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Regulatory and Rate Matters | 9 Months Ended
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Sep. 30, 2023
Regulated Operations [Abstract] |
Regulatory and Rate Matters | Regulatory and Rate MattersThe Company is involved in various regulatory matters, some of which contain contingencies that are subject to the same uncertainties as those described in Note 11. Additional information concerning regulatory and rate matters is contained in Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2022 Annual Reports on Form 10-K. PNMR Merger Regulatory Proceedings On October 20, 2020, PNMR, Avangrid, and Merger Sub entered into the Merger Agreement pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into PNMR, with PNMR surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avangrid. Among other conditions, consummation of the Merger is subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals. In 2021, five federal agencies and the PUCT completed their reviews and approved the Merger, with the NMPRC as the only regulatory agency yet to approve the Merger. The original application before the NMPRC was filed in November 2020. For additional information on the Merger regulatory proceedings, including supplemental regulatory filings that were required due to the Merger Agreement being amended in January 2022, April 2023, and June 2023, see Note 18. PNM New Mexico General Rate Case 2024 Rate Change On December 5, 2022, PNM filed an application with the NMPRC for a general increase in retail electric rates. The requested change primarily reflects investments in transmission and distribution infrastructure, largely offset by cost reductions resulting from PNM’s transition to lower-cost, clean generation resources. Key aspects of PNM’s request are: •Recovery on total rate base of $2.7 billion, based on a calendar year 2024 FTY. •An increase of $63.8 million in retail non-fuel revenues •ROE of 10.25% •Rate adjustments to resolve revenue deficiencies, including: ◦Needed investments in transmission, distribution, and generation facilities for six years of operations, covering 2019 through 2024. In particular, PNM is focused on expanding and improving its aging infrastructure to provide the underlying infrastructure crucial to a successful energy transition and to support distribution generation. ◦Cost reductions from closing SJGS and the expiration of 114 MW leased PVNGS capacity. ◦Lower-cost replacements for SJGS and PVNGS using renewable energy purchases and battery storage systems. Some of these costs will be reflected in PNM’s requested base rates, while energy purchases will flow through PNM’s FPPAC. ◦Updated depreciation rates, including new terminal dates, for natural gas plants to align with the Company’s 2040 carbon-free portfolio goal. ◦Proposed customer-oriented services, such as fee-free payment options, and increased payment location options to address the needs of customers. ◦Increasing operating costs reflecting six years of inflation, including the impacts of today’s current high inflation and the expenses that come with providing quality electric service to customers. Distribution maintenance increases also are necessary to enhance vegetation management programs to protect lines and support wildfire mitigation efforts. PNM has endeavored to keep operating costs below inflationary levels. ◦Increased energy sales and customer loads since PNM’s last filing help cover the increased cost of doing business as PNM continues the energy transition. ◦Overall cost of capital based on PNM’s actual regulatory capital structure of 52% equity / 48% debt, reflecting the increase in the ROE that shareholders require to fund new investments in PNM’s system, which is partially offset by lower cost of debt. •Proposed ratemaking treatment of PVNGS Leased Interest and testimony supporting the prudence of PNM’s decisions to renew the five leases and repurchase 64.1 MW of PVNGS Unit 2 capacity regarding PVNGS; see PVNGS Lease Abandonment Application below. •Proposed return of the unamortized unprotected portion of excess deferred federal income taxes to customers over a five-year period, beginning when rates from the case go into effect. •Time-of-Day pilot proposal with the objective of incentivizing customers, through price signals, to use energy during the day when renewable generation is abundant. The NMPRC has suspended PNM’s advice notice in the case for the statutory suspension period, until January 4, 2024 and the hearing examiners set a procedural schedule with a hearing held from September 5, 2023 through September 22, 2023. Briefings were filed October 18, 2023 and response briefs are due October 31, 2023. PNM is unable to predict the outcome of this matter. On January 3, 2023, a joint motion and brief for accounting order was filed with the NMPRC. NM AREA, NMPRC Staff, WRA, Bernalillo County, NEE, and CCAE (the “Joint Movants”) jointly filed the motion which asked that the NMPRC issue an accounting order for the purpose of requiring PNM to create a regulatory liability to track the costs associated with the retirement of SJGS which are currently embedded in base rates. The Joint Movants requested that the NMPRC order PNM to track all costs associated with the running and management of SJGS totaling $98.3 million annually and requested that the accounting order require PNM to create a regulatory liability to track the SJGS costs from the time Unit 1 and Unit 4 were abandoned, July 1, 2022, and October 1, 2022, respectively, until the date new rates are put into effect, and for any other relief the NMPRC deems is just and reasonable. On February 3, 2023, the hearing examiners issued an order requiring PNM to create a pure accounting order regulatory liability that tracks cost of SJGS which are currently embedded in base rates. On February 6, 2023, PNM filed a motion to permit interlocutory appeal of the hearing examiners order requiring PNM to create a pure accounting order regulatory liability. On February 10, 2023, the hearing examiners issued an order denying PNM’s interlocutory appeal and clarified that the accounting order only required PNM to track the costs of SJGS. On February 14, 2023, NM AREA, NMPRC Staff, WRA, ABCWUA, and CCAE filed a joint motion for clarification of the hearing examiners accounting order. On September 21, 2023, the NMPRC approved a unanimous settlement agreement reached by PNM and other parties resolving steps involved in the retirement of SJGS under the ETA. Under the terms of the settlement, the parties agree to remove SJGS ratemaking and prudence issues from the 2024 Rate Change. For further discussion on the retirement of SJGS and the NMPRC approved unanimous settlement including the associated accounting impacts see SJGS Abandonment Application discussion below. Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard As discussed in Note 11, the ETA amends the REA including removal of diversity requirements and certain customer caps and exemptions relating to the application of the RPS under the REA. The REA provides for streamlined proceedings for approval of utilities’ renewable energy procurement plans, assures that utilities recover costs incurred consistent with approved procurement plans, and requires the NMPRC to establish a Reasonable Cost Threshold (“RCT”) for the procurement of renewable resources to prevent excessive costs being added to rates. The ETA sets a RCT of $60 per MWh, adjusted for inflation, using an average annual levelized resource cost basis. PNM makes renewable procurements consistent with the NMPRC approved plans and recovers certain renewable procurement costs from customers through the renewable energy rider billed on a KWh basis. Included in PNM’s approved procurement plans are the following renewable energy resources: •158 MW of PNM-owned solar-PV facilities •A PPA through 2044 for the output of New Mexico Wind, having a current aggregate capacity of 200 MW, and a PPA through 2035 for the output of Red Mesa Wind, having an aggregate capacity of 102 MW •A PPA through 2040 for 140 MW of output from La Joya Wind II •A PPA through 2042 for the output of the Lightning Dock Geothermal facility with a current capacity of 11 MW •Solar distributed generation, aggregating 273.9 MW at September 30, 2023, owned by customers or third parties from whom PNM purchases any net excess output and RECs The NMPRC has authorized PNM to recover certain renewable procurement costs through a rate rider billed on a per KWh basis. In its 2023 renewable energy procurement plan, which became effective on January 1, 2023, PNM proposed to collect $61.0 million for the year. PNM recorded revenues from the rider of $13.0 million and $47.0 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and $12.7 million and $44.5 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022. On June 1, 2023, PNM filed its renewable energy procurement plan for 2024 which proposes to collect $59.0 million for the year. PNM is not proposing any new resource procurements, and the plan states that existing projects are anticipated to exceed the applicable RPS standards of 2024. On June 30, 2023, the hearing examiners issued a procedural order in this proceeding with a hearing held on September 1, 2023. On October 19, 2023, the hearing examiners issued a recommended decision recommending approval of all PNM’s requests. Under the renewable rider, if PNM’s earned rate of return on jurisdictional equity in a calendar year, adjusted for items not representative of normal operations, exceeds the NMPRC-approved rate by 0.5%, PNM is required to refund the excess to customers during May through December of the following year. On March 31, 2023, PNM filed an affidavit that provides documentation that PNM’s ROE for 2022 was 10.173%, exceeding a 10.075% return (9.575% allowed ROE plus 0.5%). PNM began refunding the excess to customers effective May 1, 2023. Energy Efficiency and Load Management Program Costs and Incentives/Disincentives The New Mexico Efficient Use of Energy Act (“EUEA”) requires public utilities to achieve specified levels of energy savings and to obtain NMPRC approval to implement energy efficiency and load management programs. The EUEA requires the NMPRC to remove utility disincentives to implementing energy efficiency and load management programs and to provide incentives for such programs. The NMPRC has adopted a rule to implement this act. PNM’s costs to implement approved programs and incentives are recovered through a rate rider. During the 2019 New Mexico legislative session, the EUEA was amended to, among other things, include a decoupling mechanism for disincentives, preclude a reduction to a utility’s ROE based on approval of disincentive or incentive mechanisms, establish energy savings targets for the period 2021 through 2025, and require that annual program funding be 3% to 5% of an electric utility’s annual customer bills excluding gross receipt taxes, franchise and right-of-way access fees, provided that a customer’s annual cost does not exceed seventy-five thousand dollars. On April 15, 2020, PNM filed an application for energy efficiency and load management programs to be offered in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The proposed program portfolio consists of twelve programs with a total annual budget of $31.4 million in 2021, $31.0 million in 2022, and $29.6 million in 2023. The application also sought approval of an annual base incentive of 7.1% of the portfolio budget if PNM were to achieve energy savings of at least 80 GWh in a year. The proposed incentive would increase if PNM is able to achieve savings greater than 94 GWh in a year. On October 28, 2020, the NMPRC issued an order approving PNM’s proposed efficiency and load management program. On April 17, 2023, PNM filed an application for energy efficiency and load management programs to be offered in 2024, 2025, and 2026 (the “2024 Plan”). The 2024 Plan proposes to continue ten existing energy efficiency programs with modification and a total annual budget of $34.5 million in 2024, $35.4 million in 2025, and $36.5 million in 2026. The application also sought approval of an annual base incentive of 7.1% of the portfolio budget and a sliding scale that provides additional incentive for additional energy saved as a percentage of program cost, up to the maximum allowed by the energy efficiency rule which for PNM is 8.82%. On April 26, 2023, the NMPRC appointed a hearing examiner. On May 19, 2023, the hearing examiner issued an order setting out a procedural schedule with a hearing held on October 18, 2023. PNM is unable to predict the outcome of this matter. 2020 Decoupling Petition As discussed above, the legislature amended the EUEA to, among other things, include a decoupling mechanism for disincentives. On May 28, 2020, PNM filed a petition for approval of a rate adjustment mechanism that would decouple the rates of its residential and small power rate classes. Decoupling is a rate design principle that severs the link between the recovery of fixed costs of the utility through volumetric charges. On July 13, 2020, NEE, ABCWUA, the City of Albuquerque, and Bernalillo County filed motions to dismiss the petition on the grounds that approving PNM’s proposed rate adjustment mechanism outside of a general rate case would result in retroactive ratemaking and piecemeal ratemaking. The motions to dismiss also alleged that PNM’s proposed rate adjustment mechanism is inconsistent with the EUEA. On October 2, 2020, PNM requested an order to vacate the public hearing, scheduled to begin October 13, 2020, and staying the proceeding until the NMPRC decides whether to entertain a petition to issue a declaratory order resolving the issues raised in the motions to dismiss. On October 7, 2020, the hearing examiner approved PNM’s request to stay the proceeding and vacate the public hearing and required PNM to file a petition for declaratory order by October 30, 2020. On October 30, 2020, PNM filed a petition for declaratory order asking the NMPRC to issue an order finding that full revenue decoupling is authorized by the EUEA. On November 4, 2020, ABCWUA and Bernalillo County jointly filed a competing petition asking the NMPRC to issue a declaratory order on the EUEA’s requirements related to disincentives. On March 17, 2021, the NMPRC issued an order granting the petitions for declaratory order, commencing a declaratory order proceeding to address the petitions and appointing a hearing examiner to preside over the declaratory order proceeding. On January 14, 2022, the hearing examiner issued a recommended decision recommending