If New Mexico businesses are to succeed in this increasingly complex and competitive environment, thereby sustaining job growth for the future, they must be able to reach the Information Superhighway. Develop a strategic approach to utility deregulation that reduces the cost of electricity. The deregulation of the electric utility industry has the potential to reap great rewards for New Mexico consumers, as free market pressures could drive down the cost of electricity. Lower electric costs, of course, strengthen businesses and spur the economy. Care must be taken, however, to ensure that existing imbedded and stranded costs for New Mexico companies and communities do not adversely impact this scenario.
Deregulation can be good, if managed properly.
This approach should recognize and integrate the interests of the entire state of New Mexico, while acknowledging imbedded and stranded costs of New Mexico companies and communities. Empower local communities. New Mexico is comprised of a wealth of different communities, each with its own set of infrastructure and economic development needs. This difference is clearly evident when comparing urban communities to the more rural communities throughout the state. The state is faced with the challenge of equitably balancing the deployment of its economic resources to serve all communities.