Commissioner for the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission in

Commissioner Of The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission

The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission Nominating Committee (Committee) is seeking applications for the position of Commissioner of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission to fill one vacancy to serve on the Commission beginning on January 1, 2027. While the Nominating Committee seeks and evaluates applicants, the appointments are made by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Due to the political makeup of the remaining Commissioners, the vacancy may be filled by an individual who is a registered member of any political party or declines to state their political party. The normal State of New Mexico benefits package, including retirement and health care, will be provided. Sitting Commissioners receive an annual salary of $190,000. Exact salary will be determined by the Governor and announced at a later date.

The three-member New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) is both the governing body for the NMPRC, as well as a policy and regulatory body. The NMPRC regulates utilities and telecommunications, to ensure fair and reasonable rates, and to assure adequate and reliable service to the public as provided by law. The NMPRC promotes public safety through the offices of the Pipeline Safety Bureau.

Pursuant to Article 11, Section 1 of the New Mexico Constitution and the Commissions enabling Act, NMSA 1978, 62-19-1 to 25 (1998, as amended through 2026), the Commissions duties among others are to set rates, create policy that implements statutory mandates and policy goals, and promulgate rules and regulations governing regulated entities. A principal function of the Commission is to adjudicate cases involving regulated entities.

This is a full-time position with Commissioners attending open public meetings scheduled by will of the Commission. Among other duties, the work of a Commissioner requires attendance at regular open meetings and multi-day hearings. Preparation requires the review of expert testimony and hearing examiner recommendations. A commissioner may receive assistance from staff to carry out his/her duties as Commissioner. In so doing, the Commission identifies and defines the values and vision of the NMPRC and implements them in the form of policy.

The Committee will submit a minimum of two nominees to the Governor. The Governor will nominate one member from a list of qualified nominees to serve on the Commission, by and with the consent of the Senate, provided that no more than two Commissioners will be of the same political party. Due to the political makeup of the remaining Commissioners, the vacancy may be filled by an individual who is a registered member of any political party or declines to state their political party.

Appointments are subject to a background check. Sections 62-19-4 and 62-19-5 of the New Mexico Statutes specify the eligibility requirements to serve on the Commission:
Candidates must be independent of the industries regulated by the Commission and possess demonstrated competence. To be appointed as a Commissioner, candidates must be qualified for office by either: a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education that has been accredited by a regional or national accrediting body and at least ten years of professional experience in an area regulated by the Commission or in the energy sector and involving a scope of work that includes accounting, public or business administration, economics, finance, statistics, policy, engineering, or law;

or attained higher education resulting in at least a professional license or a post-graduate degree from an institution of higher education that has been accredited by a regional or national accrediting body in a field related to an area regulated by commission, including accounting, public or business administration, economics, finance, statistics, policy, engineering, or law, and at least ten years of professional experience within that field.

A Commissioner shall not have a financial interest in a public utility in New Mexico or elsewhere and shall not have been employed by a Commission-regulated entity at any…