News Release

July 18, 2002

Students See Power Plant 'Up Close and Personal'

PNM NEWS News releases Financial news Contact PNM

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT Susan Sponar Telephone: (505) 241-2768

Waterflow: Some 35 students will have a chance to tour San Juan Generating Station on Friday, July 19 for a first-hand look at how a power plant is operated. The tour is part of the student’s curriculum developed as a part of the new San Juan College Industrial Process Operator Program.

The students will get an overview of how the power plant operates and then personally tour the many areas of the plant. Their tour guides – all long-time plant employees - will be available to answer technical questions about the plant’s design and operation. They can also offer the students insights on the plant’s working environment and the many career options for plant operators.

The Industrial Process Operator Program at San Juan College is a two-year technical training program that prepares graduates for entry-level jobs operating natural gas and oil refinery facilities as well as power plants. The first class enrolled in the spring of 2002.

The program has been sponsored by PNM, operator of San Juan Generating Station in Waterflow, and Arizona Public Service Co., operator of Four Corners Power Plant in Fruitland. Each company contributed $600,000 toward setting up the new program.

With an aging work force, the two companies foresee the need to replenish their experienced work forces with well-trained, top-notch employees. The students in the new program will help fill that need.

For a photo opportunity during the tour or to interview the students and plant personnel, please contact Lisa Martin at San Juan Generating Station – 598-7876. The students will be touring the plant from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.