Skip to main content

Glossary

This glossary defines key terms, acronyms, and concepts used throughout the NMPRC Public Portal User Guide. Use this reference to better understand the terminology and functionality of the system.

A​

Access Type​

The visibility classification assigned to a document or filing. Options include:

  • Non-Confidential: Publicly accessible documents visible to all users
  • Confidential: Restricted documents with limited access permissions

A feature that allows users to search for dockets and documents using multiple filters such as docket number, caption, type, category, party name, company, filing date, and status. Available to both logged-in users and visitors from the public landing page.

Authorized Filer​

An individual or entity who has legal authority to file documents on behalf of another party. When filing on behalf of someone else, you must provide the authorized filer's details.

C​

Case 360 View​

A comprehensive view that displays all information related to a specific docket, including:

  • Docket details (number, status, company, submission date)
  • Pleading documents
  • Party information
  • Service notifications
  • Comments

Accessible by clicking on a Docket ID from the dashboard or search results.

Case Management System (CMS)​

The underlying system that manages dockets, filings, documents, and related information for the NMPRC. Also referred to as the Docket Management System.

Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN)​

A certificate issued by the NMPRC that grants a utility company the authority to provide service in a specific geographic area. Referenced in formal complaints and filings.

Closed Docket​

A docket that has been resolved, completed, or terminated. Closed dockets remain accessible for viewing but are no longer active in the system.

Comment 360 View​

A detailed view showing all information related to a specific comment, including comment details, contact information, attachments, and review summary.

Company 360 View​

A comprehensive view displaying all information about a registered company, including:

  • Company details and contact information
  • Associated dockets
  • Related comments

Accessible by clicking on a company name from the dashboard.

Company Management​

The process of registering, updating, and managing company profiles within the system. Tier 2 users can register new companies and request management access to existing companies.

Company Type / SubType​

Classification categories used to categorize companies by their industry and specialization. Examples include utility companies, telecommunications providers, and pipeline operators.

Confidential Document​

A document marked with restricted access that is not publicly visible. Only authorized users can view confidential documents.

Confirmation Number​

A unique identifier assigned to each submitted filing, complaint, comment, or IPRA request. Use this number to track the status and reference your submission.

D​

Dashboard​

The main workspace and navigation area displayed after logging into the Public Portal. Provides access to dockets, filings, company records, notifications, and submission options based on user type (Tier 1 or Tier 2).

Docket​

A formal case or proceeding before the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. Dockets can include applications, complaints, rulemaking proceedings, and other regulatory matters. Each docket is assigned a unique docket number.

Docket Caption​

The official title or description of a docket that summarizes its subject matter. Displayed in search results and docket listings.

Docket Category​

A classification used to further categorize dockets within a specific docket type. For example, utility dockets may have categories such as rate cases, service quality, or infrastructure.

Docket Management System​

See Case Management System (CMS).

Docket Number​

A unique identifier assigned to each docket in the system. Used to search, reference, and track dockets throughout their lifecycle.

Docket Type​

The classification category for a docket, such as:

  • Pipeline
  • Telecommunications
  • Utility
  • Complaint
  • Application
  • Rulemaking

Document​

Any file uploaded to the system, including pleadings, exhibits, supporting documents, orders, notices, and attachments. Documents are associated with specific dockets or filings.

Document ID​

A unique identifier assigned to each document uploaded to the system. Used to reference and retrieve specific documents.

Document Type​

A classification category for documents, such as:

  • Petition
  • Exhibit
  • Order
  • Filing
  • Notice
  • Supporting Document
  • Reference

Doing Business As (DBA)​

A trade name or alternate business name used by a company in addition to its legal name. Recorded during company registration.

F​

Filer​

The individual or entity who submits a filing, complaint, comment, or other document to the NMPRC. The filer may be the same as the party or may be filing on behalf of another party.

Filing​

The act of submitting documents, complaints, applications, or other materials to the NMPRC through the Public Portal. Also refers to the submitted materials themselves.

Formal Complaint​

A written complaint filed with the NMPRC alleging a violation of law, rule, tariff, or operating authority. Formal complaints initiate a formal proceeding and require specific information including the nature of the dispute, applicable law, relief sought, and supporting facts.

I​

Industry Type / Industry Subtype​

Classification categories used during company registration to identify the primary business sector and specialization of a company (e.g., Electric Utility, Natural Gas, Telecommunications).

Informal Complaint​

A complaint process that may precede a formal complaint. Users can attempt to resolve issues through informal channels before filing a formal complaint with the Commission.

Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA)​

A New Mexico state law that provides the public with the right to access public records held by government agencies, including the NMPRC. The Public Portal provides an online system to submit, track, and manage IPRA requests.

IPRA Request​

A request submitted under the Inspection of Public Records Act to access public records held by the NMPRC. Requests can be submitted for digital or printed documents and go through various statuses during processing.

L​

Lead Attorney​

The primary attorney representing a party in a docket proceeding. Lead attorney information is collected during docket filing and includes contact details and address.