the NMPRC find that the EUEA does not mandate the NMPRC to authorize or approve a full decoupling mechanism, defining full decoupling as limited to energy efficiency and load management measures and programs. The recommended decision also states that a utility may request approval of a rate adjustment mechanism to remove regulatory disincentives to energy efficiency and load management measures and programs through a stand-alone petition, as part of the utility’s triennial energy efficiency application or a general rate case and that PNM is not otherwise precluded from petitioning for a rate adjustment mechanism prior to its next general rate case. Finally, the recommended decision stated that the EUEA does not permit the NMPRC to reduce a utility’s ROE based on approval of a disincentive removal mechanism founded on removing regulatory disincentives to energy efficiency and load management measures and programs. The recommended decision does not specifically prohibit a downward adjustment to a utility’s capital structure, based on approval of a disincentive removal mechanism. On April 27, 2022, the NMPRC issued an order adopting the recommended decision in its entirety. On May 24, 2022, PNM filed a notice of appeal with the NM Supreme Court. The NM Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments to be held on November 13, 2023. PNM cannot predict the outcome of this matter. FPPAC Continuation Application NMPRC rules require public utilities to file an application to continue using their FPPAC every four years. On June 17, 2022, PNM filed the required continuation application and requested that its FPPAC be continued without modification. On January 27, 2023, the hearing examiner issued a recommended decision recommending that the FPPAC Continuation Application be consolidated into the 2024 Rate Change and on March 1, 2023, the NMPRC issued an order adopting the hearing examiner’s recommended decision. The FPPAC Continuation Application is now consolidated into the 2024 Rate Change and the procedural schedule for this matter was vacated. Integrated Resource Plans NMPRC rules require that investor-owned utilities file an IRP every three years. The IRP is required to cover a 20-year planning period and contain an action plan covering the first four years of that period. On September 14, 2022, the NMPRC adopted revisions to the IRP Rule. The new rule revamps and modernizes the planning process to accommodate increased stakeholder involvement. The IRP Rule establishes a collaborative facilitated process for a utility and stakeholders to agree on a statement of need for potential new or additional resources, as well as an action plan to guide procurement or development of resources to meet the stated need. A most-cost-effective portfolio of resources shall be derived from the statement of need analysis. The statement of need and action plan must be accepted before the utility begins the resource solicitation process pursuant to the IRP Rule. Following acceptance of the statement of need and action plan, a utility will provide the NMPRC and intervenors drafts of the request for proposals (“RFP”) and a timeline for issuing, receiving, evaluating, and ranking bids. The NMPRC will then appoint an Independent Monitor (“IM”) to oversee the RFP process, which allows for parties and the IM to comment on the RFP consistency with the IRP, after which the utility issues the RFP. Within 75 days of receiving bids the utility shall provide the IM with results including pricing and non-price evaluation criteria, ranking of bids, chosen portfolio and alternatives that also meet the needs; the IM then rules on the fairness of the RFP execution. Acceptance of the statement of need and action plan will not constitute a finding of prudency or pre-approval of costs associated with the additional resources. Following the RFP and IM processes, the utility may apply approvals, and any costs incurred to implement the action plan will be considered in a general rate case and/or resource acquisition proceeding. On October 14, 2022, PNM and other investor-owned utilities filed motions for rehearing with the NMPRC. On October 26, 2022, the NMPRC issued an order partially granting and partially denying certain aspects of PNM’s and the other investor-owned utilities’ motions for rehearing. On November 2, 2022, the NMPRC adopted an amended IRP Rule. On December 2, 2022, PNM filed an appeal with the NM Supreme Court. Two other investor-owned utilities also separately filed appeals at the NM Supreme Court. On January 3, 2023, PNM and the two other investor-owned utilities filed statements of issues with the NM Supreme Court. Among other things, the investor-owned utilities question whether the IRP Rule exceeds the NMPRC authority by imposing unauthorized requirements on utilities and extending NMPRC jurisdictional through over-broad interpretation of the statutes and state that the IRP Rule is contrary to law in its provisions for NMPRC regulation of a utility’s resource procurement decision-making. On June 5, 2023, PNM and the other two investor-owned utilities filed their Joint Brief in Chief and request for oral arguments at the NM Supreme Court. PNM cannot predict the outcome of this matter. 2023 IRP On March 1, 2023, the NMPRC issued an order granting PNM’s Motion for Extension of time to file its 2023 IRP until December 15, 2023, and the deadline for commencing the facilitated stakeholder process, which commenced on June 15, 2023. Abandonment Applications made under the ETA As discussed in Note 11, the ETA provides for a transition from fossil-fueled generating resources to renewable and carbon-free resources by allowing utilities to issue energy transition bonds related to the retirement of certain coal-fired generating facilities, to qualified investors. SJGS Abandonment Application In 2019, PNM filed a Consolidated Application for the Abandonment and Replacement of SJGS and Related Securitized Financing Pursuant to the ETA (the “SJGS Abandonment Application”). The SJGS Abandonment Application sought NMPRC approval to retire PNM’s share of SJGS after the coal supply and participation agreements end in 2022, for approval of replacement resources, and for the issuance of approximately $361 million of energy transition bonds (the “Securitized Bonds”). PNM’s request for the issuance of Securitized Bonds included approximately $283 million of forecasted undepreciated investments in SJGS at June 30, 2022, an estimated $28.6 million for plant decommissioning and coal mine reclamation costs, approximately $9.6 million in upfront financing costs, and approximately $20.0 million for job training and severance costs for affected employees. Proceeds from the Securitized Bonds would also be used to fund approximately $19.8 million for economic development in the Four Corners area. The NMPRC issued an order requiring the SJGS Abandonment Application be considered in two proceedings: one addressing SJGS abandonment and related financing, and the other addressing replacement resources. In 2020, the NMPRC approved PNM’s proposed abandonment of SJGS, subject to approval of replacement resources, and approved PNM’s proposed financing order to issue Securitized Bonds up to $361 million and establish a rate rider to collect non-bypassable customer charges for repayment