New Mexico Statutes Chapter 62. Electric, Gas and Water Utilities § 62-19-20. Hearing examiners

A. The commission may appoint a commissioner or a hearing examiner to preside over any matter before the commission, including rulemakings, adjudicatory hearings and administrative matters.

B. A hearing examiner shall provide the commission with a recommended decision on the matter assigned to the hearing examiner, including findings of fact and conclusions of law. The recommended decision shall be provided to the parties, and they may file exceptions to the decision prior to the final decision of the commission.

C. When the commission has appointed a hearing examiner to preside over a matter, at least one member of the commission shall, at the request of a party to the proceedings, attend oral argument.