The utility distributed notices to residential customers in September explaining the state’s winter heating season moratorium and the requirements customers must meet to qualify.
Sources: N.M. Health Care Authority, El Paso Electric
New Mexico residential customers of El Paso Electric are being notified of winter utility disconnection protections that begin Nov. 15, 2026, and continue through March 15, 2027.
The utility distributed notices to residential customers in September explaining the state’s winter heating season moratorium and the requirements customers must meet to qualify.
Under the notice, customers who qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can receive protection from disconnection during the winter period if they have no past-due balance or remain current on a settlement or installment agreement for amounts owed as of Nov. 15.
The notice is informational and does not indicate that a customer’s service is scheduled for termination.
El Paso Electric’s Notice to New Mexico Customers
The following notice was distributed by El Paso Electric in September:
Dear Valued Customer,
The following notice is mailed to all New Mexico residential customers. This notice contains information regarding the upcoming moratorium. This is not a termination notice.
WINTER HEATING SEASON DISCONNECTION MORATORIUM NOTICE FOR RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS IN NEW MEXICO
Protection from winter shut-off begins November 15, 2026. To avoid potential disconnection of services please contact the Human Services Department at 800-283-4465, or the appropriate tribal or pueblo entity for eligibility information for the Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Your service will not be disconnected from November 15, 2026, through March 15, 2027, if you meet the qualifications of LIHEAP and have no past due amounts or you remain current on any settlement or installment agreement for amounts due as of November 15, 2026. Members of New Mexico tribes or pueblos who need help with translation or with other matters may contact the commission’s consumer relations division at (888) 427-5772, who will contact the appropriate tribal or pueblo official for assistance.
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Financial Assistance Available Through LIHEAP
The New Mexico Health Care Authority administers LIHEAP, which assists eligible individuals and families with heating and cooling costs.
Residents can apply through the state’s YES New Mexico online portal or submit a completed application to their nearest Income Support Division office.
Applications are available in several languages:
Applicants should be prepared to provide identification for one adult in the household, proof of income for the previous 30 days, documentation of heating or cooling costs, and other information when applicable.
Residents facing an immediate utility emergency—including disconnected service, a disconnection notice, or a shortage of wood, propane or other bulk heating fuels—may seek assistance through Crisis LIHEAP. Applicants with a disconnection notice should provide a copy.
Application Review and Notification
According to the Health Care Authority, applicants are generally asked to attend an interview in approximately 10 days after submitting an application.
An assigned worker will identify any additional documents needed to determine eligibility. Applicants who have difficulty obtaining the requested information are encouraged to contact their worker.
The agency states that applicants will receive a written eligibility decision within 45 days. Those who disagree with a decision may request a Fair Hearing.
The Health Care Authority also notes that many households eligible for LIHEAP may qualify for other assistance programs.
Preparing Before November 15
Customers seeking winter disconnection protection should review their account balances and any existing payment agreements, along with their eligibility for LIHEAP.
Because the moratorium does not automatically apply to every residential account, customers with outstanding balances should pay particular attention to the conditions described in El Paso Electric’s notice.
For LIHEAP information and application assistance, residents can call 800-283-4465 or visit the YES New Mexico portal.
Members of New Mexico tribes or pueblos seeking translation or other assistance may also contact the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission’s consumer relations division at 888-427-5772, as specified in the utility’s notice.
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