January 25, 2024

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Recognizing the growing market demand for electric vehicles and the demand for charging they create, the New Mexico Construction Industries Commission voted last week to adopt both the 2021 Commercial Energy Conservation Code and the 2021 Residential Energy Conservation Code. The adoption of these codes will require electric vehicle infrastructure to be built into new commercial and residential construction projects. It will also require contractors to follow certain energy efficiency building standards that will help save energy and put money back into New Mexicans’ wallets.

This vote came after Gov. Lujan Grisham’s State of the State speech asking the Legislature to approve a $55 million request to help fund a more widespread electric vehicle charging network in New Mexico. The ability to charge a vehicle at a home, apartment, or while shopping at a grocery store is something that most New Mexicans don’t currently have the ability to do. However, with these updated code changes and an expanded charging network, the state will be ready as more and more people turn to EVs.

The governor also has asked the Legislature to approve a new income tax credit for electric vehicles and for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging units to help speed their adoption. Under House Bill 140, a credit of up to $25,000 would be available for direct current, commercial scale charging units, and $400 would be available for residential charging units.

“Through close work with constituents and industry experts, the Construction Industries Division will now implement a set of codes that will ensure our state is constructing energy efficient homes and supporting drivers as they purchase electric vehicles,” said Clay Bailey, Superintendent of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. “I am pleased that the Commission listened to the public’s overwhelming support and voted to adopt both the residential and commercial energy codes that will help keep New Mexico on pace with other leading energy conservation states.”

The newly adopted codes will be required on new construction projects starting July 30, 2024. An outline of the major changes to the codes:

2021 New Mexico Commercial Energy Conservation Code (14.7.9 NMAC):

• Requiring that commercial facilities, including apartment complexes and retail centers, have available parking spaces to support electric vehicle infrastructure.

2021 New Mexico Residential Energy Conservation Code (14.6.6. NMAC):

• Requiring new homes be equipped with an adequate electrical outlet to support future electric vehicle charging equipment.
• Revising minimum insulation values and requirements to help with efficient heating and cooling. This will allow newly constructed homes to be at or close to zero energy.

The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department has requested $13 million for the Construction Industries Division’s FY25 budget to allow the division to continue performing this type of critical work and ensuring New Mexico is consistently moving forward with its building codes.