What is the PRC and Why Is The Race So Important?
Before we introduce you to Janene we want to stress how critically important the race for PRC Commissioner is. We feel it is the second most important race in NM after Governor. The PRC ‘regulates’ our utilities, transportation, telecommunications, and more. The five commissioners have far more power than any one NM Legislator and for environmentalists their role in determining when and how we transition to renewable energy is critical.
But as currently comprised, the PRC Commissioners consistently vote 3-2 in favor of whatever our utility providers request (e.g. PNM). By electing Steve, we would unseat Sandy Jones in District 5 and flip the balance to 3-2 environmentally aligned majority. If we were also to win in District 4 where Janene Yazzie is challenging incumbent Lynda Lovejoy, we could wind up with a 4-1 super majority. You have to know that PNM and other utilities will pour money into this campaign. They simply can’t afford to lose their stranglehold on the PRC. But, we can do this. But only if you get involved: canvass, call, contribute.
To read more about how consistently three PRC Commissioners have sided with utility companies and their shareholders, at the expense of ratepayers and the planet, click here for a one-page summary that includes three specific examples where PRC majorities of 3-2 have resulted in ratepayers being levied hundreds of millions of dollars in rate increases over the objection of the PRC Hearing Officers.
To find out more about each candidates views and how to support their campaign:
- Janene’s Yazzie her district includes parts of Santa Fe, Los Alamos and Bernalillo County, so you can actually canvass for her easily, click here.
- Steve’s campaign stretches from the Mexican border up to Los Lunas and covers the southwest quadrant of the state. For more information on Steve, his campaign, and how you can support it, click here.
Who is Steve Fischmann?
As a former State Senator and consumer advocate, I have always stood up for you. In the Senate, I passed legislation ending sweetheart no-bid land deals at the State Land Office and put an end to high fees for public records requests at government offices across the state. I also passed a Senate Resolution asking Congress to overturn the Supreme Court Citizens United decision that allows corporations to buy our elections. As Co-Founder of the New Mexico Fair Lending Coalition, I lobbied successfully for interest caps that will save New Mexico borrowers $250 million annually.
As Co-founder of the Fair Lending Coalition, Steve successfully took on rip off payday loan companies. Steve advocated to end single payment Payday and Title Loans and place an interest rate cap on store front loans that had been charging up to 2000% annual interest. He continues to push for even lower interest rate caps in the future.
HIS RECORD OF PUTTING CONSUMERS FIRST! (The role of a PRC Commissioner)
- Steve has helped reduce bills and bring more renewable energy to Las Cruces area utility customers.
- Working with local citizen watchdogs, Steve helped enlist the City of Las Cruces and Doña Ana County in the successful fight to beat back unfair rate increases and solar energy fees by El Paso Electric.
- Steve has a history of holding both big corporate interests and government accountable to the public.
From Steve:
“The Public Regulation Commission (PRC) needs fixing. Monopoly utilities have gamed the system to raise rates at the expense of consumers for far too long. They have been allowed to drag their feet on building the clean, cheap 21st century renewable energy infrastructure that is vital to New Mexico’s future prosperity. The PRC’s ability to protect the public has been “seriously jeopardized” by pervasive organizational shortcomings according to a 2017 study by the National Regulatory Research Institute. Read the full report here. From the absence of consumer advocates on staff, to its failure to keep up with new developments in the utility industry, the PRC is not succeeding at its most vital task – protecting you and protecting the planet.
That’s why I believe the PRC needs a voice like mine – an unapologetic, experienced and knowledgeable advocate for consumers. As a candidate for PRC district 5, my goal is to transform the PRC from an agency that’s guided by utility interests to an agency that guides utilities in the public interest.
“My goal is to transform the PRC from an agency that’s guided by utility interests to an agency that guides utilities in the public interest.”
Steve is running to bring a consumer’s voice to the Public Regulation Commission. He will ensure that monopoly utilities stop gaming the system to raise your rates and he will fight to prevent foot-dragging on adoption of superior energy technologies.
The Commission Needs Fixin’
A 2017 study by the National Regulatory Research Institute found the PRC’s ability to protect the public has been “seriously jeopardized” by a truckload of organizational shortcomings. From the absence of consumer advocates on staff to its failure to keep up with new developments in the utility industry, the PRC is not succeeding at its most vital function – protecting you. Read the full report here.
Steve Can Get It Done
Steve brought focus and improved results to many business units during his 20-year management tenure at Levi Strauss & Co. Whether the task was improving product quality, on-time delivery, or improving supplier and account relations, he met the challenge.
Steve’s public service accomplishments speak for themselves. He fought to dramatically reduce proposed El Paso Electric rate increases, protect solar system owners from unfair charges and prevent poorly conceived utility business plans from being approved. He lobbied for interest caps that will save New Mexico borrowers $250 million annually and put many loan sharks out of business. He co-founded the Children’s Reading Foundation of Dona Ana County.
As a State Senator, Steve passed legislation ending sweetheart no-bid land deals at the State Land Office and put an end to high fees for public records requests at government offices across the state.
We Can Do It Together
Steve knows how to get the right people doing the right work. He will help bring the PRC into the 21st century so New Mexicans can enjoy the full benefits of the clean, cheap energy revolution. And he will do it with these thoughts in mind –
For the campaign’s Facebook page, click here.
If you’d like to canvass or phone bank on Steve’s behalf, contact his campaign manager, Daniel Garcia Dagabq@gmail.com. 505-975-1806.
Click here to find out how you can help Steve’s campaign by canvassing, calling or donating!