NMPRC sets town hall to address PNM meter reader issues

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission is set to hold a community town hall in Alamogordo to address billing issues related to PNM’s meter reading shortages.

The meeting is set for Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 12-2 p.m. It comes after a staffing shortage led to staff not checking meters and instead estimating power bills, which topped as much as $1,000. That drew complaints from customers and questions from the New Mexico Department of Justice.

The commission is hosting the meeting in Alamogordo, where the issue started in July before spreading statewide in August. They’re inviting area residents to share their concerns and experiences to ensure “appropriate corrective actions” can be put in place.

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According to the NMPRC, its advocacy staff has worked closely with PNM. They’re monitoring its efforts to stabilize operations and improve customer communication.

The NMPRC is advising people they can contact its Consumer Relations Division to connect them with PNM through the informal complaint process. A formal complaint option is also available if issues cannot be resolved informally.

The meeting will be at the Sgt. Willie Estrada Memorial Civic Center. It will also be livestreamed.