LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Protecting rural electric co-ops is about protecting our communities

In New Mexico, we know the value of rural electric cooperatives. They aren’t just companies that provide electricity — they are member-owned lifelines that power our homes, schools and businesses. They are the first responders in storms, the sponsors of our kids’ sports teams, and a backbone of our rural economy.

As much as they are part of the fabric of our community, they face a serious threat — not from wildfires or rough weather, but from the risk of excessive liability that could jeopardize their ability to serve our communities.

Two bills, HB 334 and SB 281, ensures electric co-ops can take wildfire prevention seriously without facing financial ruin. These bills have already passed their first committee hearings, and it’s critical they move forward. Let’s be clear: This legislation is about protecting our communities, not corporations.

These bills set reasonable limits on liability, ensuring that rural electric cooperatives can continue providing affordable, reliable power while being held accountable for responsible wildfire mitigation. Without these protections, co-ops could be crippled by lawsuits, and the consequences would fall squarely on the backs of working families, small businesses and rural communities.

As a former mayor, city councilman and school board member in a rural northern New Mexico town, I know firsthand how much our communities rely on electric co-ops. They aren’t just power providers; they are neighbors, friends and community leaders. They fund scholarships for our kids. They invest in our infrastructure. And when disaster strikes — whether it’s a wildfire, snowstorm or power outage — co-op workers are the first ones out, working through the night to restore service.

Without protections, even co-ops that have taken all reasonable precautions could face significant financial challenges from wildfire-related lawsuits. This would lead to higher energy bills, reduced service reliability, and possibly even the closure of some co-ops, leaving rural communities vulnerable. HB 334 and SB 281 require co-ops to implement wildfire mitigation plans and make them publicly available. They limit liability for co-ops that follow wildfire prevention rules, ensuring they aren’t unduly liable for fires they worked to prevent, while capping total damages to prevent excessive lawsuits that could put co-ops out of business. These bills do not give co-ops a free pass — they are still responsible for maintaining safe infrastructure. They don’t take away anyone’s right to sue but help ensure lawsuits are fair and don’t threaten the sustainability of co-ops and the communities they serve.

New Mexicans deserve a legal system that protects communities and ensures that rural electric cooperatives can continue serving the people who depend on them. Both bills are reasonable, common-sense solutions that will allow co-ops to keep the lights on while continuing responsible wildfire mitigation efforts. I urge lawmakers in the House and Senate Judiciary Committees to act swiftly and pass this legislation. By doing so, they will help safeguard our energy future, our economy and our way of life. Our co-ops serve us — it’s time we stand up and protect them and, in turn, protect our communities.

Matthew Gonzales

Cimarron