SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico commission has denied a motion that would prevent a utility from making its customers cover the costs of a nuclear power unit it recently purchased.
The New Mexican reports that the Public Regulation Commission's hearing officer ruled against the motion Tuesday. Renewable energy nonprofit New Energy Economy had accused the Public Service Company of New Mexico of trying to "sneak in" the purchase without PRC approval.
PNM bought 64 megawatts of nuclear power from a unit at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Arizona. PNM sought approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission but didn't ask for state PRC approval.
Bernalillo County joined New Energy Economy in opposing the purchase. Their motion was filed as part of a case in which PNM is seeking a 15.8 percent rate hike.