Policy Brief: New Mexico House Bill 206, Utility Affordablity and Relief Act

The Utility Affordability and Relief Act, New Mexico House Bill 206 addresses the looming utility disconnection crisis for the tens of thousands of low-income New Mexicans who are behind on utility payments due to the COVID-19 crisis, and more broadly seeks to improve utility affordability, reduce energy burden, and increase utility access of low-income New Mexicans. This policy brief describes the COVID-19 utility arrears crisis and the challenge with utility affordability and access more generally, and provides a section-by-section summary of H.B. 206.