of the bonds, subject to bi-annual adjustments (the “Energy Transition Charge”). The NMPRC authorized an interim rate rider adjustment upon the start date of the Energy Transition Charge to provide immediate credits to customers for the full value of PNM’s revenue requirement related to SJGS until those reductions are reflected in base rates. The NMPRC also granted PNM authority to establish regulatory assets to recover costs that PNM will pay prior to the issuance of the Securitized Bonds, including costs associated with the bond issuances as well as for severances, job training, economic development, and workforce training. In addition, the NMPRC authorized PNM to record regulatory assets for certain other abandonment costs that are not specifically addressed under the provisions of the ETA to preserve its ability to recover the costs in a future general rate case, but the authority only extends to the deferral of the costs and is not approval of any ratemaking treatment. Later that year, the NMPRC issued an order approving replacement resource selection criteria identified in the ETA. On February 28, 2022, WRA and CCAE filed a joint motion for order to show cause and enforce financing order and supporting brief, which requested that the NMPRC order PNM to show cause why its rates should not be reduced at the time SJGS was abandoned. The NMPRC issued an order appointing hearing examiners to conduct a hearing and to issue a recommended decision to address the issues raised by the motion. On June 17, 2022, the hearing examiners issued a recommended decision requesting the NMPRC issue an order that would require PNM to: •Revise its rates to remove all of the costs of SJGS Unit 1 by issuing rate credits of $21.1 million on an annual basis, to customers by July 1, 2022 •Revise its rates again, to remove all costs of SJGS Unit 1, Unit 4, and common facilities by increasing the rate credits to $98.3 million on an annual basis, by October 1, 2022 •Transfer payments due and owing to the Indian Affairs Fund, Economic Development Assistance Fund, and the Displaced Workers Assistance Fund within 30 days of the abandonment of SJGS Unit 1 •Include (in its next rate case application) an explanation and defense of the prudence in the timing of the issuance of Securitized Bonds beyond the abandonment dates and what actions were taken to protect customers from interest rate increases occurring as well as the continued marketability of the Securitized Bonds issued On June 29, 2022, the NMPRC issued its final order adopting and approving the recommended decision in its entirety with certain additions. The additions to the final order include requirements for PNM file a report, no later than October 15, 2022, that contains a record of all its costs incurred in the show cause proceeding so that the prudence of those costs will be known and be subject to review in PNM’s future rate case and that the prudency review shall include a compliance filing to enable a review of the prudence of PNM’s decision to delay bond issuance beyond the dates of the SJGS abandonment. On June 29, 2022, PNM filed an Emergency Motion and Supporting Brief for Stay with the NMPRC, which was denied. On June 30, 2022, PNM filed a Notice of Appeal and an Emergency Motion for Partial Interim Stay of the NMPRC’s Final Order with the NM Supreme Court. Subsequently, on July 25, 2022, PNM filed another emergency motion seeking an immediate and ongoing stay from the NM Supreme Court for the pendency of the appeal. In the interim, PNM began issuing rate credits effective July 31, 2022, and PNM made payments totaling $19.8 million to the Indian Affairs Fund, Economic Development Assistance Fund, and the Displaced Workers Assistance Fund. On September 2, 2022, the NM Supreme Court issued an order granting PNM’s July 25, 2022 motion for partial stay and as a result PNM suspended issuing rate credits. On October 14, 2022, PNM made its required compliance filing under the NMPRC’s June 29, 2022 final order. On November 1, 2022, the NM Supreme Court issued an order continuing the partial stay of the rate credits during the pendency of the appeal. On November 15, 2022, PNM filed a supplemental compliance filing to its October 14, 2022 compliance filing. On May 22, 2023, PNM filed its Brief in Chief with the NM Supreme Court requesting the final order be vacated, and remanded back to the NMPRC, to properly apply the ETA and financing order to issue Securitized Bonds. On August 18, 2023, PNM, along with the intervening parties in the pending appeal of the matter addressing customer bill credits and resolution of the remaining steps involved in the SJGS retirement under the ETA, filed an Unopposed Joint Motion for Abeyance and Remand to Implement Settlement and Request for Expedited Order at the NM Supreme Court. In the motion, the parties asked the NM Supreme Court to hold the appeal in abeyance and remand the matter to the NMPRC to allow the NMPRC to consider and take formal action on a unanimous proposed settlement on remand. Under the terms of the unanimous settlement, PNM would provide $115.0 million in rate credits to customers over a one-year period, resolving all disputes raised in the matter addressing customer bill credits involved in the SJGS retirement before the NMPRC, including removal of SJGS ratemaking and prudence issues in the 2024 Rate Change. Regarding the 2024 Rate Change, PNM agreed to withdraw its request for regulatory assets associated with prefunding of ETA state administered funds and legal costs associated with this matter. In addition, customers will be protected from rising interest rates if the weighted-average rate on the Securitized Bonds exceeds 5.5%. On September 14, 2023, the NM Supreme Court issued an order granting the unopposed motion and remanded the matter to the NMPRC. On September 21, 2023, the NMPRC approved the unanimous settlement agreement. PNM began issuing rate credits on customer bills on October 21, 2023. As a result of the NMPRC’s September 21, 2023 order approving the unanimous settlement, PNM recorded a $115.0 million reduction to electric operating revenues on PNMR’s and PNM’s Statement of Earnings, for amounts previously recorded under PNM’s current retail rates and a corresponding current regulatory liability on PNMR’s and PNM’s Balance Sheets at September 30, 2023. In addition, PNM recorded a regulatory disallowance of $2.3 million on PNMR’s and PNM’s Statement of Earnings and a corresponding decrease to deferred regulatory assets on PNMR’s and PNM’s Balance Sheets at September 30, 2023 to reflect PNM’s agreement to withdraw its request for regulatory assets associated with prefunding of ETA state administered funds and legal costs associated with this matter. Additional information concerning the SJGS Abandonment Application is contained in Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2022 Annual Reports on Form 10-K. Four Corners Abandonment Application On November 1, 2020, PNM entered into the Four Corners Purchase and Sale Agreement with NTEC, pursuant to which PNM agreed to sell its 13% ownership interest (other than certain transmission assets) in Four Corners to NTEC. The sale is contingent upon NMPRC approval. In connection with the sale, PNM would make payments of $75.0 million to NTEC for relief from its obligations under