The Cost of Energy, the Albuquerque Folk Festival, Teacher Evaluations

On the next New Mexico in Focus, we look at the cost of energy. The state Public Regulation Commission (PRC) recently rejected PNM’s request for a rate hike and new fees for residential solar customers. However, the state’s largest utility is expected to re-file the request later this summer. What would higher rates mean for customers, especially low-income families? How might new fees impact solar customers? Join us as we bring in different perspectives on the cost of energy, both now and in the future.

Also this week, we learn about the history and philosophy behind the Albuquerque Folk Festival. People of all ages and abilities turn out each year to learn music, dance and other crafts from local musicians and artists.

Teacher evaluations have been a controversial topic in New Mexico this year. Host Gene Grant and the line opinion panelists debate a profile of one teacher’s evaluation in the Albuquerque Journal. The panelists also discuss the news that the state denied a courts request for emergency funds and they share their thoughts on upcoming political events related to the 2016 presidential election.

GUESTS:
Ryan Baca, spokesperson for PNM
Vicente Garcia, director of Juntos New Mexico
Julian Singer-Corbin, spokesperson for Positive Energy Solar
Erika Gerety, Albuquerque Folk Festival
Gary Libman, Albuquerque Folk Festival

LINE PANELISTS:
Janice Arnold-Jones, former State Representative
Sophie Martin, attorney & dukecityfix.com
Rob Nikolewski, Watchdog.org
John Wertheim, former New Mexico Democratic Party chairman

CORRESPONDENT:
Sarah Gustavus

HOST:
Gene Grant

The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Sarah Gustavus. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation Communications Fund, Santa Fe Community Foundation.

Episode 846 airs May 29, 2015