Public Service Co. of New Mexico disputes a fired plant manager's testimony that PNM caused higher spending for electricity by cutting operating and maintenance spending and padded other costs to potentially earn more profits.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that Gregory Smith testified during a November deposition for an environmental group in preparation for a regulatory proceeding now underway
PNM says Smith signed off on the San Juan Generating Station's budget for 2013 long before he was fired in May 2013.
The current hearing is on PNM's proposal to close and modify parts of the coal-fired plant.
PNM succeeded in keeping much of Smith's testimony out of the current proceeding, but a hearing examiner has said it could be suitable for consideration during a separate rate case for PNM.
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