New Mexico PRC Approves New EP Electric Plant
El Paso Electric will be boosting their power output as the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) approved a proposed plant for the Borderland.
The NMPRC approved the natural gas-fueled plant, Thursday. Officials estimate the new plant is expected to cost approximately $84 million to construct and will serve nearly 50,000 customers in the Las Cruces-El Paso area.
According to Commission Chairman Patrick H. Lyons the plant will bring much needed electricity to one of the state’s fastest growing areas. Lyons was one of three commissioners to vote in favor of the project.
“This is a very important project that will serve tens of thousands of customers in that particular region, including White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base, among others,” Chairman Lyons said. “In addition to the benefit of serving the electricity needs of customers, the project is good for economic development and job creation in one of the state’s fastest growing regions.”
Also voting for the new plant were Vice Chairman Jerome D. Block and Commissioner Ben L. Hall. Commissioner Jason A. Marks and Commissioner Theresa Becenti-Aguilar voted against the new plant.
The NMPRC was the last of three entities whose approval was required in order to move the project forward. Approval was previously granted by the New Mexico Environment Department and the Texas Public Utility Commission.