the coal supply agreement for Four Corners after December 31, 2024. Pursuant to the Four Corners Purchase and Sale Agreement, PNM would retain its current plant decommissioning and coal mine reclamation obligations. PNM made an initial payment to NTEC of $15.0 million in November 2020, subject to refund with interest upon termination of the Four Corners Purchase and Sale Agreement prior to closing. Under the terms of the Four Corners Purchase and Sale Agreement, upon receipt of the NMPRC approval, PNM is expected to make a final payment of $60.0 million. On January 8, 2021, PNM filed the Four Corners Abandonment Application, which sought NMPRC approval to exit PNM’s share of Four Corners as of December 31, 2024, and issuance of approximately $300 million of Securitized Bonds as provided by the ETA. PNM’s request for the issuance of Securitized Bonds included approximately $272 million of forecasted undepreciated investments in Four Corners at December 31, 2024, an estimated $4.6 million for plant decommissioning costs, an estimated $7.3 million in upfront financing costs, and an estimated $16.5 million for economic development in the Four Corners area. On March 15, 2021, PNM filed an amended application and supplemental testimony for the approval of the abandonment and transfer of Four Corners and issuance of a financing order pursuant to the ETA and a motion to withdraw the January 8, 2021 Four Corners Application. The amended application and supplemental testimony provided additional information to support PNM’s request to abandon its interest in Four Corners and transfer that interest to NTEC, and also provided additional detail explaining how the proposed sale and abandonment provides a net public benefit. On November 12, 2021, the hearing examiner issued a recommended decision recommending approval of the Four Corners Abandonment Application and the corresponding request for issuance of securitized financing. On December 15, 2021, the NMPRC issued a final order rejecting the hearing examiner’s recommended decision and denying approval of the Four Corners Abandonment Application and the corresponding request for issuance of securitized financing. In its order, the NMPRC concluded that PNM needed to conduct a review of the actual replacement resource portfolio and determined that the record was insufficient to determine the prudence of PNM’s investments in Four Corners. On December 22, 2021, PNM filed a Notice of Appeal with the NM Supreme Court of the NMPRC decision to deny the application. On January 21, 2022, PNM filed its Statement of Issues outlining the arguments for appeal asserting, among other things, that the NMPRC misinterpreted and improperly applied the ETA in concluding that the NMPRC needed to review the actual replacement resource portfolio before authorizing abandonment and that the NMPRC improperly deferred the issue of prudence with respect to certain of PNM’s investments in Four Corners, where other parties were given the opportunity to present evidence and failed to demonstrate PNM was imprudent in its decisions. On March 28, 2023, the NM Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the appeal. On July 6, 2023, the NM Supreme Court issued a decision concluding that the NMPRC reasonably and lawfully denied PNM’s application for abandonment, determining that PNM did not meet its burden in challenging the NMPRC’s final order. The Company is evaluating the facts and circumstances surrounding the potential early exit of Four Corners and will determine next steps. GAAP requires a loss be recognized when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. As of September 30, 2023, PNM evaluated the NMPRC order in the Four Corners Abandonment Application and the NM Supreme Court’s decision and determined it was reasonably possible that PNM would be successful in recovery of its undepreciated investment in future rate proceedings. In the nine months ended September 30, 2023, PNM recorded a regulatory disallowance of $3.7 million for costs associated with obtaining an abandonment order, which are no longer expected to be recovered as a result of the NM Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the NMPRC’s decision to deny PNM’s Four Corners Abandonment Application. The financial impact of an early exit of Four Corners and the NMPRC approval process is influenced by many factors outside of PNM’s control, including the overall political and economic conditions of New Mexico. See additional discussion of the ETA in Note 11. PNM cannot predict the outcome of these matters. PVNGS Leased Interest Abandonment Application On April 2, 2021, PNM filed the PVNGS Leased Interest Abandonment Application, an application for the sale and transfer of related assets, and approval to procure new resources. As discussed in Note 13, PNM had Leased Interest under five separate leases that were approved and certificated by the predecessor agency to the NMPRC in the 1980s. Four of the five leases for 104 MW of Leased Interest terminated in January 2023, while the remaining lease for 10 MW of Leased Interest terminates in January 2024. Associated with the Leased Interest are certain PNM-owned assets and nuclear fuel that are necessary for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Leased Interest and integration of the Leased Interest generation to the transmission network. PNM determined that there will be net benefits to its customers to return the Leased Interest to the lessors in conformity with the leases, sell and transfer the related PNM-owned assets, and to replace the Leased Interest with new resources. In the application, PNM requested NMPRC authorization to decertify and abandon its Leased Interest and to create regulatory assets for the associated remaining undepreciated investments with consideration of cost recovery of the undepreciated investments in a future rate case. PNM also sought NMPRC approval to sell and transfer the PNM-owned assets and nuclear fuel supply associated with the Leased Interest to SRP, which has and will acquire the Leased Interest from the lessors upon termination of the existing leases. On April 21, 2021, the NMPRC issued an order assigning a hearing examiner and stated that issues reserved to a separate proceeding in the NM 2015 Rate Case regarding the decision to permanently disallow recovery of certain future decommissioning costs related to PVNGS Units 1 and 2 shall be addressed in this case and PNM shall file testimony addressing the issue. On June 28, 2021, NEE and CCAE jointly filed a motion to dismiss a portion of the application claiming that since PNM’s request to abandon the Leased Interest was filed after PNM had already provided irrevocable notice it would not acquire the Leased Interest, abandonment is no longer required. On July 28, 2021, the hearing examiner issued a recommended decision on NEE’s and CCAE’s joint motion to dismiss, recommending dismissal of PNM’s requests for approval to abandon and decertify the Leased Interest; dismissal of PNM’s request for approval to sell and transfer the related assets; and dismissal of PNM’s request to create regulatory assets for the associated remaining undepreciated investments, but did not preclude PNM seeking recovery of the costs in a general rate case in which the test year period includes the time period in