Potential PNM Merger Partner Avangrid’s Track Record, Film Set Tragedy & Downtown ABQ Stadium Opinions

This week on New Mexico in Focus, customers are facing some potentially big changes when it comes to the state’s electrical utility, thanks to a proposed merger between PNM Resources and Avangrid, the U.S. subsidiary of a Spanish power company, Iberdrola.   

If the merger goes through, Avangrid would buy PNM Resources, which includes Public Service Company of New Mexico and Texas-New Mexico Power. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican: “The proposed merger is an $8.3 billion deal with a total of $4.3 billion going to shareholders and Avangrid paying off $4 billion in PNM debt.”  

How the merger might play out in New Mexico—and what the consequences might be—remains to be seen. But the company has been operating in Maine for more than a decade, and not without controversy. Environment reporter Laura Paskus talks with Bangor Daily News reporter Caitlin Andrews to learn more about Avangrid and Central Maine Power.  

Interested parties from across Albuquerque also offer their thoughts and opinions on a proposed multi-use stadium slated for Downtown Albuquerque. That stadium would be home to the popular New Mexico United soccer team. Voters will decide whether or not to approve $50 million in public financing for a portion of that stadium next Tuesday.  

The Line opinion panel offers some final thoughts on next Tuesday’s municipal elections, which include Mayoral races in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, as well as that Downtown ABQ stadium issue. The panelists also weigh in on the accidental shooting of a cinematographer on a New Mexico film set and what safety changes may come as a result of that tragedy. Lastly, The Line opinion panelists discuss the merits of proposed legislation that would allow retired law enforcement officers to reenter the workforce, while collecting their pensions, a practice known as “double-dipping.”

Host: Gene Grant 

The Line opinion panel: 
Rebecca Latham, CEO, Girl Scouts of NM 
Eric Griego, former state senator 
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group 

Segments: 
Potential PNM Merger Partner Avangrid’s History in Maine 
Correspondent: Laura Paskus 
Guest: Caitlin Andrews, reporter, Bangor Daily News 

Downtown ABQ Stadium Vote Opinions 
Guest(s): 
Antonio “Moe” Maestas, New Mexico House of Representatives (District 16) 
Cynthia Borrego, Albuquerque City Council President (District 5) 
Brook Bassan, Albuquerque City Councilor (District 4) 
Ramona Malczynski, Stop the Stadium