SANTA FE, N.M. - A decision over a proposed utility merger in New Mexico is expected before year's end, but opponents warn approval could spell trouble for electric customers down the road.

Utility Public Service Company of New Mexico says it can provide the state with more renewable energy by merging with Avangrid, a Connecticut-based subsidiary of an international energy conglomerate in Spain. Some don't believe that, including Maine state Rep. Seth Berry - D-Bowdoinham.

"I can tell New Mexico definitively," said Berry, "Avangrid doesn't care about New Mexicans or the environment anymore than the wolf cares about Little Red Riding Hood."

If the multi-billion-dollar deal is approved, Avangrid would get more than a half million New Mexico customers, and its access to PNM would help the company to fulfill its goal of exporting power to other markets, such as Mexico and California.

Rebeca Jasso-Aguilar, a visiting scholar at the University of New Mexico, has studied privatization of utilities. She's raised concerns about energy reliability and rates, as well as Avangrid's questionable track record.

"I know the work of this company in Mexico," said Jasso-Aguilar. "And I know of the work of this company in Latin America. I know its reputation - and I wouldn't want that happening in New Mexico."

New Mexico is among the top three states for solar power potential, and the Biden administration aims to reach 45% solar energy nationwide by 2050. Berry noted that Avangrid has resisted offering Maine residents and businesses rooftop and community solar at every turn.

"They have been the number one obstacle to creative, innovative, local grid solutions," said Berry, "and to making the grid of the future that we all need."




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Utilities and government agencies in the U.S. are carrying out plans to transition to cleaner electricity sources. To avoid being left behind, rural communities, including in Minnesota, are leveraging federal resources to expand their power portfolios.

The topic was part of a recent congressional briefing hosted by the Rural Power Coalition.

Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., took part, saying investments from the Inflation Reduction Act provide grants and loans to rural electric co-ops, so they can purchase or develop renewable energy systems. There is also funding for municipal utilities and tribal governments.

"These voluntary, technology-neutral programs put rural electricity providers on the path to unleash clean energy for the communities that they serve in a way that works best for them," Smith explained.

Smith noted recent applications are likely to surpass available funds, underscoring strong demand from smaller communities to diversify energy sources. Rural electric co-ops have had a harder time competing with investor-owned utilities in the decarbonization movement, in part because of being locked into coal contracts. In Minnesota, co-ops serve roughly one-third of the state.

Gabriel Chan, associate professor of public policy at the University of Minnesota and co-director of the Electric Cooperative Innovation Center, spoke in the briefing. He said the extra federal support allows co-ops to scale up clean energy production while still managing their existing debt.

"This ensures that the energy transition can move at a rapid pace," Chan pointed out. "While also ensuring that the transition happens on an affordable and reliable path."

He suggested keeping costs lower for the energy transition in rural areas puts their local economies in a better position. According to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, such operations serve more than 90% of counties experiencing persistent poverty.

Clean-energy advocates in Ohio and around the country say now is the time for the government to ensure the nation has the medium- and heavy-duty truck infrastructure needed to keep electric-powered trucks charged and driving across the country.

Trucks transported more than 11 billion tons of freight last year, spewing air pollutants and greenhouse gases along the way.

John Boesel - CEO of CALSTART, a clean-transportation nonprofit group - explained that the Environmental Protection Agency is considering rules to require commercial vehicle manufacturers to drastically curb emissions in the coming years.

But he said the agency should also figure out how to roll out national infrastructure to keep pace with the adoption of EV trucks.

"The Biden administration has a tremendous opportunity to really make progress," said Boesel, "in terms of supporting communities that have disproportionately been impacted by by diesel trucks and pollution."

The roadmap developed by CALSTART calls for building truck-charging stations in areas where industry is already concentrated, and then integrating hubs and corridors into an ever-expanding network - mostly along established supply-chain routes.

Critics say trucking companies and drivers have concerns about EV costs, mileage range, battery weight and safety, charging time and availability.

This year, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced the future locations of 27 new electric vehicle charging stations that will be installed along Ohio interstates.

Boesel said the growth of e-commerce has led to skyrocketing emissions, as more people and businesses order products online that are delivered by truck.

He said addressing the impact of heavy-duty vehicle pollution could lower public health risks for drivers, communities and the planet.

"In the future, we can see a society where we have trucks rolling around with zero emission and zero noise," said Boesel, "truck drivers being much happier driving an electric truck."

According to the market research firm PWC, the nation's charging market will need to grow nearly tenfold to meet demand driven by an estimated 27 million EVs on the road by 2030.




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After Coloradans cranked up the heat to welcome family members for Thanksgiving dinner, many are worried about the price they will pay when their utility bill arrives.

Denise Stepto, chief communications officer for Energy Outreach Colorado, which helps struggling families meet their energy needs, said her team saw an especially high volume of calls for help after this season's first cold snap. She noted many are still behind on their utility bills, and do not know how they will keep their homes warm this winter.

"The heat helpline has received 11,000 calls," Stepto reported. "It's a 131% change from the last week. My point is that it tells us that people are not solid going into this winter."

After Coloradans saw bills for natural gas rise by 75% last winter, Gov. Jared Polis issued an eight-page letter calling on state regulators to take any and all actions to lower utility bills. But Polis also warned long-term relief would only come after the state transitions away from fossil fuels to free energy sources like wind and solar.

A City of Denver initiative, which is installing solar canopies over school parking lots, is expected to save hundreds of low-income families up to $700 a year on their utility bills. Energy Outreach Colorado is also partnering with Xcel Energy to identify households qualifying for free Community Solar subscriptions.

"We subscribe households to Xcel's community solar gardens," Stepto pointed out. "That is directly offsetting the cost of electricity in their home. Anything that brings that bill down gives a little bit of relief."

Keeping homes at healthy temperatures is especially challenging for older adults, veterans, people with disabilities and low-wage workers. Cold homes in winter can create serious health problems, including respiratory illness and pneumonia.

Stepto added families needing assistance should call their heat helpline at 866-HEAT-HELP or 866-432-8435.

"People who have children often tell us that they are wrapping their kids in winter gear to go to bed," Stepto emphasized. "It's not healthy for them to be breathing in that cold air. And so you have to keep your home at a manageable, healthy temperature."


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