(SANTA FE, NM—
Today, I am proud that I fulfilled my duties to regulate utility companies across the board.
The most important issue that I addressed is to continue to reform the PRC. Since 2010 to the present time, I believe PRC has improved by bringing in professional Division Directors with experience and skills to lead the PRC at a higher professional level. I appreciate, and I am proud of the entire agency employees who work very hard and diligently to improve our work at every level.
During my tenure as a PRC Commissioner, I streamlined the utility industries approach with the PRC Commission. In the past, utility industries have shown an influence that I felt was improper. Under my leadership, I follow the procedure and the law when it comes to ex parte communication. I have also scrutinized utility industry applications on different cases, so the rate payers do not pay more than what is reasonable.
On the broadband projects, I continue to advocate for my constituents in unserved and underserve areas. I consider my advocacy a success because the PRC Commission has approved 39 projects covering over 60,000 square miles, 20 new towers built, connecting total population of over 95,000 people, and 25,311 road miles covered. My vision is to provide mobile broadband voice and data, Lifeline connections, affordable connectivity plan, internet services for education facilities, libraries, healthcare, and government services. Most importantly, the broadband projects that were approved have fiber optic connectivity and fixed wireless broadband for residential and small businesses.
In closing, Human-Focus decisions are absolutely critical in the utility atmosphere. I concentrated on the vital needs of Human-Focus policies and practical actions, during the global pandemic. How interconnected we are as human beings and how powerful decisions can be in rising to challenges. My role as a utility regulator I felt the urge to strategize solutions that meet a particular moment and the needs of the people involved during the pandemic.
The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) regulates the utilities, telecommunications, and motor carrier industries to ensure fair and reasonable rates, and to assure reasonable and adequate services to the public as provided by law.