunities: Distribution System Planning and Electrification
Among the session’s most ambitious proposals was HB 13, which proposed a comprehensive framework for distribution system planning alongside targeted provisions to accelerate electrification in transportation and buildings.
HB 13 would have required utilities to regularly file long-term distribution grid plans, helping the state anticipate rising demand on the distribution system, support affordable electrification, and prevent costly last-minute upgrades. Additionally, the bill also contained measures to make it easier and faster to electrify transportation, and to expand access to high-efficiency, money-saving electric appliances, with a focus on reaching low-income households.
Despite strong support from Advanced Energy United and other advocates—and clearing multiple committees as well as passing the House—HB 13 stalled in the Senate Tax Committee, falling victim to competing legislative priorities and end-of-session time constraints.
While the bill didn’t make it across the finish line, the proactive framework it proposed catalyzed meaningful conversations on how strategic, data-driven grid investments can promote affordability, equity, and reliability. This groundwork has laid a foundation for future progress in helping New Mexico’s distribution system prepare for the future.
Geothermal Development: Progress Made, But Not Quite There
Another near win was HB 289, sponsored by Representatives Patricia Roybal Caballero, Liz Stefanics, and Tara Lujan. The bill sought to expand New Mexico’s Geothermal Projects Development Fund, unlocking potential for low-carbon energy, economic investment in rural areas, and workforce transition—particularly for oil and gas workers poised to pivot into clean energy careers.
The bill passed the House and gained traction in the Senate but ultimately died on the Senate floor in the final hours of the session due to time constraints. Despite this setback, the momentum behind HB 289 reflects the growing recognition of geothermal as a vital part of New Mexico’s clean energy future. With the bill’s focus on leveraging the state’s considerable geothermal potential, the bill signaled confidence that diversified solutions can support both clean energy goals and workforce transitions and is a likely candidate for reintroduction next session.
Looking Ahead
While the 2025 session saw ambitious clean energy proposals sidelined by competing priorities, we secured a key legislative win with HB 93—an essential step toward building a smarter, more affordable grid.
As we await the Governor’s signature on this important bill, Advanced Energy United remains focused on advancing proactive, equitable energy policy that supports families, businesses, and communities across the state. We’re committed to returning in 2026 to champion legislation like HB 13 and other solutions that ensure New Mexico remains a national leader in the clean energy transition.