Protests By Ratepayers

17.12.770 NMAC 5 A. Suspension of rates upon filing of protest. Rates proposed by a small water utility under 17.12.770 NMAC will be subject to suspension, review, and hearing by the commission upon the timely filing with the commission of a protest. B. For a utility with one thousand five hundred (1,500) or fewer service connections in any operating district or division, averaged over the previous three (3) consecutive years, a protest must be signed by ten (10) percent, or more, of the utility's ratepayers, or twenty-five (25) ratepayers, whichever is more, receiving service from the utility at the time the change in rate or rates is filed. For purposes of this rule, ratepayer is defined in