Commissioner for the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission
About the role
The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission Nominating Committee is seeking applications for the position of Commissioner of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission to fill one vacancy beginning on January 1, 2027. While the Nominating Committee seeks and evaluates applicants, appointments are made by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a member of the three-member New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC), which is both the governing body for the NMPRC and a policy and regulatory body
- Regulate utilities and telecommunications to ensure fair and reasonable rates and assure adequate and reliable service to the public as provided by law
- Promote public safety through the offices of the Pipeline Safety Bureau
- Set rates, create policy that implements statutory mandates and policy goals, and promulgate rules and regulations governing regulated entities
- Adjudicate cases involving regulated entities
- Attend regular open public meetings and multi-day hearings
- Review expert testimony and hearing examiner recommendations
- Identify and define the values and vision of the NMPRC and implement them in the form of policy
Qualifications
Candidates must be independent of the industries regulated by the Commission and possess demonstrated competence. To be appointed, candidates must meet one of the following educational and experience requirements:
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education and at least ten years of professional experience in an area regulated by the Commission or in the energy sector involving accounting, public or business administration, economics, finance, statistics, policy, engineering, or law; or
- A professional license or post-graduate degree from an accredited institution in a field related to an area regulated by the Commission (accounting, public or business administration, economics, finance, statistics, policy, engineering, or law) and at least ten years of professional experience within that field
Eligibility requirements
- No financial interest in a public utility in New Mexico or elsewhere
- Not employed by a Commission-regulated entity at any time during the two years prior to appointment
- Must devote entire time to the business of the Commission and may not pursue any other business or vocation or hold any other office for profit
- Subject to a background check
Pay
Sitting Commissioners receive an annual salary of $190,000. Exact salary will be determined by the Governor and announced at a later date.
Benefits
The normal State of New Mexico benefits package, including retirement and health care, will be provided.
Schedule
This is a full-time position with Commissioners attending open public meetings scheduled by will of the Commission, including regular open meetings and multi-day hearings.
Application requirements
Applicants are required to send a current resume with a cover letter that specifies how the applicant meets the qualifications, briefly describes experience with topics relating to the regulation of utilities and telecommunications providers, and states political party affiliation or independent status. Additional materials in support of an application may be provided.
Due to the political makeup of the remaining Commissioners, the vacancy may be filled by an individual who is a registered member of any political party or declines to state their political party. The Committee will submit a minimum of two nominees to the Governor, provided that no more than two Commissioners will be of the same political party.
Application Deadline: September 11, 2026
For the full Commissioner position posting, additional information, and application instructions, please visit the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission Nominating Committee web page.