Clovis to intervene in EPCOR rate case; city hires two economists as expert witnesses

City legal staff asked for and received authority to intervene in an EPCOR rate‑adjustment docket before the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. Intervention will allow the city to submit evidence, present testimony and, if necessary, rebut EPCOR filings. Staff indicated the deadline to file the motion to intervene is Nov. 13 and that hearings were likely in February.

The commission also approved a professional‑services agreement to retain two economists (Dr. Larry Blank and Maureen Reno) as expert witnesses, at a combined not‑to‑exceed fee just under the RFP threshold (about $59,400). City staff described the witnesses’ roles in analyzing rate data, return on investment and capital plans, and said the same consultants had supported the city in 2018. The motion to intervene and the expert contract both passed unanimously.