Over the past 50 years, the electric grid has transformed from a one-way power source into a dynamic, multi-functional system. Today, it not only powers homes but also gives customers greater control over their energy use and bills, while supporting more renewable energy.

Grid modernization focuses on delivering better service, enhanced reliability, and increasing customer value. It's about more than renewable energy¿it ensures grid safety, supports climate goals, and enables a sustainable energy future for New Mexico. By upgrading our aging infrastructure, we can manage a stable and reliable grid as renewable energy grows.

The current grid cannot meet today's demands for distributed generation and customer-driven energy solutions. Modernizing the grid is essential to keep pace with what customers want: reliability, flexibility, and clean energy.

AMI stands for Advanced Metering Infrastructure. It is a system of SmartMeters, communication networks, and data management systems that enable two-way communication between utilities and customers.

SmartMeters are a smart choice for New Mexico, and they are an important part of grid modernization. They're simple digital versions of the analog electrical meter attached to a home or business. SmartMeters will provide customers with the ability to access energy usage information, as well as their solar generation data.

Distribution upgrades on the grid will allow faster responses to outages, sometimes allowing power to be restored remotely without sending a crew. Thanks to SmartMeters, PNM will know if there's an outage in any given area much faster than ever before, which means we can respond faster than before.

Residential and business customers will be able to monitor their electrical consumption in near real-time, allowing them to adjust their usage and avoid unexpected costs. No more guessing or wondering what energy usage is¿it's right on the meter display.

A proportionately large segment of New Mexico's population is low-income. PNM's Grid Modernization Plan will deploy technology, like SmartMeters and distribution system upgrades, to low-income areas first.

New Mexico's sustainable energy policies provide a competitive edge. Grid modernization will enhance that edge by providing reliability and integrating more rooftop solar, attracting more businesses to our state that will create new jobs.

Network Deployment is the first step of the AMI Meter Deployment. It involves installing communication devices, such as Access Points (APs) and Relays, on utility poles. These devices create the network that allows SmartMeters to transmit usage data to PNM.

Network deployment is anticipated to begin in November 2025. The deployment will happen by region, beginning in the Albuquerque metro area, and is anticipated to take around six months to complete.

No. Meters will not be exchanged during network deployment.

Communications are secured using encryption protocols and multiple layers of security to prevent unauthorized access and ensure data integrity. Additionally, network devices are not used to transmit any customer personal information, such as names and addresses.

No. Installing network infrastructure on poles will not disrupt your electrical service. If you experience an outage, please report it to PNM by phone, text, or online.

No. These network devices will not affect your internet or any of your personal devices. The devices being installed, such as access points and relays, are part of a secure and independent communication system used exclusively by PNM for the AMI infrastructure and systems. They do not connect or otherwise interfere with home internet, Wi-Fi, or any personal electronics.

No. SmartMeters use an embedded radio that enables two-way communication between the meter and our systems. This method is more secure than information transmitted via Wi-Fi.

No. PNM will not control your daily energy use in your home or business. The new technology allows PNM to read your meter without the need for anyone to access your property. You will no longer need to unlock fences or put away pets to have your meter read.

Yes. SmartMeters transmit usage data over a private network with multiple layers of security and store it on PNM's secure servers. They do not send personal information such as names or addresses. Protecting your privacy is a priority. PNM never sells or shares your account or usage data without your consent. We invest in robust technology and follow the U.S. Department of Energy's DataGuard Energy Data Privacy Program Guidelines to safeguard your information. https://www.smartgrid.gov/data_guard.html.

Independent research, including studies by The California Council on Science and Technology found that wireless SmartMeters result in much smaller levels of radio frequency (RF) exposure than many existing household electronic devices, particularly cell phones and microwave ovens. And unlike these devices, SmartMeters emit RF only when they transmit data, which typically totals less than one minute per day.

Over the past 50 years, reputable, independent parties have researched this technology and determined that the energy absorbed from SmartMeter radio frequency is significantly lower than the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) safety guidelines.

Yes. Grid Modernization is an essential step to making our carbon-free commitment a reality. By modernizing the grid, PNM will be able to integrate more solar capacity into our energy mix. The improved technology more seamlessly connects renewable energy generated by homeowners through the system.

More than 30,000 PNM customers have installed solar/PV systems in their homes or businesses, and interest is growing. Between 2020 and 2021, applications increased by 20% and solar/PV system connections increased by 35%. As more customers evaluate whether solar/PV systems are right for them, SmartMeter data can help in this decision.

Once fully implemented, customers will be able to review their SmartMeter data to see when they use electricity the most and whether installing solar/PV and storage would align with their daily usage patterns in a way that makes financial sense.

Grid modernization investments mean PNM can better monitor and manage the grid. Our plans for incorporating advanced technology for monitoring and controlling the grid means that we can better support customers interested in participating in Community Solar.

As more customers choose EVs, SmartMeter data will help ensure the grid can support the new demand.

PNM has also introduced a Whole Home Electric Vehicle rate to encourage customers to charge their vehicles when there is an abundant supply of electricity rather than during periods when electricity demand is high.