PRC Commissioner Joseph Maestas
PRC News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that District Three Commissioner Joseph Maestas has been recognized as part of a select group of Hispanic energy commissioners from across the United States by Hispanics in Energy, a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting Hispanic inclusion in the energy industry.
A ceremony honoring the group took place Tuesday in San Diego.
“We are honoring Commissioner Maestas because there are 198 total commissioners in the U.S. and he is one out of only five Hispanic commissioners, even though Hispanics represent almost 19 percent of the U.S. population,” said Hispanics in Energy President and CEO Jose Perez. “This is an opportunity for us to showcase these commissioners and raise awareness that there is a need for more Hispanic participation in these jobs, that we have people who are more than willing and capable of doing the work and who are doing exemplary jobs as commissioners.”
A native New Mexican, Commissioner Maestas has been serving on the PRC since January 2021. The current Vice-Chair and former Chair, he will serve out a two-year term ending Dec. 31, 2022, as the PRC transitions to an appointed commission.
PRC District Three covers much of central Northern New Mexico, including the communities of Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Taos, Espanola and Chama. Read more about Commissioner Maestas at https://www.nm-prc.org/who-is-my-commissioner/commissioner-joseph-m-maestas-district-3/
“Having people of color in the room and at the table in utility regulation is critical for justice and equity, to make sure the needs of communities of color, and particularly low- and middle-income populations, are being considered and addressed,” Commissioner Maestas said. “It’s humbling to be honored and for there to be so few Hispanic commissioners when Hispanics represent such a significant segment of our country’s population. All aspects of our society should reflect the cultural diversity of America, but public utility regulation seems to be an exception to that.”
For more information about Hispanics in Energy, visit https://www.hispanicsinenergy.com/
The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) regulates the utilities, telecommunications, and motor carrier industries to ensure fair and reasonable rates, and to assure reasonable and adequate services to the public as provided by law.
The NMPRC also promotes public safety through the offices of State Fire Marshal, the Firefighter Training Academy, Pipeline Safety Bureau and Transportation Division.
