New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 17 - PUBLIC UTILITIES AND UTILITY SERVICES
Chapter 7 - ENERGY CONSERVATION
Part 2 - ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Section 17.7.2.16 - RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

A. Distribution cooperative utilities shall, within 24 months after the effective date of this rule, and every 24 months thereafter, examine potential customer assistance in reducing energy consumption or peak electricity demand in a cost-effective manner. Based on these studies, distribution cooperative utilities shall establish and implement energy efficiency and load management targets and programs that are economically feasible and practical for their members and customers. Approval for such programs shall reside with the governing body of each distribution cooperative utility rather than the commission.

B. Each distribution cooperative utility shall simultaneously file with the commission its annual report by May 1st, along with a report describing the cooperative's examination of efficiency potential set forth in Subsection A of Section 17.7.2.18 NMSA 1978. The distribution cooperative utility's report will also address all of its programs or measures that promote energy efficiency, conservation or load management. The report shall set forth the costs of each of the programs or measures for the previous calendar year and the resulting effect on electricity consumption. In offering or implementing energy efficiency, conservation or load management programs, a distribution cooperative utility shall attempt to minimize any cross-subsidies between customer classes.

C. Each distribution cooperative utility shall include in the report required by Subsection B of Section 17.7.2.18 NMSA 1978, a description of all planned programs or measures to promote energy efficiency, conservation or load management and the anticipated implementation date.

D. Costs resulting from programs or measures to promote energy efficiency, conservation or load management may be recovered by the distribution cooperative utility through its general rates. In requesting approval to recover such costs in general rates, the distribution cooperative utility may elect to use the procedure set forth in Subsection G of Section 62-8-7 NMSA 1978.

E. The commission may develop necessary compliance forms.