Let’s Talk New Mexico, Thursday, 3/4, 8a: Hundreds of New Mexicans say their utility bill costs have spiked recently, especially after the ice storms earlier this month. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll be discussing current and upcoming changes in gas and electric rates, and how utility companies and consumer advocates plan to help New Mexicans deal with these additional costs during the pandemic and beyond.
And we want to hear from you! Do you have questions about an abnormally high gas or electric bill? Are you worried about how you will pay your bills or if your utilities will be shut off this winter? Do you need advice on how to report your high bills and get financial help from the state or the utility companies? Email us at LetsTalk@KUNM.org, or call in live during the show.
Guests:
- Tom Domme, Vice President for External Affairs and General Counsel for New Mexico Gas Company
- Mariel Nanasi, Executive Director, New Energy Economy
- State Senator Bill Tallman, sponsor of Senate Bill 155
- State Representative Kristina Ortez, sponsor of House Bill 206
- John Reynolds, Utility Division Director, NM Public Regulation Commission
Resources:
You can report abnormally high utility bills to your commissioner at the Public Regulation Commission or fill out the online complaint form here. The PRC recommends that ratepayers also call PNM to inquire about their unexplained bills and to file a complaint with them.
For help with your NMGas bill, check out these state and private organizationassistance programs
To get help with your PNM bills you can apply to their Good Neighbor Fund or you can apply to donate to the fund.
Low income residents can find help with energy bills through the New Mexico Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program(LIHEAP)