which PNM incurs such costs. The hearing examiner’s recommended decision further provided that PNM’s request for replacement resources and the decision to permanently disallow recovery of certain future decommissioning costs related to PVNGS Units 1 and 2 should remain within the scope of this case. On August 25, 2021, the NMPRC issued an order granting portions of the July 28, 2021 recommended decision that were not contested related to dismissal of PNM’s request for approval to abandon and decertify the Leased Interest and dismissal of PNM’s request for approval to sell and transfer the related assets. In addition, the order bifurcated the issue of approval for replacement resources into a separate docket. The hearing on replacement resources was held on November 12 and 15, 2021 and December 3, 2021. On February 16, 2022, the NMPRC adopted an order approving the replacement resources. In the second quarter of 2022, PNM made compliance filings notifying the NMPRC that none of the developers had moved forward under the terms of the agreements approved by the NMPRC on February 16, 2022, and none of the replacement resource projects would be operational in 2023. PNM ultimately entered into amendments with one developer for 300 MW solar PPA combined with a 300 MW battery storage agreement, which no party opposed and was deemed approved in September 2022. PNM anticipates these facilities will be in service in 2024. On November 1, 2022, ABCWUA, Bernalillo County, CCAE, NEE, NM AREA, the NMAG, WRA, and NMPRC Staff filed a joint motion for an accounting order to require PNM to track in a regulatory liability, all costs associated with the PVNGS Leased Interests that will be abandoned in January 2023 and January 2024 that are still being collected in rates, which PNM opposed. On November 18, 2022, the NMPRC issued its order on joint motion for an accounting order requiring PNM to establish a regulatory liability to track and account for, upon termination of the PVNGS leases, all costs currently borne by ratepayers associated with those leases during pendency of the 2024 Rate Change, subject to a determination of ratemaking treatment. In addition, PNM may establish a regulatory asset account to record undepreciated investment for improvements to the Unit 1 and Unit 2 Leased Interests upon termination of the leases, and to record cost differences in the proceeds from SRP for the sale of the PVNGS Leased Assets and the actual book value. Recovery of these items will be determined in the 2024 Rate Change. In the 2024 Rate Change, PNM must also address unresolved issues including whether PNM’s decision to renew the five leases and repurchase 64.1 MW of PVNGS Unit 2 capacity exposed ratepayers to additional financial liability beyond that to which they would otherwise have been exposed, and whether PNM should be denied recovery of future decommissioning expenses as a remedy for imprudence. See 2024 Rate Change discussion above. PNM evaluated the consequences of the NMPRC’s November 18, 2022 accounting order, as required under GAAP, and whether it should establish a regulatory liability in 2023 to account for revenue collected from ratepayers during the pendency of the 2024 Rate Change. In addition, PNM evaluated whether it should establish a regulatory asset account to record undepreciated investment for improvements to the Unit 1 and Unit 2 Leased Interests upon termination of the leases in January 2023 and 2024. Based on these evaluations PNM concluded that the accounting order was not tied to a specific rate order and does not change PNM’s resources or obligations and those decisions will be determined in the 2024 Rate Change. Therefore, no loss or regulatory liability has been recorded as of September 30, 2023. The amount of any such loss to be recorded would depend on the ultimate outcome of the 2024 Rate Change, however based on amounts currently included in base rates, PNM estimates the potential loss as of September 30, 2023 to be $28.8 million. PNM does not consider a disallowance of all or part of the cost of the undepreciated leasehold improvements to be probable and reasonably estimatable at this time, and in 2023 reclassified $88.2 million of undepreciated leasehold improvements, previously reflected in Net utility plant, to a deferred regulatory asset on PNMR’s and PNM’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2023. In addition to approval by the NMPRC, PNM and SRP received NRC approval for the transfer of the associated possessory licenses at the end of the term of each of the respective leases. Summer Peak Resource Adequacy Throughout 2021, 2022 and continuing into 2023, PNM provided notices of delays and status updates to the NMPRC for the approved SJGS replacement resource projects as well as delays in replacement resources for the PVNGS leased capacity that expired in January 2023. On January 30, 2023, PNM informed the NMPRC that it had provided written notice to one of the SJGS replacement resource developers for 100 MW solar PPA and a 30 MW battery storage agreement of an event of seller default and of early termination and as a result the project would not proceed. In the second half of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023, PNM entered into agreements totaling 420 MW of firm power purchases for the summer peak in 2023 and the purchase of 40 MW of firm capacity at PVNGS for all twelve months of 2023, providing PNM with a projected system reserve margin necessary to meet customer demand. While PNM experienced a new system peak retail load of 2,139 MW on July 19, 2022, and in 2023 experienced a new system peak retail load of 2,162 MW on July 18, 2023, PNM’s generation resources performed sufficiently with no challenges to resource adequacy during the 2022 and 2023 summer peak seasons. PNM anticipates that a majority of the SJGS and PVNGS leased capacity replacement resources will be available prior to the 2024 summer peak season and may also secure additional firm energy market purchases necessary to meet customer load during the 2024 summer season. PNM is unable to predict the outcome of this matter. 2026 Resource Application On October 25, 2023, PNM filed an application with the NMPRC seeking approval of resources to be available for the 2026 summer peak. The application includes approval of a 100 MW solar PPA and three battery storage agreements of 100 MW, 100 MW, and 50 MW. In addition, PNM is seeking approval of a CCN for a 60 MW battery storage system to be owned by PNM. The resources are necessary for PNM to safely and reliably meet its projected system load. Grid Modernization Application On October 3, 2022, in compliance with New Mexico Grid Modernization Statute, PNM filed its Grid Modernization Application with the NMPRC. The projects included in the Grid Modernization Application improve customers’ ability to customize their use of energy and ensure that customers, including low-income customers, are a top priority and will benefit consistent with the Grid Modernization Statute. PNM’s proposal to modernize its electricity grid through infrastructure and technology improvements also increases the efficiency, reliability, resilience, and security of PNM’s electric system. PNM’s application seeks approval of grid modernization investments of approximately $344 million for the first six