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.” 

New Mexico in Focus airs on NMPBS 5.1 (KNME HD) Friday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 31 at 7 a.m., and streaming on the PBS video app.  

NMiF Segment(s)

Potential PNM Merger Partner Avangrid’s History in Maine 
Correspondent 
Laura Paskus 

Guest 
Caitlin Andrews, reporter, Bangor Daily News 

Downtown ABQ Stadium Vote Opinions 
Guests
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 

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

Host
Gene Grant 

New Mexico in Focus is the New Mexico PBS prime-time news magazine show covering the events, issues, and people that are shaping life in New Mexico and the Southwest. NMiF takes a multi-layered look at social, political, economic health, education, and art issues, and explores them in-depth with a critical eye to give them context beyond the "news of the moment." 

The producer of New Mexico in Focus is Matt Grubs, with Kathy Wimmer, associate producer. The NM PBS Public Affairs executive producer is Kevin McDonald. 

The McCune Charitable Foundation provides NMiF funding, along with viewers like you. Get updates, watch and follow New Mexico PBS on FacebookTwitterYouTube, and more.