New Mexico Set to Tame Propane Problems
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January 11, 2010
SANTA FE, N.M. - New Mexico may soon be among the first states to regulate the propane industry. For renters and homeowners, that's good news because people who heat their homes and cook with delivered fuel have had questions and complaints about service and pricing - and until now, no state agency with responsibility for them.
The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) and a committee of consumers and propane companies has been working to change that. Kira Jones, who directs The Energy Project for Community Action New Mexico, is on the committee, and says things have already improved for consumers. There is now a propane customers' bill of rights on the PRC Web site, and a number to call with questions or complaints.
"Also on the Web site, there's an outline of the process for filing those complaints, and I hope that's going to give us some sound data that will directly inform the actual rule-making."
She says the rules are being developed because the Legislature passed a law last year to regulate propane, also known as liquid petroleum gas or LP gas. The bill had been filed in response to customer complaints that, in the same neighborhood, different households were paying different amounts per gallon, as well as other concerns.
"Minimum fill requirements; how can consumers go about getting a smaller amount of propane, especially in the winter months, instead of having to fill their tank at a large cost? Another big concern is getting all propane vendors to accept LIHEAP."
LIHEAP is a low-income energy assistance program. Jones says propane use is prevalent in rural areas and on tribal land. The new rules will bring propane service in line with other types of utilities, for such matters as deposits, payment plans, and billing that is easy to understand.
Jones says the rules will be finalized later this year. Until then, she suggests people with propane questions or complaints call the Public Regulation Commission at 1-877-4-ASK PRC (1-877-427-5772).
The Web site is nmprc.state.nm.us; click on the blue box that says 'Propane.'