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, 2025. This is a full-time position based in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  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 must be filled by an individual who is not a registered member of the Democratic 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 Commission’s enabling Act, NMSA 1978, §§ 62-19-1 to 24 (effective January 1, 2023), the Commission’s 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. In order to set direction and administer these duties efficiently, effectively, and equitably, the Commission may delegate its authorities to staff. 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 must be filled by an individual who is not a registered member of the Democratic Party.  Appointments are subject to a background check.

THE DEADLINE FOR THE COMMITTEE TO RECEIVE APPLICATIONS IS 5:00 P.M. MDT, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2024

             Applicants must send a current resume with a cover letter that specifies how the applicant meets the qualifications in No. 2 and state his or her political party affiliation or independent status to the Nominating Committee at SarahE.Valencia@prc.nm.gov. Questions regarding the position can also be directed to Ms. Valencia at (505) 396-0272.

ALL MATERIALS SUBMITTED WILL IMMEDIATELY BECOME PUBLIC RECORD AND WILL BE ACCESSABLE BY THE PUBLIC.

Sections 62-19-4 and 62-19-5 of the New Mexico Statutes specify the eligibility requirements to serve on the Commission:

1. Candidates must be independent of the industries regulated by the Commission and possess demonstrated competence.
2. To be appointed as a Commissioner, candidates must be qualified for office by either:

(a) 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

(b) 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 the 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.

3. 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 time during the two years prior to appointment to the Commission.
4. Commissioners must devote their enter time to the business of the Commission and may not pursue any other business or vocation or hold any other office for profit.

Applicants are required to send a current resume with a cover letter that specifies how the applicant meets the qualifications in No. 2 and state his or her political party affiliation or independent status.  Additional materials in support of an application may be provided.