Help paying your electric bill in New Mexico
New Mexico got $20.1 million in the HHS table, about $24 for each of its 825,021 households. Income limit 150% of the poverty guideline; public line 1-800-283-4465. Heating help reached 21,672 households in FY2024.
Who to call in New Mexico
- New Mexico LIHEAP public line1-800-283-4465
- State program sitehsd.state.nm.us/lookingforassistance/low_income_home_energy_
- New Mexico Public Regulation Commission888-427-5772 · prc.nm.gov · complaint form (links checked 2026-10-02)
How heavy is the energy bill in New Mexico?
10.4% of income in low-income households, 2.4% overall. Ranking, New Mexico prices.
| Group | Count | New Mexico detail | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 60% of median income | 211,391 households | 10.4% of income; $1,497 a year on $14,402 | rank 10 of 51 |
| All households | 812,852 households | 2.4%; $1,763 on $75,124 | rank 31 of 51 |
| Below poverty line | 143,915 households | 17.4% of 825,021 | U.S. 12.5%; rank 3 of 51 |
| Home price 2025 | 15.08 ¢/kWh | bill $99 a month at 654 kWh | U.S. 17.30 ¢, $152 |
CSV
CSVWhere New Mexico's low-income bills bite hardest
- Highest burden: Mora County 20.6% (850 households); Socorro County 18.1% (1,945 households); Rio Arriba County 16.7% (4,174 households); Taos County 16.5% (3,813 households).
- Most low-income households: Bernalillo County 66,212 (8.2%); Doña Ana County 26,618 (9.2%); Santa Fe County 13,203 (9.4%).
31 counties.
New Mexico in numbers
- New Mexico ranks 40th of 51 on FY26 LIHEAP dollars per household ($24), 3rd on households below the poverty line (17.4%) and 10th on low-income energy burden (10.4%).
- Per household below the poverty line (143,915 of them) the FY26 funds come to $140, rank 48th of 51: 12% of a typical year's electricity ($1,183). (even split, not a payment amount)
- 61,085 households got help in FY2022 against 211,391 at or below 60% of state median income in the 2022 LEAD file: about 29% (mixed years).
- Average heating benefit FY2022: $269, 23% of that year.
- Counted FY2024: heating, cooling, crisis, weatherization.
- Neighbours: FY26 dollars per household run from $13 (Arizona) to $27 (Oklahoma); low-income burden from 5.8% (Utah) to 11.5% (Oklahoma). New Mexico: $24 and 10.4%.
LIHEAP in New Mexico: money, limits, people helped
| Measure | New Mexico | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Funds FY2026 | $20,080,797 = $18,072,717 + $0 IIJA + $2,008,080 | FY26 table |
| Income limit | 150% of poverty guideline (how limits work: see guide) | snapshot 11 Aug 2026 |
| Benefits FY2026 | Heating and cooling: $70 minimum, $490 maximum Crisis: $490 maximum | snapshot 11 Aug 2026 |
| Helped FY2024 | Heating: 21,672 Cooling: 9,492 Crisis: 15,041 Weatherization: 440 | snapshot 11 Aug 2026 |
| Program dates | Year-round | snapshot 11 Aug 2026 |
CSV
CSVAm I likely eligible in New Mexico?
Median household income in New Mexico is $62,125, 188% of the four-person guideline; check line 150% (2026 guideline).
Shutoff rules and moratoria in New Mexico
New Mexico: cold weather by dates; hot weather by none listed; health or age needs yes.
| Protection | New Mexico |
|---|---|
| Colder months, by date | November 15 - March 15 No disconnections for households that meet LIHEAP eligibility guidelines |
| Health or age needs | Those who are chronically ill or seriously sick will receive protections. |
Clearinghouse, April 2026; cites N.M. Stat. § 27-6-18.1.
