(Albuquerque, NM) – PNM, through its parent company, TXNM Energy, has been recognized by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) with the Humanizing Energy: Model for Community Engagement in Energy Projects Technology Transfer Award. This international honor highlights the importance of community‑driven, culturally informed approaches to energy transition, an approach that has guided PNM's work with the Navajo Nation and other communities across New Mexico.
The award recognizes a multi‑year effort focused on a just and equitable energy transition for the Navajo Nation, especially in the wake of the closure of two power plants that had long served as major sources of jobs and revenue. Built on trusted relationships and supported by PNM's Tribal Engagement Office, the project emphasizes that successful energy transitions must be human centered, historically informed, and rooted in trust‑based partnerships. For the Navajo Nation, this means sustained engagement, transparent decision‑making and investments that build local capacity, workforce pathways and long‑term economic resilience.
"This recognition reflects the deep value of authentic engagement and collaborative planning," said Don Tarry, President and CEO of PNM. "The Navajo Nation is at a pivotal moment, with an opportunity to chart a new economic path. We are committed to strengthening our partnership and supporting a transition that honors history, respects sovereignty and builds long‑term opportunity."
The project highlights the Nation's resilience and the potential for deeper collaboration with PNM as the energy landscape evolves. The award affirms the global relevance of this work and the importance of centering people, culture, and community in the transition to a clean energy future.
"We appreciate PNM's continued partnership and commitment to engaging the Navajo Nation in a way that respects our sovereignty, our people, and our future," said Dr. Buu Nygren, President of the Navajo Nation. "Efforts that invest in our workforce, strengthen our communities, and honor our history are essential as we chart a path toward long-term economic resilience and energy leadership."
PNM's parent company, along with a larger group of utilities, was also honored with an award from EPRI for their research to prevent conductor burndowns, which are incidents where power lines can become damaged or fail. The award recognizes the company's innovative use of special devices that detect problems on the line and shut off power before equipment is harmed. These devices help reduce wildfire risk by limiting the likelihood of energized downed wires that could ignite surrounding vegetation. By improving how these technologies are applied, the company is making the electric system safer, more reliable and better protected against outages and wildfire hazards across New Mexico.
