Summary
The county has a goal to phase out natural gas (10% reduction by 2030) but usage hasn't budged in 25 years. Councilor Havemann urged nudging the development code toward all-electric new construction; Foxdale Flats power comes online next spring and the carbon-neutral-by-2040 goal has seen little progress.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 21, 2026.
Impact analysis
New gas construction will eventually require expensive conversion to electric.
Long-term ratepayers and the climate, if electrification succeeds.
Builders and property owners facing future conversion costs.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Board of Public Utilities — October 21, 2026
Councilor Cull relayed public complaints that public EV chargers are too expensive and asked the board to consider lower, incentive rates. Members noted the Level 3 chargers currently lose about $2,000 a month and debated whether subsidizing them is legitimate.
County Council (Work) — October 20, 2026
Councilor Cull flagged that public EV chargers cost about as much as gas, undercutting the climate plan's goal of encouraging EVs. Staff noted rates include replacement costs, and ESB may work with the Board of Public Utilities on the issue.
Board of Public Utilities Work Session — August 5, 2026
An 18-month UNM/NMSU study found the county can reach its 2070 zero-natural-gas goal if households switch as appliances fail, but the grid would see about 61% more demand and a much sharper winter peak. Electrical panel upgrades costing $2,000-$8,000 are the biggest barrier, and three quarters of households have no plans to switch.
County Council (Work) — July 14, 2026
The county has a goal to phase out natural gas (10% reduction by 2030) but usage hasn't budged in 25 years. Councilor Havemann urged nudging the development code toward all-electric new construction; Foxdale Flats power comes online next spring and the carbon-neutral-by-2040 goal has seen little progress.
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