The Jicarilla Apache Nation has approved an agreement that will allow the state's largest electric utility to power part of the reservation.
An attorney representing the tribe, Nann Winter, says it has been dissatisfied with Northern Rio Arriba Electric Cooperative. The agreement approved this week will bring in Public Service Company of New Mexico by the end of next year.
Winter tells the Albuquerque Journal that both PNM and the tribe will construct facilities that will be interconnected.
Winter says the tribe also is working on a distribution line between Chama and Dulce where tribal government offices are located. It also has plans to build two substations and a switch yard.
Jemez Mountain Electric will continue serving the southern end of the reservation.
Information from: Albuquerque Journal.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.