The state Public Regulation Commission wants to know if PNM is right in adding $104,000 in extra costs to Rio Rancho customers’ bills for an above-ground project forced underground.

A 4,500-foot distribution line needed to increase power capacity in the city was to be strung above ground.

But before the 2010 project began, PNM learned Rio Rancho had changed an ordinance governing rights-of-way, which meant the line had to be buried.

That change and other problems including a design error added the $104,000 to the project.

PRC staff supported PNM’s position, but at today’s regular meeting regulation commissioners said the cost seems high and asked for more information before making a decision.

A date has not been set for the next hearing.

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