January 6, 2020 - Residents in the Four Corners region will have an opportunity to weigh in on the future of a coal-fired power plant slated for closure in 2022. The Farmington Daily Times reports that Public Regulation Commission Chairwoman Theresa Becenti-Aguilar has scheduled a hearing Monday in Farmington, New Mexico to gather public comment.

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People can also submit written comments to the regulatory panel. The commission is considering Public Service Co. of New Mexico’s application to shutter the plant and replace the lost capacity with a mix of natural gas, solar, wind and battery storage.

At issue is whether New Mexico’s new energy transition law applies to the case and if the owners of the plant can recover their investments by selling bonds that would later be paid off by utility customers.

The plan also includes $40 million in aid to the workforce attached to the plant and local economy.