years of a broader 11-year strategy. PNM’s application requested NMPRC approval by July 1, 2023 for PNM’s grid modernization plan in addition to approval of PNM’s proposed Grid Modernization Rider by September 1, 2023. The proposed Grid Modernization Rider would recover capital costs, operating expenses, and taxes associated with the investments included in the Grid Modernization Application. PNM also requested authorization to create related regulatory assets and liabilities, permitting PNM to record costs incurred for the development and implementation of PNM’s plan between the requested approval of the application on July 1, 2023, and the implementation of the Grid Modernization Rider by September 1, 2023; undepreciated investments associated with legacy meters being replaced with AMI meters; and over- or under-collection of costs through the Grid Modernization Rider. In addition, PNM requested approval of the proposed format of an Opt-Out Consent Form and methodology to determine PNM’s proposed cost-based opt-out fees, which includes a one-time fee and a monthly fee. A hearing was held on March 20, 2023 through March 24, 2023. Post-hearing briefs were filed April 20, 2023, and response briefs were filed May 10, 2023. On May 31, 2023, the NMPRC issued an order requiring the hearing examiner to direct PNM to file a cost benefit analysis as a supplement to the application. On June 23, 2023, PNM filed its response to the order from the NMPRC, stating it could file the required cost benefit analysis by November 3, 2023. PNM is unable to predict the outcome of this matter. COVID-19 Regulatory Matters In 2020, the NMPRC issued an order authorizing all public utilities regulated by the NMPRC to create a regulatory asset to defer incremental costs related to COVID-19, including increases to bad debt expense incurred during the period beginning March 11, 2020 through the termination of the Governor of New Mexico’s emergency executive order. The NMPRC order requires public utilities creating regulatory assets to pursue all federal, state, or other subsidies available, to record a regulatory liability for all offsetting cost savings resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, and allows PNM to request recovery in future ratemaking proceedings. As a result, PNM has deferred costs related to COVID-19 of $5.7 million in regulatory assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Although PNM is seeking recovery for the increase in bad debt expense resulting from COVID-19 through a regulatory asset in the 2024 Rate Change, it no longer intends to seek recovery of other incremental costs related to the pandemic. In addition, PNM has cost savings related to COVID-19 of $0.9 million in regulatory liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The Community Solar Act In June 2021, the Community Solar Act established a program that allows for the development of community solar facilities and provides customers of a qualifying utility with the option of accessing solar energy produced by a community solar facility in accordance with the Community Solar Act. The NMPRC is charged with administering the Community Solar Act program, establishing a total maximum capacity of 200 MW community solar (applicable until November 2024) facilities and allocating proportionally to the New Mexico electric investor-owned utilities and participating cooperatives. As required under the Community Solar Act, the NMPRC opened a docket on May 12, 2021 to adopt rules to establish a community solar program no later than April 1, 2022. On June 15, 2021, the NMPRC issued an order which required utilities provide a notice to all future applicants and to any likely applicants that, until the effective date of the NMPRC’s rules in this area the NMPRC’s existing interconnection rules and manual remain in place until amended or replaced by the NMPRC, and further, that a place in a utility’s applicant queue for interconnection does not and will not provide any advantage for selection as a community solar project. PNM provided the required notices. On October 27, 2021, the NMPRC adopted an order issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NOPR”) starting the formal process for adoption of rules pursuant to the Community Solar Act. On March 30, 2022, the NMPRC issued an order that adopted a rule on the administration of the Community Solar Act program. The rule required utilities to file proposed community solar tariffs with the NMPRC within 60 days from the publication of the rule. A number of motions for rehearing and requests for clarification were filed between April 7 and May 2, 2022. On May 18, 2022, the NMPRC issued an order partially granting motions for rehearing, reconsideration and clarification and staying implementation pending further rulemaking. On June 16, 2022, PNM requested clarification related to the existing interconnection queue, which would not delay implementation of the Community Solar Act program. On July 12, 2022, the NMPRC provided notice of publication of its final rule in the New Mexico Register, starting the 60-day clock for utilities to file their proposed community solar tariffs, forms, and other relevant agreements. On September 14, 2022, PNM filed Community Solar tariffs. On October 12, 2022, the NMPRC issued an order to suspend PNM’s and two other investor-owned utilities tariffs and required the utilities to file information NMPRC Staff has identified as necessary for a complete evaluation of the tariffs but did not appoint a hearing examiner or schedule a public hearing. Another investor-owned utility has filed an appeal with the NM Supreme Court seeking review of the NMPRC’s decisions, to which PNM has intervened. On November 16, 2022, PNM filed its Community Solar tariff which establishes the Community Solar bill credit to be applied to an eligible retail customer of PNM who is a subscriber to a community solar facility. On December 23, 2022, PNM filed an updated Community Solar tariff under protest and filed a motion for clarification, suspension, and timely hearing on PNM’s Community Solar tariff. On January 18, 2023, the NMPRC suspended PNM’s Community Solar tariff. On March 1, 2023, the NMPRC issued an Order Opening a New Docket for Two-Phase Proceedings. The first phase addressed issues concerning the proposed subscriber organization agreements and the proposed customer data forms. The second phase will address all issues concerning proposed tariffs, agreements and forms that are not addressed in the first phase. On May 31, 2023, the utilities filed a Consolidated Reply Brief to the NMPRC and the Joint Intervenors-Appellee filed Answer Briefs in the NM Supreme Court proceeding. On September 21, 2023, the NMPRC issued an order approving an uncontested stipulation on the first phase. The order directs PNM to file an advice notice conforming to the stipulation with an effective date of October 30, 2023. If NMPRC Staff recommends that the advice notice be allowed to go into effect, then no further order of the NMPRC will be needed and the first phase shall be complete at such time as the advice notice becomes effective. A hearing is scheduled for the second phase to begin on January 17, 2024. PNM cannot predict the outcome of the pending matters. Battery Energy Storage System Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (“CCN”) On