The bill aims to enhance New Mexico's electric grid through the establishment of a Grid Modernization Roadmap and Grant Program, which will be developed by the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department in consultation with the Public Regulation Commission. The roadmap will outline priorities and strategies for modernizing the state's electric grid, while the grant program will provide financial support for eligible projects proposed by various entities, including municipalities, state agencies, public schools, and now, notably, school districts and charter schools. The bill amends the definition of "grid modernization" to encompass a broader range of improvements to electric distribution and transmission infrastructure, including advanced metering, intelligent grid devices, and energy storage systems.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of competitive grant awards, prioritizing proposals that include matching funds from non-state sources and those that stimulate economic development in rural and urban communities. Projects funded through the grant program must coordinate with the relevant electric service provider to ensure they do not negatively impact grid efficiency and reliability. The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is also required to report to the legislative finance committee on the program's progress, detailing grant recipients and the contributions of funded projects to grid modernization and overall electric grid resilience.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 71-11-1
Final Version: 71-11-1