PNM weighs options for future of coal-fired power plant

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The state's largest electric utility says a preliminary analysis of options for supplying power in the future shows that closing a coal-fired power plant in northwestern New Mexico in five years could be beneficial for customers. Public Service Co. of New Mexico made the announcement Thursday, saying no decision has been made and that much work needs to be done before the utility approaches state regulators with any kind of plan. Public meetings on the utility's resource plan will be held later this year. The utility already is working to close two units at the San Juan Generating Station under an agreement to curb haze-causing pollution in the region. Those units are scheduled to close by the end of the year. Environmentalists have been pushing for years to close the plant, citing pollution concerns.