New Mexico families are being hit with electricity bills topping $220 as a heat wave collides with a shortage of meter readers at PNM, KOB 4 reports. South Valley resident Penelope Aley told KOB 4 her last bill was $220 and she expects the next one to be the same or more, because her family has to keep cool.
PNM told KOB 4 that high temperatures and a shortage of meter readers may be driving the spike. PNM’s Eric Chavez said the staffing shortage can lead to estimated bills and delayed meter readings, so when actual usage shows up later, one bill can cover a longer stretch of time, in some cases up to two months.
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PNM’s system hit an all-time peak of 2,264 megawatts on Aug. 3, about 6% above the previous record set during a July 2023 heat wave, the Albuquerque Journal reported. PNM told KOB 4 its system is seeing its highest usage this summer because of the heat. Base rates have also gone up: a rate change the Public Regulation Commission approved in May 2025 took effect in two steps, in July 2025 and April 2026, according to a PRC customer notice.
Eric Chavez of PNM said the utility is doing everything it can to fill the shortages and end the meter reading delays. PNM said customers can find options for help paying higher bills online.
About This Story
Daily Reports is Brant.One’s news roundup. Each day we gather the New Mexico stories worth knowing from newsrooms across the state, sum them up and point you to the source. This one comes from KOB 4’s reporting, and their original story has the interviews and full details.
Editor’s note: Updated Oct. 31, 2026. This story is now part of Daily Reports, our New Mexico news roundup, and was revised to credit KOB 4’s original reporting. Learn how Daily Reports works in our editorial standards.
