PNM utility bills still high as attorney general intervenes
PNM utility bills still high as attorney general intervenes
Amid a record-hot summer, PNM customers across New Mexico are still facing unexpectedly high utility bills, prompting the attorney general’s office to write a letter to the PNM CEO.
PNM customers across New Mexico are raising concerns about unexpectedly high utility bills during this record-breaking summer heat, with some families seeing their costs surge by hundreds of dollars.
Last week, the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office sent a letter to PNM CEO Don Tarry, questioning the company about the high bills.
Michael Venticinque, a Rio Rancho resident, said his family has been significantly impacted by the increases.
“I’ve been in New Mexico and Rio Rancho in particular since 2012,” Venticinque said. “And I’ve never experienced any kind of bill hike like this.”
He explained that his three-person household takes several steps to conserve energy, including regular air conditioner maintenance, changing pads frequently and keeping the thermostat at 74 degrees. Despite these efforts, his bill jumped from $180 in July to $560 in August.
When his wife contacted PNM for an explanation, Venticinque said she was told the reading was accurate and that nothing could be done.
“Seeing this almost 400% increase in our bill is just financially a burden,” he said. “And it’s been a mental and stressful burden on my wife.”
PNM spokesperson Eric Chavez acknowledged the frustration customers are experiencing and attributed the high bills to this summer’s extreme heat.
“We totally understand that that it’s frustrating, right? We get it,” Chavez said. “We want to be there to support those who need it.”
He said this summer’s heat wave is largely to blame for higher-than-expected bills.
“It takes a lot to stay cool, and we know that,” Chavez said. “But the increased usage does bring increased bills.”
Despite natural temperature variations, Venticinque said his family should not be experiencing such drastic price hikes, which he described as having serious personal consequences.
“I have a handicapped son, you know, so I have to make sure he’s well taken care of, too,” he said. “A $400 a month increase — that’s huge for us. That’s a big chunk.”
PNM stated that the company has addressed staffing shortages and is waiving late fees for those affected by the increases. Additionally, they assured customers that power disconnections will not occur at this time.
Anyone wanting to contact PNM can call (844) 378-5792 on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.