SENATE BILL 546

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

John T. L. Grubesic

AN ACT

RELATING TO UTILITY RATES; ENACTING THE LOW INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE ACT.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. A new Section 62-8A-1 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "62-8A-1. [NEW MATERIAL] SHORT TITLE.--Chapter 62, Article 8A NMSA 1978 may be cited as the "Low Income Energy Assistance Act"."

     Section 2. A new Section 62-8A-2 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "62-8A-2. [NEW MATERIAL] PURPOSES.--The purposes of the Low Income Energy Assistance Act are to ensure that electric and gas rate increases do not force low-income New Mexicans to discontinue necessary energy services and to preserve the affordability of necessary energy services for low-income New Mexicans by providing assistance to meet their costs."

     Section 3. A new Section 62-8A-3 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "62-8A-3. [NEW MATERIAL] LOW-INCOME ASSISTANCE RATES--COMMISSION AUTHORITY.--

          A. A public utility may provide assistance in the form of reduced rates for electric and gas service to those persons who meet the eligibility criteria of one or more need-based assistance programs administered by the human services department.

          B. A public utility acting pursuant to the provisions of Section 62-17-5 NMSA 1978 may provide assistance in the form of cost-effective conservation and efficiency programs and home weatherization services targeted specifically to those persons who meet the eligibility criteria of one or more need-based assistance programs administered by the human services department.

          C. The commission shall promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation of the Low Income Energy Assistance Act for those public utilities that provide such assistance."

     Section 4. A new Section 62-8A-4 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "62-8A-4. [NEW MATERIAL] DISCRIMINATION.--Nothing in Chapter 62 NMSA 1978, including specifically Section 62-8-6 NMSA 1978, shall prohibit the commission from approving reduced rates for persons who meet the eligibility criteria for one or more need-based assistance programs administered by the human services department."

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