Briefs

Pandemic aid payments heading to utility companies for low-income households

By: - September 20, 2022 4:00 am

New Mexico used $10.9 million of pandemic aid to help more than 57,000 people pay utilities. (Photo by Shaun Griswold / Source NM)

People enrolled in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will soon see another bill covered.

Today, the state Human Services Department said 57,422 low-income households were issued one more payment to cover heating and cooling costs. The money was sent directly to the utility companies offering services.

The program typically issues one yearly payment. This year, it will be at least two for households that were approved between October and August.

In total, New Mexico will pay more than $10.9 million in utility assistance. 

The money is from American Rescue Plan funds to help cover costs during the pandemic. New Mexico received a $22 million infusion, according to HSD.

People who qualified for the program but changed addresses or phone numbers can update their information with the state by visiting, www.yes.state.nm.us, or calling the HSD Consolidated Customer Service Center at 1-800-283-4465, Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.

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Shaun Griswold
Shaun Griswold

Shaun Griswold is a journalist in Albuquerque. He is a citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna, and his ancestry also includes Jemez and Zuni on the maternal side of his family. He grew up in Albuquerque and Gallup. He brings a decade of print and broadcast news experience. Shaun reports on issues important to Native Americans in urban and tribal communities throughout the state, including education and child welfare.

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