Santa Fe, N.M., energy panel sorts out duties

Albuquerque Journal, N.M. --Nov. 9--SANTA FE, N.M.

Nov. 9--SANTA FE, N.M. -- Santa Fe's Energy Task Force met for the first time Monday and the most nagging question for the group: Just exactly what is it supposed to do?

The Santa Fe City Council created the committee earlier this year to discuss city power options, including renewable energy such as wind and solar power.

But group members agreed Monday they were confused exactly what they were supposed to discuss in detail: whether to delve into discussing alternative energy supplies for the region, reducing energy demand in town, or both.

The task force also struggled for a majority of its two-hour meeting Monday with what city officials were referring to when they charged the group with reviewing the Public Service Company of New Mexico's 10-year plan.

PNM's 10-year plan outlines power distribution in the state.

Pat Scharff, a distribution planner for PNM who will be the company's liaison to the group, helped the group clarify that it would likely want to discuss PNM's transmission and distribution line plans for the Santa Fe region.

But group members, including retired economist Neva Van Peski, agreed they were interested in seeing PNM's future energy supply plans also -- solar, wind or coal or any other energy transmission and distribution projects.

Scharff cautioned the group, however, about getting too bogged down in details about PNM distribution projects and holding such projects up by "analyzing larger projects, such as transmission lines."

Transmission lines bring power into town. Distribution lines, or power poles and power substations, distribute power throughout town.

Scharff also explained that he would be limited to "generalities" in discussing PNM project plans, particularly prices, because "power is a competitive market."

The Energy Task Force plans to meet again Nov. 22 to discuss further its duties and schedule.

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