NM HB311

Requires electric public utilities to implement virtual power plant programs that aggregate distributed energy resources (solar, batteries, electric vehicles, smart panels) to provide grid services by reducing load or exporting power as needed

Public Regulation Commission must promulgate rules by December 31, 2026, and utilities must submit program applications by February 1, 2027

Sets initial program size at no less than 15% of peak demand during the first five years, with compensation rates locked in for five years for participating distributed energy resource owners

Ensures third-party aggregators can compete with utilities by requiring equal access to customer and grid data, and prohibits disqualifying participants based on their rate schedule or receipt of other incentives

Energy storage systems with capacity of one megawatt or higher must comply with Public Works Minimum Wage Act requirements; utilities may recover reasonable implementation costs through commission-approved mechanisms