PNM staffing shortage, high temperatures drive up New Mexico power bills

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – PNM says summer heat and meter-reading delays may be driving up electric bills as some customers report charges topping $220.

KOB 4 spoke with Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) officials, who said high temperatures in the 90s and triple digits are pushing up energy use.

Peter Juanes Sr. said he has kept his electric bill under $50 a month by using a two-speed swamp cooler, solar panels and newer windows and roofing.

“Two speed is a lot cooler, fresher, and you don’t need it that often,” Peter Juanes Sr. said. “You just turn it on for three hours of the day.”

Juanes said his children, who use refrigerated air, pay at least double that amount.

Penelope Aley, a South Valley resident, said her bill reached $220 last month and could stay that high or go higher.

“It’s $220 it was last month,” Penelope Aley said. “So probably the same or more this next month. But we’re not managing it because we got to keep cool.”

Why are bills higher?

PNM told KOB 4 it is seeing higher bill amounts this summer, and a staffing shortage could be part of the reason.

Eric Chavez with PNM said a shortage of meter readers can lead to estimated bills and delayed meter readings. He said when actual usage shows up later, one bill can cover a longer stretch of time.

“We’re doing everything that we can to fill those shortages so that we can get back on track and make sure that these meter reading delays come to an end,” Eric Chavez said.

“It may be from, 35 to 36 to two months on that one bill,” Chavez said.

KOB 4 Chief Meteorologist Eddie Garcia said Albuquerque would normally be in the high 80s to low 90s this time of year. Instead, temperatures have been reaching the high 90s and triple digits with no quick relief in sight.

“And in terms of how long this heat is going to last, it looks like it may be above average at least through the end of August, maybe into September because of that heat dome,” Eddie Garcia said.

PNM also said its system is seeing the highest amount of usage this summer because of the heat. The utility said customers can find options for help paying higher bills online.