May 3, 2023, PNM filed a CCN application with the NMPRC for two battery energy storage systems, 6 MW each, located on PNM’s distribution system in Valencia and Bernalillo counties. PNM intends to construct, own, and operate these systems that will be interconnected to the distribution system on feeders that currently exceed their existing hosting capacity limits due to the high amount of solar production connected to them. The deployment of battery energy storage systems on these feeders at capacity will bring the power flow on the feeders back within design limits, potentially allowing a number of solar interconnection applications currently on hold to interconnect, which will in turn reduce carbon emissions and the need to curtail solar production in times of oversupply. PNM is requesting approval of the CCN application, with an estimated total cost of $25.8 million, by December 31, 2023 to support the proposed construction schedule and have the battery energy storage systems begin serving customers in June 2024. On May 30, 2023, the hearing examiner issued an order setting out a procedural schedule with a hearing held on October 12, 2023. PNM is unable to predict the outcome of this matter. Meta Platforms Inc. Data Center PNM has a special service contract to provide service to Meta, Inc. for a data center in PNM’s service area. Meta’s service requirements include the acquisition by PNM of a sufficient amount of new renewable energy resources and RECs to match the energy and capacity requirements of the data center. The cost of renewable energy procured is passed through to Meta under a rate rider. A special service rate is applied to Meta’s energy consumption in those hours of the month when their consumption exceeds the energy production from the renewable resources. As of September 30, 2023, PNM is procuring energy from 180 MW of solar-PV capacity from NMRD, a 50% equity method investee of PNMR Development. See additional discussion of NMRD in Note 16. On July 24, 2023, PNM filed an application with the NMPRC for approval to service the data center for an additional 140 MW of solar PPA combined with 50 MW of battery storage expected to be operational in 2025. On August 4, 2023, the hearing examiner issued an order setting out a procedural schedule with a hearing to begin November 7, 2023. PNM is unable to predict the outcome of this matter. Transportation and Electrification Program (TEP) On June 1, 2023, PNM filed its 2024-2026 TEP with the NMPRC, requesting approval of a $37.1 million total three-year budget and continuation of the current TEP Rider. Approximately 22% of the budget, $8.0 million, will be dedicated to low-income customers. On July 21, 2023, the hearing examiner issued an order setting out a procedural schedule with a hearing to begin December 13, 2023. PNM is unable to predict the outcome of this matter. FERC Order 864 In November 2019, FERC issued Order No. 864, which required public utility transmission providers with transmission formula rates to revise those rates to account for changes resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”). PNM had already made revisions to its formula rate to account for Tax Act changes, and, as a result of the Order, PNM proposed additional changes to its formula rate to implement the remaining requirements of the Order. In July 2022, FERC issued an order finding that PNM had predominantly complied with the requirements but set aside certain matters for settlement and hearing procedures. The parties have a settlement agreement in principle and expect to file a settlement letter for the Settlement Judge’s review by November 3, 2023. As a result of adjustments agreed to in settlement discussions, PNM recorded a decrease of $3.1 million to electric operating revenues on PNMR’s and PNM’s Statement of Earnings and a corresponding increase to other current liabilities on PNMR’s and PNM’s Balance Sheets at September 30, 2023. PNM is unable to determine the outcome of this matter. TNMP Transmission Cost of Service Rates TNMP can update its transmission cost of service (“TCOS”) rates twice per year to reflect changes in its invested capital although updates are not allowed while a general rate case is in process. Updated rates reflect the addition and retirement of transmission facilities, including appropriate depreciation, federal income tax and other associated taxes, and the approved rate of return on such facilities. The following sets forth TNMP’s recent interim transmission cost rate increases:
Effective Date |  | Approved Increase in Rate Base |  | Annual Increase in Revenue
|  | (In millions)
September 20, 2021 |  | $ | 41.2 |  |  | $ | 6.3 |
March 25, 2022 |  | 95.6 |  |  | 14.2 |
September 22, 2022 |  | 36.0 |  |  | 5.3 |
May 12, 2023 |  | 150.5 |  |  | 19.4 |
September 6, 2023 |  | 21.4 |  |  | 4.2 |
Periodic Distribution Rate Adjustment PUCT rules permit interim rate adjustments to reflect changes in investments in distribution assets. Historically, distribution utilities have been restricted to a single, annual periodic rate adjustment through a distribution cost recovery filing (“DCRF”) submitted between April 1 and April 8 of each year as long as the electric utility was not earning more than its authorized rate of return using weather-normalized data. However, the recent passage of Senate Bill 1015 now permits DCRF proceedings to be filed twice per year with a 60-day administrative deadline that can be extended for 15 days on good cause. Additionally, a DCRF may be filed during a pending rate case proceeding as long as that DCRF request is not filed until the 185th day after the rate case proceeding was initiated. The following sets forth TNMP’s recent interim distribution rate increases:
Effective Date |  | Approved Increase in Rate Base |  | Annual Increase in Revenue
|  | (In millions)
September 1, 2021 |  | $ | 104.5 |  |  | $ | 13.5 |
September 1, 2022 |  | 95.7 |  |  | 6.8 |
September 1, 2023 |  | 157.0 |  |  | 14.5 |
Energy EfficiencyTNMP recovers the costs of its energy efficiency programs through an energy efficiency cost recovery factor (“EECRF”), which includes projected program costs, under and over collected costs from prior years, rate case expenses, and performance bonuses (if programs exceed mandated savings goals). TNMP’s 2021 EECRF filing requested recovery of $7.2 million, including a performance bonus of $2.3 million, and became effective March 1, 2022. On May 27, 2022, TNMP filed its request to adjust the EECRF to reflect changes in costs for 2023. The total amount requested was $7.4 million, which includes a performance bonus of $1.9 million based on TNMP’s energy efficiency achievements in the 2021 plan year. On August 24, 2022, a unanimous stipulation and settlement was filed with the PUCT to recover $7.3 million in 2023, including the performance bonus of $1.9 million. On October 6, 2022, the PUCT approved the unanimous stipulation. On May 26, 2023, TNMP filed its request to adjust the EECRF to reflect changes in costs for 2024. On September 28, 2023, the PUCT approved a unanimous stipulation, authorizing recovery of $6.6 million, including a performance bonus of $1.2 million based on TNMP’s energy efficiency achievements in the 2022 plan year.

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