Southwestern Public Service Co residential customers paid an average of 11.98¢/kWh in 2024 —
15% below the New Mexico average of 14.10¢/kWh (EIA-861).
It served 100,540 residential customers across 6 NM counties.
Territories are fixed by address, but the cheapest nearby utility, Central Valley Elec Coop (8.91¢), works out about $332/yr less at 10,800 kWh/yr.
How Southwestern Public Service compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs Southwestern Public Service, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Valley Elec Coop, Inc | 8.91 | 6,150 | -3.07 | -$332 |
| Lea County Electric Coop, Inc | 10.07 | 7,217 | -1.91 | -$206 |
| Southwestern Public Service Co (this page) | 11.98 | 100,540 | — | — |
| Farmers Electric Coop, Inc | 12.87 | 10,258 | +0.89 | +$96 |
| Public Service Co of NM | 15.57 | 492,945 | +3.59 | +$388 |
| Central New Mexico El Coop, Inc | 17.16 | 19,126 | +5.18 | +$560 |
| Otero County Electric Coop Inc | 17.65 | 16,448 | +5.67 | +$613 |
6 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with Southwestern Public Service. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than Southwestern Public Service customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, not options you can pick between.
Where Southwestern Public Service customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | Southwestern Public Service premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaves | Central Valley Elec Coop, Inc | 8.91 | +$332 |
| Eddy | Central Valley Elec Coop, Inc | 8.91 | +$332 |
| Lea | Central Valley Elec Coop, Inc | 8.91 | +$332 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 11.77 | 11.98 | +1.8% |
| Residential customers | 99,886 | 100,540 | +0.7% |
Ownership: Investor Owned. Statewide context: New Mexico electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a Southwestern Public Service bill
New Mexico is a regulated retail market — Southwestern Public Service customers cannot choose a different supplier; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings. Official information: nm-prc.org.
Counties served (NM, EIA-861 2024)
Chaves · Curry · Eddy · Lea · Quay · Roosevelt
Head-to-head comparisons
Questions people ask
- Is Southwestern Public Service Co more expensive than other New Mexico utilities?
- Southwestern Public Service Co customers paid an average 11.98 cents/kWh in 2024 — 15% below the New Mexico volume-weighted average of 14.10 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from Southwestern Public Service Co?
- No — distribution territory is fixed by address and New Mexico has no residential supplier shopping. Rate changes go through the state utility commission (nm-prc.org).
- How many customers does Southwestern Public Service Co have?
- 100,540 residential customers in New Mexico in 2024 across 6 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: investor-owned.
About these numbers. Rates shown are averages computed from federal regulatory filings (EIA Form 861)
and public tariff databases — confirm with your utility before making decisions; your actual rate depends on your tariff,
usage, and riders. Distribution utility is determined by address and generally cannot be chosen; in retail-choice states
you may choose your supplier for the supply portion of the bill. Savings figures use 10,800 kWh/yr
(US average residential usage) and are estimates, not quotes. EnergySavings is an independent data project by CertiHomes
and is not affiliated with any utility, supplier, or government agency.