Electric competition is scheduled to open here next year.
But many who originally supported utility industry restructuring now say the state should delay or even cancel plans for electric choice. Senator Michael Sanchez, the chief sponsor of New Mexico's 1999 utility industry restructuring law, called a meeting in Belen January 5 and 6 for the public to express their opinions. El Paso Electric said it is prepared to accept delay. PNM CEO Jeff Sterba explained why California's present mess doesn't forecast New Mexico's future. What we're seeing now is how a competitive market prices shortages.