Rule text read, 2 October 2026: 17.5.410 NMAC (esp. 17.5.410.7, .30, .31, .32, .33, .39, .40, .43). NM PRC rule covers electric, gas and rural co-op utilities. Disconnection needs 15 days' written notice plus a 2-day final reminder. Nov 15-Mar 15 moratorium protects LIHEAP-qualified households who are current or on a payment agreement, and seriously ill households with medical and financial certification. Summary's 'chronically ill protections' correct; its 'all LIHEAP-eligible' wording is too broad. Quote: “At least fifteen (15) days before a utility discontinues service to a residential customer, the utility shall provide written notice”. Source: text of the rule (state official (NM State Records Center and Archives, NMAC)).
| Point | New Mexico: 17.5.410 NMAC (esp. 17.5.410.7, .30, .31, .32, .33, .39, .40, .43) |
|---|---|
| Winter / cold | Heating season defined as Nov 15 through Mar 15. During heating season no disconnection for nonpayment of a residential customer who has notice-verified LIHEAP qualification AND either had no past-due charges on Nov 15 or keeps paying a settlement/installment agreement (17.5.410.30). Protection is tied to LIHEAP qualification, not a blanket ban; no temperature trigger found. |
| Who is protected | Seriously or chronically ill (medical professional determines loss of service would give rise to substantial risk of death or gravely impair health): no disconnection if utility has signed medical AND financial certification forms; medical certification valid 90 days from signature (17.5.410.32(I), .43). Utility need not delay on a verbal report more than 2 times in 12 months (.33(B)(3)). |
| Notice | At least 15 days written notice (in person, US mail, or email if customer elected e-billing), in English and Spanish; final contact (phone, verifiable mail or in person) at least 2 days before disconnection date. Disconnection allowed 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday; not within 24 hours before a holiday/weekend unless office open for payment (17.5.410.33). |
| Payment plan | Utility must attempt to arrange an installment agreement when a customer not chronically delinquent says they cannot pay; no disconnection if customer enters agreement by the specific date (17.5.410.40). Chronically delinquent customers get special consideration if LIHEAP-qualified. Budget payment plans in .11 (not read in detail). |
| Who the rule covers | Per 17.5.410.2: electric, rural electric cooperative and gas utilities subject to NM Public Regulation Commission jurisdiction (residential customers). |
| Complaints | Utility must tell customer of right to file informal or formal complaint with the commission and give address/phone (17.5.410.39); rule text lists PRC Consumer Relations Division (888) 427-5772 for tribal/pueblo members. |
Not found in the text we read: heat; verify with the commission. Did not read utility tariffs or NMSA 27-6-18.1 itself; read 17.5.410 as posted (effective 7-1-11 with 2013 amendments shown).
Paraphrase, not legal advice. Rules change; see the shutoff rules guide.
Utility and state bill programs in New Mexico
None listed for New Mexico in the snapshot of 11 Aug 2026; ask the utility.
Next to New Mexico
Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah. Most FY26 funds per household: Oklahoma, $27. New Mexico: $24. All 51.
New Mexico on the map
5 steps if you get a shutoff notice in New Mexico
- Note the notice date.
- Call the utility (New Mexico Public Regulation Commission sets rules).
- Call 1-800-283-4465 or 211.
- Ask about dates-based or health protection.
- Unresolved: New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, 888-427-5772.
Sources
Linked above; list on the hub.
Last verified: 2 October 2026. Not legal advice.
Questions
What income limit does New Mexico use for LIHEAP?
$40,980 for three people at 150% of the guideline; median household income $62,125; FY2022 heating standard 157% for four.
How do I apply for LIHEAP in New Mexico?
Call 1-800-283-4465. Site: https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/lookingforassistance/low_income_home_energy_assistance_program/
Can New Mexico utilities cut power in winter or summer?
dates for cold; none listed for heat. November 15 - March 15 No disconnections for households that meet LIHEAP eligibility guidelines
How big is the energy burden in New Mexico?
10.4% of income for low-income households, 2.4% for all; $1,497 a year for the first group.
How many New Mexico households got energy help?
61,085 in FY2022, 21,672 heating in FY2024, average heating benefit $269.
Is LIHEAP money enough for a New Mexico bill?
$140 per poor household, 12% of $1,183.
How much LIHEAP money does New Mexico get?
$20.1 million in FY2026, $24 per household, rank 40 of 51.