HOUSE MEMORIAL 95

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Sandra D. Jeff

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE PUBLIC REGULATION COMMISSION TO CONSIDER ADOPTING RULES REGARDING BUDGET PAYMENT PLANS FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPANE CONSUMERS.

     WHEREAS, some propane consumers have difficulty paying seasonally higher heating bills in the cold winter months; and

     WHEREAS, many residents most affected in New Mexico are rural, low-income propane customers; and

     WHEREAS, the low income home energy assistance program funding no longer can be expected to be significantly helpful in meeting the bills for propane consumers; and

     WHEREAS, propane marketers are recognized for working with their customers to avoid winter shut-offs whenever possible; and

     WHEREAS, a budget billing plan allows a consumer to make monthly payments based on estimated annual usage and allows the propane marketer to adjust the monthly payment as needed in order to avoid a large year-end balance; and

     WHEREAS, propane marketers encourage qualifying customers to use a budget billing plan to avoid interruption of propane service during the winter months as long as payments are made as agreed; and

     WHEREAS, consumers on a budget payment plan are typically included on a routing system that provides for the most efficient delivery by the propane company without disruption to the customer; and

     WHEREAS, the public regulation commission will likely be adopting rules regarding propane service;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the public regulation commission be requested to consider adopting rules regarding the offer of a budget payment plan by propane companies to their residential customers; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public regulation commission be requested to allow each propane company to continue to set terms or conditions of their customers' budget payment plans; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the public regulation commission.