M​

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)​

A security feature that requires users to verify their identity using multiple methods, such as:

  • Phone (for one-time passwords)
  • Email (for password resets and verification)

MFA helps protect user accounts from unauthorized access.

N​

New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC)​

The state regulatory agency responsible for overseeing utilities, telecommunications, transportation, and other regulated industries in New Mexico. The Public Portal is the NMPRC's online system for managing dockets, filings, and public participation.

Non-Confidential Document​

A document marked as publicly accessible. Non-confidential documents are visible to all users of the Public Portal.

Notice Recipients​

Individuals or entities who receive official notifications about docket proceedings, hearings, orders, or other actions. Notice recipients can be added during docket filing and may include parties, interested persons, or other stakeholders.

O​

Operator ID (OPID)​

An identifier used for pipeline companies with active operations. OPID numbers are collected during company registration for pipeline-related entities.

P​

Party​

An individual, company, or entity that is formally involved in a docket proceeding. Parties have legal standing in the case and may include:

  • Applicants
  • Respondents
  • Commission Staff
  • Utility Companies
  • Intervenors

Party information includes contact details, addresses, and associated companies.

Party Type​

The classification of a party's role in a docket, such as:

  • Applicant
  • Commission Staff
  • Utility Company
  • Respondent
  • Intervenor

Pleading / Pleading Documents​

Formal legal documents filed in a docket proceeding, such as:

  • Petitions
  • Responses
  • Motions
  • Briefs
  • Exhibits

Pleading documents are typically visible to parties and authorized users but may be restricted from public view in certain cases.

Primary Company Contact​

The designated main contact person for a registered company. This individual receives communications and notifications related to the company's dockets and filings.

Pro hac vice​

A legal term referring to an attorney who is licensed in another jurisdiction but is granted permission to appear in a specific case before the NMPRC. Tier 2 users can select this option during registration.

Pro se filer​

An individual who represents themselves in a legal proceeding without an attorney. Tier 2 users can select this option during registration if they are filing on their own behalf without legal representation.

Public Comment​

A comment submitted by members of the public regarding a docket, company, or general topic. Public comments can be submitted by registered users (Tier 1 and Tier 2) or by external users without an account. Public comments promote transparency and public participation in the regulatory process.

Public Portal​

The online system provided by the NMPRC that allows users to view, search, and submit filings, comments, and requests. Also referred to as the NMPRC Online Portal or NMPRC External Portal.

R​

Rulemaking Comment​

A comment submitted in response to an active rulemaking docket. Rulemaking comments allow the public to provide feedback, suggestions, or objections regarding proposed rules or regulations. Can be submitted by registered users or external users without an account.

Rulemaking Docket​

A docket initiated to create, modify, or repeal administrative rules or regulations. Rulemaking dockets are open for public comment and participation.

S​

Service Notification​

An official notice sent to parties, notice recipients, or other stakeholders regarding actions, hearings, orders, or updates related to a docket. Service notifications are tracked in the Case 360 View and can be added by authorized users.

Status​

The current state of a docket, filing, IPRA request, or other submission. Common statuses include:

  • Active: Currently open and in process
  • Closed: Resolved or terminated
  • New: Recently submitted and pending review
  • Pending: Awaiting action or approval
  • Accepted: Approved and processed
  • Rejected: Denied or declined

For IPRA requests, additional statuses include:

  • Acknowledged – Pending Review
  • Clarification Required
  • Extension Request
  • Payment Request
  • Production Documents Available
  • Rejected – Closed
  • Wrong Custodian – Closed
  • Broad and Burdensome

Submit New​

A button located at the bottom-right corner of the dashboard and public landing page that provides access to various submission options, including:

  • File a New Docket (Tier 2 only)
  • File Into Existing Docket (Tier 2 only)
  • Submit a Formal Complaint
  • File Into My Formal Complaint
  • Submit Rulemaking Comment
  • Submit Public Comment
  • Submit IPRA Request
  • Register New Company (Tier 2 only)
  • Request Company Management Access (Tier 2 only)

T​

Tier 1 User​

A registered user with basic access privileges. Tier 1 users can:

  • View public dockets and documents
  • Submit public comments
  • Submit rulemaking comments
  • Submit formal complaints
  • File into their own formal complaints
  • Submit IPRA requests
  • Access limited dashboard functionalities

Tier 1 users cannot:

  • File new dockets
  • File into existing dockets (except their own complaints)
  • Register companies
  • Manage company records

Tier 1 users can log in immediately after registration without approval.

Tier 2 User​

A registered user with extended filing permissions. Tier 2 users have all Tier 1 capabilities plus:

  • File new dockets
  • File into existing dockets
  • Submit formal filings and documents
  • Register new companies
  • Request company management access
  • Full access to personal and public queues

Tier 2 access requires approval from PRC staff after registration. Users must meet specific criteria, such as being:

  • A licensed attorney (including pro hac vice)
  • A paralegal employed by an attorney
  • Docket management personnel of an investor-owned utility
  • A pro se filer
  • Or another qualified filer

Note: This glossary is updated regularly to reflect current system terminology and functionality. If you encounter a term not defined here, please refer to the relevant guide section or contact NMPRC support for assistance.