NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – New Mexico is one step closer to an electrified transportation network after regulators approved a modified version of El Paso Electric’s “electrification plan.” After the utility submitted the plan to regulators back in 2023, the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy asked for the utility to go even further in supporting clean energy by providing electric vehicle (EV) rebates.
El Paso Electric asked regulators to approve a plan to support a transition to cleaner transportation. The utility company asked for approval to boost residential and commercial support for electric transportation, utility rate options, and an outreach program specifically to include low-income New Mexicans. Environmental advocates weighed in on the proposal and suggested that El Paso Electric should offer rebates for low-income New Mexicans purchasing electric vehicles.
Other utilities, like the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) have worked to offer such rebates, Travis Madsen, an advocate from the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy, told regulators. Now, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) has approved that idea.
“This program shall provide 50 rebates of $4,000 each available to low-income customers,” the PRC’s final order says. “The rebates may be applied to both new and used electric vehicles.”
The initial plan was to offer rebates for the purchase of electric bicycles. After some discussion, the plan shifted to offering electric vehicle rebates. The case’s chief hearing examiner argued that the EV credits are, essentially, community outreach that will “instill greater confidence among that population that EVs are in fact reliable, affordable, and legitimate alternatives to [internal combustion engine] vehicles.”
“The principal reason for [approving rebates] is to collect data. There is so much that we do not know. We do not even know whether low-income people will utilize the rebates. Approving the program will give us important insights,” hearing examiner Christopher P. Ryan wrote to the PRC.
The PRC-approved rebates account for a $200,000 increase to El Paso Electric’s Transportation Electrification Plan.
“The NMPRC’s re-endorsement of our Transportation Electrification Plan is a pivotal achievement that reinforces our dedication to environmental leadership and customer service,” Jessica Christianson, vice president of energy solutions and business development at El Paso Electric, told KRQE. “This plan is a testament to our commitment to facilitating a seamless transition to electric transportation, reducing carbon emissions, and creating a sustainable future. We are eager to roll out these programs and work alongside our customers and community partners to electrify our transportation landscape.”
The utility will begin offering rebates in April, but El Paso Electric says it may take some time before new rebate forms are available on the utility’s website.
